The time has come! We are proud to announce Tyler’s list of 75 Great Nature Reads!
If you wish to purchase any of the texts below, please consider doing so via AmazonSmile (where a portion of the price of your purchase will go to Tyler Arboretum). To learn how to do this, go here: Tyler at AmazonSmile.
| Cover | Book Title and Author(s) | Submitter's Comments | Genre | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process by Irene M. Pepperberg | "Most beautiful and meaningful non-fiction account of a bond between a person and natural creature." - Brad Whitman | Nonfiction; Memoir | 9780061673986 |
 | American Canopy: Trees, Forests, and the Making of a Nation by Eric Rutkow | "A well written book on how the search of natural resources brought about revolution in North America. Changes your perspective of our woods." - Julia Ehrhardt | Nonfiction; History | 9781439193587 |
 | American Chestnut: The Life, Death, and Rebirth of a Perfect Tree by Susan Freinkel | "It is because of Tyler's Chestnut nursery that I became curious to learn more about the American chestnut - what a fascinating story and history about this tree!" - Laura Guertin | Nonfiction; History | 9780520259942 |
 | Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver | "Eating local and eating together as a family can do so much to make the world better." - Deirdre Chalmers "In this book, Barbara Kingsolver chronicles her move and first year from Arizona to a farm in rural Virginia. Her goal is to feed herself and her family and the book weaves tales of her life and tales of her growing together in a wonderful way." - Kathryn Ombam | Nonfiction; Memoir | 9780062653055 |
 | Bayshore Summer: Finding Eden in a Most Unlikely Place by Pete Dunne | "It's a book about the beautiful places in Southern New Jersey." - Nancy Bastien | Nonfiction | 9780547195636 |
 | The Beak of the Finch by Jonathan Weiner | "I love the way it makes Darwins theory tangible for the rest of us!" - Eric Chapman | Nonfiction; Science | 9780679733379 |
 | Beast of Never, Cat of God by Bob Butz | "A favorite; a compelling read." - Chris Lawler | Nonfiction | 9781592284467 |
 | Beautiful Swimmers by William Warner | "Great one for anyone interested in tackling Climate change in their communities! This books is an easy read and talks about the 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming, based on meticulous research by leading scientists and policymakers around the world." - Bess Trout | Nonfiction | 9780316923354 |
 | Bee: Nature's Tiny Miracle by Britta Teckentrup | "A great book for introducing why bees are important to young kids. The artwork is gorgeous and my kids love the "peek-through" feature." - Jennifer Tuliszewski | Children's; Nonfiction | 9781848693166 |
 | Birds Art Life: A Year of Observation by Kyo Maclear | "The title and sketches of birds caught my eye first and then I was immediately drawn into the narrative about grief and loss and the search for something to throw oneself into that brings relief from the unknown and uncontrolable in life. The author learns about a musician who has become an avid urban bird watcher and asks him if she can go along on his walks. She discovers beauty exists in the most decayed and broken places if you learn where and how to see it. It's so lovely that I read it as slowly as possible to savor it until I read it again." - Sandra Church | Nonfiction; Memoir | 9781501154201 |
 | Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey | "Caldecot Honor; about my beloved Maine, the hillside, meadows and wildlife, and of course blueberries!" - Sandy Lutz | Children's; Picture Books | 9780140501698 |
 | Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer | "Robin Wall Kimmerer is a Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. She is a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Believing that plants and animals are our oldest teachers, Robin shows how the factual, objective approach of science can be enriched by the ancient knowledge of the indigenous people. She writes passionately and beautifully and takes the reader on a journey with her stories that capture the reverence between Native Americans and the earth - a treat for everyone who cares about the environment." - Cindy Murray "It so eloquently tells the story of the intersection of the environment and culture, our modern capitalistic society and the brave individuals who work to protect our natural resources." - Pam Flory | Nonfiction | 9781571313560 |
 | Bringing Nature Home : How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants by Dougas W. Tallamy | "This book changed the way I view nature, and my relationship with it. I learned how natural habitats of native species are becoming rare, and my lawn is part of the problem. This book inspired me to plant 7 trees, 17 shrubs, and many more planned for next season! The book is brutally honest, yet hopeful, with concrete actions anyone with a yard can take." - Jessica Kipp "It shows how important it is to plant the areas around our homes with native species that support a pollinator population and manage the watershed." - Lisa Craft "Birds, bees, and insects are in severe decline due to habitat loss and human intervention to the natural environment, but we can change that and restore the damage done by using the principles discussed in this book." - Michael Morell | Nonfiction | 9780881929928 |
