7 early chapter books about wildlife and the environment

Books have the power to spark curiosity, and for young readers aged 5 to 8, early chapter books provide a perfect bridge between picture books and more complex stories. When it comes to wildlife and the environment, fiction can be an especially powerful tool, bringing nature to life in ways that are both engaging and memorable. Through the eyes of relatable characters—whether they’re adventurous children, talking animals, or tiny insects navigating a big world—kids can explore ecosystems, learn about endangered species, and develop a deeper appreciation for the planet. Fiction weaves facts into stories, making environmental themes feel personal and exciting rather than abstract. A gripping adventure in the rainforest or a heart-warming tale about an injured owl can inspire empathy, curiosity, and even action. In this blog, we’ll explore some fantastic early chapter books that introduce young readers to the wonders of nature while nurturing a love for storytelling.

Shyla’s Wood Wide Web by Ewa Jozefkowicz, illustrated by Gillian Flint

A magical book full of friendship, adventure, and learning through nature, with fun illustrations on every page. This delightful adventure story, with strong environmental themes is packed with magic and mystery. At Forest School, the Woodland Explorers are learning about fungi and how it connects trees underground in a huge network known as the Wood Wide Web. When Shyla is given her grandmother's binoculars, she discovers mushrooms growing in a circle, called a pixie ring. Suddenly her eyes are opened to a whole new world - and magical woodland creatures show Shyla how to spread the word about protecting the forest.

 

Honey’s Hive: Bee a Friend by Mo O’Hara, illustrated by Aya Kakeda

A fun, illustrated outdoor adventure for readers aged 5+. Packed with fun illustrations, bee facts and lots of empathy and adventure, this series is perfect for newly independent readers. Honey is so good at her job as a scouting bee, finding lots of pollen for her hive, that she’s being awarded a petal medal by the Queen Bee! But while Honey and her hive are celebrating, the other bees in the neighbourhood are struggling, there’s just not enough pollen left for them. When Honey finds out she’s really worried and tries to help the other bees find pollen too - Honey and her hive all realise how important it is to share and make friends.

 

Bertha and Blink: Rumble in the Jungle by Nicola Colton

Join Bertha and Blink on an adventure full of friendship, with a sprinkling of science and a nod to nature. This is the first in a super-fun series of highly illustrated animal adventure stories for younger and newly independent readers - we love the adventure-loving characters and colourful illustrations! When a rumble in the jungle disturbs super-star inventor Bertha’s work, she has to leave her peaceful home and investigate. To help her, she creates Blink – an excitable robo-bird sidekick who can’t wait to explore! How will the unlikely pair cope in the wilderness? And will they be able to discover the secret behind the strange noises?

 

Lola and Larch Fix a Fairy Forest by Sinead O’Hart, illustrated by Rachel Seago

A heart-warming and beautifully illustrated early chapter book for 5+. Packed with humour, magic, fairies and very naughty rabbits, this is a lovely celebration of friendship with a hugely relatable lead character and a lovely forest setting that really immerses young readers in the outside world. Lola can't believe her luck - the rabbit she's rescued is actually a fairy in disguise. Now she has her very own fairy! There's just one problem. Larch, the rebellious fairy she's rescued, is convinced that Lola is her human... But while Larch and Lola discuss the merits of snail slime for breakfast and try to decide who should be in charge, there's a bad fairy on the loose. Evil Euphorbia Spurge wants magic, and Larch is full of it. Soon it's a battle of wits, wands and fairy wings as the new friends take on the wildest fairy in the woods...

 

Avery and the Fairy Circle by Rowan Kingsbury

Not technically a chapter book, but young readers will be delighted by this adorable graphic novel with wonderful wildlife, a plethora of plants and a family of fairies. It’s exquisitely illustrated and perfect for younger readers transitioning from chapter books. Avery's family has just moved to a small cottage in the forest. She is obsessed with plants and loves exploring nature outside her home until one day she stumbles into a magic fairy circle. Shrinking to the size of a teeny tiny fairy, Avery tries to find her way back home. A young fairy named Birch agrees to help her reverse the magic, but only if Avery helps her complete some fairy chores!

 

Sona Sharma: Looking After Planet Earth by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Jen Khatun

This book is a wonderful way to introduce the idea of taking action to protect the natural world, something to inspire children to care for the planet, develop empathy for nature and take meaningful actions to make a positive impact. In this beautifully illustrated chapter book for early readers, Sona learns about the climate crisis at school and decides to take action at home. She meets resistance from some members of her family but her determination to make a change wins through. Part of a charming series set in India for readers aged 5+.

 

The Tindims of Rubbish Island by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Lydia Corry

Perfect for teaching about recycling and ocean conservation, this gentle story will inspire young readers to be advocates for a greener, more sustainable world. The Tindims of Rubbish Island is the first in a series set on Rubbish Island, which the Tindims have built entirely from things humans have thrown away. In this story Ethel B Dina is blown out to sea and the Tindims must launch a rescue operation with the help of some friendly fish. A beautifully illustrated adventure for age 5 and up.