Gardens are magical places where kids can dig, discover, and watch life unfold—right in their own backyard or even on a city rooftop! These children’s books about gardening are perfect for sparking curiosity about nature, whether your little ones are planting their first seeds or simply exploring the outdoors. From whimsical picture books to inspiring stories about community gardens and urban green spaces, this list offers something for every budding gardener.
Looking for more ways to connect kids with nature? Pair these gardening books with children’s books about spring and fall, dive into recipe books that bring garden-fresh ingredients to the table, or explore Earth Day activities that celebrate our planet.
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Growing Readers: The Best Children’s Books About Gardening
Miss Maple’s Seeds
by Eliza Wheeler
In this enchanting children’s book about gardening, Miss Maple gathers lost seeds and gently nurtures them until they’re ready to find their place in the world. Eliza Wheeler’s soft, whimsical illustrations create a magical atmosphere, perfectly complementing the story’s heartfelt message about patience, growth, and potential. It’s a tender reminder that even the smallest seeds—and the smallest readers—can grow into something beautiful. A perfect choice for budding young gardeners and nature lovers.
Little Witch Hazel: A Year in the Forest
by Phoebe Wahl
This enchanting collection of seasonal stories follows Little Witch Hazel, a kind-hearted forest dweller who cares for her woodland community. While not solely focused on gardening, nature is at the heart of each tale, from gathering herbs to nurturing plants. Phoebe Wahl’s illustrations are lush and earthy, making this a perfect read for children who love the outdoors and the changing seasons.
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Love Makes a Garden Grow
by Taeeun Yoo
Love Makes a Garden Grow is a beautiful picture book about gardening and family. It follows a young girl and her grandfather as they care for their garden, weaving a gentle story about how love and attention help both plants and relationships flourish. Taeeun Yoo’s textured, vintage-style illustrations add warmth to every page, making it a visually stunning book. This tender, intergenerational story will resonate with kids and adults alike, celebrating both nature and family bonds.
Growing Season
by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Growing Season tells the story of El and Jo, two best friends facing changes as Jo outgrows El in more ways than one. Set against the backdrop of a classroom garden, this children’s book about gardening gently explores themes of friendship, change, and personal growth. The bright, cheerful illustrations perfectly mirror the hopeful tone of the story, making it a reassuring read for kids navigating their own growing pains.
In the Garden
by Emma Giuliani
This stunning, oversized picture book about gardening invites young readers on an interactive journey through a lush garden. Emma Giuliani’s detailed illustrations and clever lift-the-flap features make learning about plants and nature both engaging and fun. With its mix of scientific facts and beautiful visuals, In the Garden is perfect for curious kids who love to explore the natural world.
GROW: How We Get Food from Our Garden
by Karl Beckstrand, illustrated by ZANARA
This informative children’s book about gardening explains how fruits and vegetables grow, from seed to harvest. With simple, clear text and colorful illustrations, GROW is an excellent introduction to the basics of gardening and food production. It’s perfect for kids interested in where their food comes from and how gardens provide nourishment.
Kew Children’s Guide
by Catherine Brereton, illustrated by Jane McGuinness
Created in partnership with the world-renowned Kew Gardens, this guide is packed with fascinating facts about plants and the natural world. The engaging text and beautiful illustrations make it an ideal resource for young botanists and garden explorers. Kew Children’s Guide is more than just a book—it’s an invitation to discover the wonders of plants and gardening.
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Sprout Some Fun with These Children’s Books About Gardening
Grow
by Cynthia Platt, illustrated by Olivia Holden
In Grow, a young girl and her mother transform an empty lot into a thriving garden, bringing the community together in the process. Cynthia Platt’s lyrical text, paired with Olivia Holden’s vibrant, folk-inspired illustrations, makes this children’s book about gardening both heartwarming and visually delightful. It’s a wonderful reminder of how small seeds—and small actions—can make a big difference.
Green Green: A Community Gardening Story
by Marie Lamba and Baldev Lamba
This rhythmic, rhyming story celebrates the transformation of gray city spaces into green, thriving community gardens. Green Green is a joyful children’s book about gardening that highlights teamwork, nature, and urban renewal. The bright, bold illustrations make it perfect for reading aloud, inspiring kids to see the potential for green spaces in their own neighborhoods.