 | Brother eagle, sister sky: a message from Chief Seattle by Chief Seattle | "About caring for and preserving our environment." - Sandy Lutz | Children's; Picture Books; History | 9780142301326 |
 | Brother Gardeners: A Generation of Gentlemen Naturalists and the Birth of an Obsession by Andrea Wulf | "A wonderful blend of plants and history. Well written." - Julia Ehrhardt "Combines botany and history in a fascinating way." - Michael Brooks "The importance of plants and their ties to global exploration." - Tee Jay Boudreau | Nonfiction; Biography; History | 9780307454751 |
 | The Call of the Wild by Jack London | "The interaction between natural elements, human nature and animals is captured in its raw form and intrigues me!" - Ben Carr | Classic; Fiction; Children's; Young Adult | 9780439227148 |
 | The Control of Nature by John McPhee | "This author is a master at sharing science through storytelling - this book is one of my favorites that takes us on the journey of the complex collisions between humans and the physical environment." - Laura Guertin | Nonfiction | 9780374522599 |
 | Coyote's Guide to Connecting with Nature by Jon Young, Ellen Haas, and Evan McGowan | "It helped me to deepen my connection with nature and taught me how to help others to do the same." - Florence Moyer | Nonfiction; Education | 9781579940256 |
 | Drawdown: the Most Comprehensive Plan ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by Paul Hawken | "Great one for anyone interested in tackling Climate change in their communities! This books is an easy read and talks about the 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming, based on meticulous research by leading scientists and policymakers around the world." - Shweta Arya | Nonfiction | 9780143130444 |
 | Encounters with the Archdruid by John McPhee | "I first read this book in 1991, and I come back to it every few years. By recounting a series of encounters between environmentalist David Brower and opponents in mining, real estate development, and government, McPhee gets at the central questions around preservation of our country's natural lands. The book was published in 1971, but the issues haven't really changed, and it's interesting to reflect on what progress has - or hasn't - been made in the meantime. And McPhee's prose is a joy to read!" - Heather Saunders | Nonfiction | 9780374514310 |
 | Field Guide to Your Own Back Yard by John Hanson Mitchell | "All-time classic from a personal/local perspective." - George Ambrose | Nonfiction | 9781581572131 |
 | Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver | "The author weaves a fictional story around the amazing migration of monarch butterflies and their conservation. She raises interesting points about conservation." - Susie O'Donnell | Fiction; Contemporary; Adult | 9780062124272 |
 | Flowers Are Calling by Rita Gray | "A beautifully illustrated book with lyrical prose that introduces a variety of pollinators and plants to kids." - Jennifer Tuliszewski | Children's; Nonfiction; Picture Books | 9780544340121 |
 | Frederick by Leo Lionni | "Caldecott Honor; lovely story about the human spirit." - Sandy Lutz | Children's; Picture Books; | 9780399555527 |
 | A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindburgh | "A Gift from the Sea is a gift for the soul." - Deirdre Chalmers | Classic; Nonfiction; Memoir | 9780679732419 |
 | Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein | "The tree's selflessness for the benefit of the boy moves me." - Ben Carr "Combines nature and caring." - Sandy Lutz | Children's; Fiction | 9780060256654 |
 | Goodness of Rain: Developing an Ecological Identity in Young Children by Ann Pelo | "Author, Ann Pelo, spends a year with a child, Dylan, from her first birthday to her second. Her commitment during the year was that each day would be spent outside, no matter the weather. Her hope was that they would each become intimate with the patch of earth where they lived to cultivate an ecological identity. The book is beautifully written, with rich description showing Dylan the details of the natural world around her and reminding us all how we can offer children a strong sense of place in their upbringing and in doing so, instill a reverent relationship with nature." - Cindy Murray | Nonfiction; Education | 9780942702552 |
 | Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story Of The Woman Who Saved The Appalachian Trail by Ben Montgomery | "It's a wonderful story of a remarkable woman who brought needed attention to the Appalachian Trail." - Mary Anne Eves | Nonfiction; Biography; History | 9781613734995 |
