If you’re looking to expand your imagination, check out these picture books set in the woods or forest. This list of books is full of whimsical woodlands and the animals that live there. As of this writing, all of these titles are owned by the Davenport Public Library. Descriptions are provided by the publishers.
The big fort written by Ruth Symons, illustrated by Sebastien Braun.
Deep in the woods, the friends are gathering. It’s time for Owl’s Forest School!
Join Mouse, Squirrel, Fox, and Rabbit for a forest school adventure. Today, the group is learning how to build a fort! Out in the woods, they can learn about wildlife, try something new, and get creative with a few problem-solving challenges. This book will have little ones itching to get outdoors and have adventures of their own. Embracing the Forest School focus on play and exploration—and written in consultation with a Forest School expert—this series will appeal to readers whether or not they’ve been to Forest School before. – Templar
While there are many dangerous creatures in the forest, there’s one species that Bigfoot fears most: campers! They’re smelly and noisy, and they make a mess of everything. Thankfully, Bigfoot has ten simple guidelines sure to keep anyone safe from these interlopers. Only, when he slips up on Guideline
2 – “Never, EVER allow yourself to be seen by a camper” – Bigfoot’s surprised to find himself ignoring his own advice to help one who’s lost. Could it be he’s had the wrong idea about campers all along?
In this fresh, flipped take on Bigfoot, readers discover how reconsidering what we think we know about others can be a great way to make a friend. Jami Gigot’s hilarious storytelling features text describing what not to do playfully juxtaposed with art that completely contradicts it! – Kids Can Press
Bruce saves the planet written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins.
From unwitting mother to unwitting . . . environmental activist?
Bruce was a bear who liked to be by himself. But that wasn’t easy for him, as mother to four geese and three mice. Luckily, he could enjoy a day of peace and quiet while fishing.
But his quiet haven is full of beetles stealing his lunch. And protestors loudly trying to save the forest from the construction of a factory. Will Bruce and the residents of Soggy Hollow manage to save the planet? – Disney Hyperion
The everything trail written by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Chuck Groenink.
The wind waves its hand.
The trees take a bow.
Everything’s big.
And everything’s small…
From giant redwoods to tiny saplings, steep canyons to shallow creeks, and soaring eagles to crawling critters, there are endless wonders to discover along a trail through the forest. This sweeping story of a day spent in nature will inspire young readers to soak in all the marvels, big and small, that surround them. – Beach Lane Books
Hogbert written and illustrated by Briony May Smith
Uh-oh! When a tasty trail lures Hogbert away from his family, he ends up all alone in the forest. Can he find his way home? Lush artwork, subtle fairy-tale references, and the kindness of new friends keep readers smiling.
When Mommy Boar sends her little snufflebugs to explore the forest for the first time, she cautions them to stick together. After all, the Big Bad Wolf could be near! But Hogbert’s keen nose has other ideas, and after following a trail too far, he finds himself trembling alone in fear. What’s that rustling in the leaves? Just a little red squirrel on her way to visit her sick granny! What’s that growl coming through the trees? Just a snoring white doe who took a bite of an apple that made her sleepy! With each temporarily scary encounter, Hogbert finds that the world is a less frightening place, and that the same sense of smell that led him into trouble may just lead them all out of it again. Fans of Beatrix Potter and children taking their first steps toward independence will revel in the story’s gentle suspense and warm, welcoming illustrations. – Candlewick Press
In the autumn forest written and illustrated by Daniela Kulot, translated by Elisabeth Lauffer.
A fall storm is coming. Should Fox, Mouse, Crow, and Squirrel worry or not? An autumn seasonal tale centered around community and friendship.
A gentle social-emotional learning picture book for 3-7-year-olds with themes of listening to each other’s feelings, showing compassion, and sharing will resonate with young readers.
When a storm is imminent, the animals debate whether something bad is brewing or not. Fox feels it. Crow sees it. And Mouse listens. But Squirrel insists there’s no need to panic.
What happens when the sky clouds over and the wind whips across the land? Is there any benefit to a storm after all?
A friendship-driven social-emotional picture book about listening to one other and appreciating nature’s gifts. Continue reading about Fox, Mouse, Crow, and Squirrel in the companion book, In the Winter Woods. – Charlesbridge
The littlest drop by Sascha Alper, illustrations by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney
This simple, poignant fable—featuring Caldecott medalist Jerry Pinkney’s final illustrations and completed after his death by his son, Brian Pinkney, also an award-winning illustrator—reminds us that we all have the power to change the world, no matter how little we may be.
When a fire starts near their home, all of the animals—from the largest elephant to the smallest ant—are too scared to do anything but watch. All, that is, except for one tiny hummingbird. She knows she must do something to save her nest. She must do what she can.
This empowering picture book celebrates the idea that every one of us—from the smallest to the largest—has something to offer, and if we all work together, we can make the world a better, greener place. – Anne Schwartz Books
Strange creatures text by Cristina Sitja Rubio and with the collaboration of Cristóbal León ; illustrations, Cristina Sitja Rubio.
An entertaining contemporary fable with a stark and timely message about conservation.
One day, while all the forest animals are at a party, their homes disappear. Shocked and devastated, they try to make do. But when that doesn’t work, they go searching for their homes and discover they’ve been cut into pieces by some strange creatures. The animals try to explain to the creatures that they need their homes. Only, they won’t listen. Luckily, the creatures’ small guardians do listen, and they help the animals come up with a plan to get their homes back. As wild as the idea is, it just might be the thing that finally gets the creatures’ attention!
With spare text and busy, colorful illustrations, Cristóbal León and Cristina Sitja Rubio have created a deceptively simple tale full of surprising turns and poignant moments that’s sure to open young children’s eyes about how humans’ actions affect other creatures in the world. The playful and irreverent tone keeps the story fun while it imparts a critical environmental message about habitat destruction. Uniquely described from the animals’ point of view, this book is a great discussion starter about the importance of conserving our natural environments. The book would align well with life-science lessons on habitats and the needs of living things. – Kids Can Press
Joy and her peers are eager to visit a nearby forest for a class trip. But Joy’s excitement quickly turns into anxiety when she is asked to choose one thing in the area for a school assignment.
Seeing her classmates connecting with the natural environment, Joy discovers how each of their choices reflect the ways they relate to and interact with the world.
Together, a Forest begins as an exciting journey into nature and blossoms into a meditation on how our unique personalities and ways of being help create a more vibrant and beautiful world. The forest reveals that everyone—including those of us with disabilities and neurodivergence—belong to nature. There is no one right way for a mind, body, or person to be. – Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
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