Miss Jaster’s Garden
by N.M. Bodecker
This charming, old-fashioned tale follows Miss Jaster and her unexpected gardening companion—a hedgehog who accidentally becomes part of her flower bed! With its whimsical storyline and classic illustrations, Miss Jaster’s Garden is a delightful children’s book about gardening, blending humor with the simple joys of tending to nature. It’s a timeless story that will captivate both kids and adults.
Backyard Fairies
by Phoebe Wahl
In Backyard Fairies, Phoebe Wahl invites readers into a magical world just outside their door. While not strictly a gardening book, it celebrates the wonders of nature and the tiny, hidden creatures that might live among the flowers and trees. Wahl’s rich, textured illustrations are full of charm and detail, making this book a beautiful exploration of the natural world through the eyes of a curious child.
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Betsy Buglove Saves the Bees
by Catherine Jacob, illustrated by Lucy Fleming
This delightful children’s book about gardening and pollinators follows Betsy Buglove, a fearless girl with a mission to protect the bees in her neighborhood. The lively, rhyming text is paired with bright, energetic illustrations that capture Betsy’s adventurous spirit. It’s an engaging way to introduce kids to the importance of bees in the garden and how they can help protect these vital creatures.
The Kew Gardens Children’s Cookbook: Plant, Cook, Eat
by Caroline Craig and Joe Archer
Combining gardening with cooking, this interactive book takes kids from planting seeds to preparing delicious meals with homegrown ingredients. The Kew Gardens Children’s Cookbook is packed with simple gardening tips, easy-to-follow recipes, and vibrant illustrations that make it fun for young readers to connect with the food they grow. A perfect pick for families looking to bring the garden to the kitchen.
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Every Little Seed
by Cynthia Schumerth, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
Every Little Seed is a gentle, lyrical children’s book about gardening, focusing on the journey from seed to sprout. The text’s soothing rhythm pairs beautifully with Elisa Paganelli’s soft, colorful illustrations, creating a calming, nature-filled reading experience. It’s ideal for introducing young children to the magic of planting and watching a garden grow.
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Trees to Spot – Mini Book
by Sam Smith and Kirsteen Robson
This pocket-sized guide is perfect for budding young naturalists who want to identify different trees in their gardens or local parks. Trees to Spot features simple descriptions and charming illustrations that make learning about trees accessible and fun. It’s a great companion for outdoor adventures and helps children see the natural world with fresh eyes.
Bird House (A Clover Robin Book of Nature)
by Libby Walden
While not solely a gardening book, Bird House introduces children to the birds they might see in their gardens or backyards. The detailed, collage-style illustrations by Clover Robin are visually stunning, offering a tactile feel that brings nature to life. It’s a wonderful addition to any collection of children’s books about gardening and nature, encouraging kids to observe and appreciate the wildlife around them.
We Found a Seed
by Rob Ramsden
We Found a Seed is a simple, beautifully illustrated picture book about gardening and the wonders of nature. Two friends discover a seed and patiently watch as it grows, teaching young readers about observation, care, and the magic of plant life. The minimal text and calming illustrations make it an ideal introduction to gardening for very young children.
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Bug Hotel (A Clover Robin Book of Nature)
by Libby Walden
Bug Hotel invites young readers to explore the tiny world of insects and how gardens can become safe havens for these important creatures. With layered, interactive pages and Clover Robin’s detailed collage-style illustrations, this picture book about gardening teaches kids how bugs help gardens thrive. It’s both educational and fun, sparking curiosity about the hidden life in every backyard.
Seasons
by Hannah Pang, illustrated by Clover Robin
This beautifully illustrated book takes children on a journey through the four seasons, highlighting the changes in gardens and nature throughout the year. Clover Robin’s textured artwork captures the vibrant shifts in color and life, making Seasons a visually stunning book. It’s a lovely introduction to the rhythms of nature, perfect for young gardeners learning how different seasons affect plant life.
The Honeybee
by Kirsten Hall, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
In The Honeybee, rhythmic, lyrical text guides readers through the life of a busy bee, emphasizing its crucial role in pollinating plants and flowers. Isabelle Arsenault’s bright, dynamic illustrations bring the buzzing world of bees to life. This children’s book about gardening is a joyful celebration of these tiny workers and a great way to teach kids about the interconnectedness of nature.
My First Book of Growing Food
by duopress labs, illustrated by Åsa Gilland
Perfect for the youngest gardeners, My First Book of Growing Food introduces babies and toddlers to fruits, vegetables, and how they grow. With simple, earth-friendly messages and Åsa Gilland’s charming illustrations, this board book is a great starting point for little ones to develop a love for gardening and nature.