 | The Grandpa Tree by Mike Donahue | "Another great book when workin gon a tree unit with kids." - Anne Dempsey | Nonfiction; Children's | 9780911797428 |
 | Have You Heard the Nesting Bird by Rita Gray | "This is a great book to introduce birds and their calls to young children. My kids love imitating the bird calls an of course, being surprised as to why the nesting bird is quiet." - Jennifer Tuliszewski | Nonfiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780544930858 |
 | The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben | "I love trees! Trees have always been around us, and we know they're important, but it fascinates me that we still have so much to learn about them. This book is written in an accessible way, combining scientific information with the joy that nature inspires." - Heather Saunders "I am completely in love with trees and have been spending time hiking and just being from my earliest memories. I've always found such peace there that it was intriging to read about the communication going on between trees ,how they share nutrients and warn each other of danger. The canopy of trees along coasts allow us to live farther away from oceans and rivers by creating clouds which fall as rain and even beyond as clouds are carried by wind. Without trees we would be in a hot dry desert. This book is an ode to trees and reveals their secrets and their monumental place in our lives and the lives of all living things." - Sandra Church | Nonfiction | 9781771643771 |
 | A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Krauss | "Delightful old book (1952) with nature intertwined throughout." - Sandy Lutz | Children's; Picture Books | 9780064432054 |
 | The Humane Gardener by Nancy Lawson | "The Humane Gardener offers many great tips on how to bring nature to your yard. Douglas Tallamy's Bringing Nature Home taught me what to do, and this book taught me how to do. I learned the harm of raking leaves, the benefit of dead trees, and so many ways in which our actions can affect local wildlife, for good or for bad." - Jessica Kipp | Nonfiction; Education | 9781616895549 |
 | Illumination in the Flatwoods: A Season Living Among the Wild Turkey by Joe Hutto | "Author understands the ways of this very illusive bird: like the author's illustrations." - James Fawcett | Nonfiction; Memoir | 9781493036967 |
 | In Search of Swampland by Ralph Tiner | "The best book on this valuable nature resource." - George Ambrose | Nonfiction; Reference | 9780813536811 |
 | Invention of Nature: Alexander von Humboldt's New World by Andrea Wulf | "This is a fascinating story of a forgotten German naturalist who explored In North and South America leaving his name on mountains, counties and ocean currents today." - David Charllton | Nonfiction; Biography; History | 9780345806291 |
 | Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman | "John Newberry Medal; two voice poems that 'celebrate the insect world'" - Sandy Lutz | Children's; Poetry | 9780064460934 |
 | Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George | "I read this book in the 3rd grade and it was what made me realize that I wanted a job where I could work outside in nature, every day!" - Bess Trout | Classics; Young Adult; Children's | 9780064400589 |
 | Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv | "It crystalized the need to connect kids to nature." - George Ambrose "This book makes such a powerful statement about the lack of connectedness and physical contact today's youth have with their physical environment, with impacts ranging from history to health." - Laura Guertin "This is a life changing book for me! It made me notice how nature deficitient our kids have become and we have a responsibility to rewild our children and show them the wonders of the natural world!" - Shweta | Nonfiction; Education | 9781565126053 |
 | Lens on Outdoor Learning by Wendy Banning and Ginny Sullivan | "This is a book for both parents and teachers, illustrating how many of the skills they set out to teach formally, and help children develop, occur naturally in the outdoor environment.The stories and photographs that fill the book were culled from hours of observing children engaging with the outdoor world in diverse settings through all four seasons. A convincing case is made for re-centering our early learning in the natural world." - Cindy Murray | Nonfiction; Education | 9781605540245 |
 | Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in America by Liz Carlisle | "Liz Carlisle shares the story of a small group of Montana farmers who want to escape the agribusiness machine of using harmful fertilizers to grow subsidized crops and start to heal their soil and make a living while doing it. Liz follows this small coop of farmers for many years to tell the birth and growth of "Timeless Seeds", the coop that thrives today, 30 years later." - Pam Flory | Nonfiction | 9781592409563 |
 | The Lorax by Dr Seuss | "This book's message is perfect for the Great Nature Reads and also to celebrate Tyler's 75th Anniversary. Part of our mission is to create and inspire stewards of the natural world because 'unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.' A wonderful message for young and old which I'm sure has inspired, and will continue to inspire, many light bulb moments about environmental issues that we face. Family and friends often call me the Lorax because I 'speak for the trees' but I wouldn't have it any other way. A must-read!" - Amy Mawby | Children's; Fiction | 9780394823379 |
 | Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono | "This lyrically written tale makes clear the extraordinary value of trees and of the impact that a passionately determined person can have. The story is accessible to children 8 and up yet deeply inspiring to adults." - Christine Du Bois-Buxbaum | Classics; Fiction | 9781933392813 |
 | The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry | "For its soul and compassion." - John Ewing | Fiction; Literature | 9781582430430 |
| Merry Hall by Beverley Nichols | "One of the funniest books about horticulture ever written. If you like gardening and Jeeves & Wooster, you will enjoy. Merry Hall is perfectly absurd British humor." - Pete Brown | Nonfiction; Biography | 9781604694680 |
 | The Midnight Farm by Reeve Lindbergh | "Vision of nature and humanity in harmony." - Sandy Lutz | Children's; Poetry; Picture Books | 9780140556681 |
 | Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry | "This darling book always reminds us of the sequoia at Tyler!" - Deirdre Chalmers | Children's; Picture Books | 9780440407263 |
 | My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George | This story of a boy who learns to be self-sufficent in the mountains sparked my lifelong love of Nature. - Kim Sheridan | Fiction; Young Adult; Children's | 9780141312422 |
 | A Natural History of North American Trees by Donald Culross Peattie | "Well written with enough lore and science mixed together." - Julia Ehrhardt | Nonfiction; History | 9781595341662 |
 | Night Tree by Eve Bunting | "A family decorates an outside tree to feed the birds, etc., at Christmas time." - Deirdre Chalmers | Fiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780152001216 |
 | Of Wolves and Men by Barry Lopez | "Powerful and moving natural and cultural history of wolves in the landscape and mythology of Europe and North America. Published in 1978, a finalist for the National Book Award it changed the way we understand and wrote about animals. (Lopez's later book, Arctic Dreams won the National Book Award in 1986. This is also a great "literature read")." - Jim Flandreau | Nonfiction | 9780684163222 |
 | Overstory by Richard Powers | "In history and in life we are all connected through the existence of the trees in our lives." - Carol Savery "One of the best books I've ever read, this riveting story is an homage to trees. The backstories of several characters, each one bonded to a tree from childhood, come together as roots to the mission of saving Redwoods from the timber industry. Not only will you learn many new things about trees (chestnut is deeply featured) but you will never ever see trees the same way again." - Katie Cubeta "Described by Barbara Kingsolver as "Moby Dick" for the 21st Century, this is an astonishing book about trees and our relationship to the natural world. A must read!" - Miriam Schaefer | Fiction; Literature; Contemporary | 9780393356687 |
 | Owl Moon by Jane Yolen | "Caldecott Medal, about 'companionship . . as well as humankind's close relationship to the natural world.'" - Sandy Lutz | Fiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780399214578 |
 | Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard | "A classic that reads like poetry, which opened my mind to nature writing and documentation." - Chris Lawler "A brilliant, magical experience that gave me a new way of seeing the natural world." - Jim Flandreau "Wonderful narrative of her year exploring nature in her own neighborhood in Virginia. I has stuck with me for years." - Joyce DeYoung | Nonfiction; Memoir; Classics | 9780061233326 |
 | Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver | "The author has a master's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology and her training is evident in her writing. This work of fiction weaves together several stories with southern Appalachian forests and farms as the backdrop." - Claire Ballantyne | Fiction; Contemporary | 9780060959036 |
 | Ravens in Winter by Bernd Heinrich | "Journey with a researcher as he discovers the secrets of raven behavior." - Susie O'Donnell | Nonfiction | 9781476794563 |
 | Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold | "I loved Leopold's close observations of nature and down to earth style of writing. I think of his essay on firewood every time we clean up a fallen tree!" - Bess Trout | Nonfiction; Classics; Philosophy | 9780195059281 |
 | The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird | "It explains how plants respond to each other, us and even read or minds. It's changed my whole thing about plants and my place in the world!" - Jason Bachman | Nonfiction | 9780060915872 |
 | Sense of Wonder by Rachel Carson | "Author, Rachel Carson, delights in sharing the wonders of the natural world with her nephew, Roger. Exploring the coast and the woods of Maine, she and Roger play and experience the sights, sounds, smells and feel of all they encountered. Carson's sharing was based on having fun together, rather than on teaching. Carson's message is that âIf a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder...he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. Through narrative and photography, Carson charts this journey with Roger." - Cindy Murray "Great overview of sharing nature w/kids." - George Ambrose | Nonfiction; Biology | 9780062655356 |
 | Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller | "This is a children's book that my children absolutely love. The little protagonist Sophie gets a squash at a farmer's market and falls in love. The themes are a parent's dream: pretend play, empathy, and growing things." - Kathryn Ombam | Fiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780307978967 |
 | Spring After Spring by Stéphanie Roth Sisson | "Wonderful picture book bio of Rachel Carson and the environmental movement." - Anne Dempsey | Nonfiction; Biography; Children's | 9781626728196 |
 | Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey | "Caldecott Medal, set in Maine, about "the sea, the shore and the quiet forests beyond"; prepping for a hurricane and the clean-up after." - Sandy Lutz | Fiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780140502015 |
 | A Tree is Nice by Janice May Udry | "This Caldecott Medal winner for ages 4 to 8, originally written in 1956, draws a child into a realization of the beautiful and fun wonder of trees. Enough said." - Cindy Murray "Caldecott Medal, 'poetic simplicity and beauty.'" - Sandy Lutz | Nonfiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780064431477 |
 | The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins | "One of my favorite books to read to my classes for children." - Anne Dempsey | Nonfiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9781442414020 |
 | Unbowed: a Memoir by Wangari Maathai | "'Unbowed' details Wangari Maathai's establishment of the Green Belt Movement to help restore indigenous forests across Africa and assisting rural women by paying them to plant trees in their villages. In the end, this book communicates a message of hope and optimism for humans and our environment." - Laura Guertin | Nonfiction; Biography | 9780307275202 |
 | Uno's Garden by Graeme Base | "A counting book with fantastic illustrations and a profound message about living lightly on the earth and the consequences of disappearing wildlife if we don't. It ends with a hopeful message for the future." - Susie O'Donnell | Fiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780810954731 |
 | Walden by Henry David Thoreau | "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads." - Deirdre Chalmers | Nonfiction; Classics; Literature; Philosophy | 9781479111312 |
 | A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson | Love the way the story is told, with both humor and reverence of the White Mountains. For me, it brings back memories of my youth, camping and hiking with my family. - Cindy Newman | Nonfiction; Memoir; Travel | 9780767902526 |
 | Watership Down by Richard Adams | "This exciting fictional story about the secret lives of rabbits depicts the importance of perseverance, resilience, and leadership." - Mary Ellen Malessa | Fiction; Young Adult; Fantasy; Classics | 9780743277709 |
 | Weeds: How Vagabond Plants Gatecrashed Civilisation and Changed the Way We Think About Nature by Richard Mabey | "Awoke to the joy of nature even, and especially, amidst weeds." - Joanne Montowski | Nonfiction; History | 9780062065469 |
 | The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane | "A tour de force of brilliant prose, revealing the wild places (like Tyler Arboretum) where we can still find sanctuary despite ever encroaching development. Highlights the remaining gems in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales." - Jim Flandreau | Nonfiction; Memoir | 9780143113935 |
 | Wildflowers of Pennsylvania by Mary Jo Haywood and Phyllis Testal Monk | "The best guide on PA wildflowers." - George Ambrose | Nonfiction; Reference | 9780971061408 |
 | The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame | "A childhood favorite. Life and character lessons still pertinent." - Susan K Powell | Fiction; Children's; Classics | 9781514664599 |
 | Witch Hazels by Chris Lane | "Best plant ever." - Chris Lawler | Nonfiction; Reference | 9780881926781 |
 | The Wolves are Back by Jean Craighead George | "This book explains in a simple way how living things are dependent on one another to keep a balance ecosystem. By removing one species (in this case wolves from Yellowstone National Park), many other species are affected." - Louisa Romaine | Nonfiction; Children's; Picture Books | 9780525479475 |