- duopress labs
- Gilland, Åsa
We Are the Gardeners
by Joanna Gaines, illustrated by Julianna Swaney
In We Are the Gardeners, Joanna Gaines shares her family’s real-life gardening adventures, from planting their first seeds to learning from mistakes. The story is heartfelt and relatable, while Julianna Swaney’s soft, detailed illustrations add warmth and charm. This picture book about gardening is perfect for inspiring families to start their own gardens, no matter how small.
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![[Joanna Gaines] We are The Gardeners Hardcover【】 by Joanna Gaines](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51efibjJh2L._SL500_.jpg "30+ Inspiring Children’s Books About Gardening 45")
It Takes a Village: Children’s Books About Community Gardens
Rooftop Garden
by Danna Smith, illustrated by Pati Aguilera
Rooftop Garden brings the joy of gardening to an unexpected place—the top of a city building! This vibrant children’s book about gardening shows how even urban spaces can bloom with creativity and care. With playful illustrations and a catchy rhythm, it’s a great way to inspire kids to think outside the box when it comes to growing their own plants.
The Last Garden
by Rachel Ip, illustrated by Anneli Bray
Set in a war-torn city, The Last Garden tells the poignant story of a young girl who tends to her beloved garden even as her world changes around her. The delicate illustrations highlight the contrast between the fragile beauty of nature and the harshness of conflict. This is a thoughtful, moving picture book about gardening, resilience, and hope.
What’s Cooking in Flowerville?: Recipes from Garden, Balcony or Window Box
by Felicita Sala
This delightful book blends gardening and cooking, showing children how to create simple, delicious meals with homegrown ingredients. Felicita Sala’s lush, colorful illustrations make every page a treat, while the easy recipes encourage kids to connect with food from seed to table. It’s an ideal choice for families looking to mix gardening with kitchen fun.
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City Roots: Inspiring Children’s Books About Urban Gardens
The Gardener
by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small
Set during the Great Depression, The Gardener tells the story of Lydia Grace, a young girl sent to live with her stern uncle in the city. Through letters home, Lydia shares how she brings beauty and life to the city with her secret rooftop garden. David Small’s soft, expressive illustrations complement Sarah Stewart’s tender narrative, making this Caldecott Honor book a heartwarming story about resilience, hope, and the transformative power of gardening.
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The Night Gardener
by Terry Fan and Eric Fan
In this beautifully illustrated, whimsical tale, a mysterious night gardener transforms ordinary trees into extraordinary topiary masterpieces. As the town awakens to these magical creations, life becomes more colorful and joyful. The Fan brothers’ stunning illustrations and quiet storytelling make The Night Gardener a captivating picture book about gardening, imagination, and community.
Green on Green
by Dianne White, illustrated by Felicita Sala
Green on Green is a lyrical journey through the seasons, celebrating the colors and changes in nature, including gardens. Felicita Sala’s illustrations are rich and textured, bringing warmth to every page. While not solely focused on gardening, this book beautifully captures the connection between nature, growth, and the rhythms of the year.
We Made a Garden
by Margery Fish
Originally written for adults, We Made a Garden is a classic memoir that older children and families with a passion for gardening will appreciate. It tells the story of Margery Fish’s journey to create a thriving garden from scratch, filled with humor, challenges, and triumphs. This book offers inspiration for readers of all ages interested in the art of gardening.
A Year in Our New Garden
by Gerda Muller
In A Year in Our New Garden, Gerda Muller follows Anna and her family as they move to a new house and begin transforming their backyard into a vibrant garden. Each season brings new adventures, from planting seeds to harvesting vegetables. The detailed, realistic illustrations are packed with gardening tips and natural observations, making this an engaging children’s book about gardening that’s both educational and fun.
How Does My Garden Grow?
by Gerda Muller
This beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to the basics of gardening through the story of Sophie, a city girl who spends the summer at her grandparents’ farm. As Sophie learns to plant, tend, and harvest her own vegetables, children are introduced to the joys and challenges of gardening. Gerda Muller’s rich, detailed illustrations make this a timeless picture book about gardening and the wonders of nature.
How Does My Fruit Grow?
by Gerda Muller
Continuing her exploration of nature, Gerda Muller invites readers to follow Sophie as she discovers how fruit grows, from blossoms to harvest. The book is filled with practical information and beautifully detailed illustrations, making it a wonderful resource for kids interested in gardening and understanding where their food comes from.
Growing an Artist: The Story of a Landscaper and His Son
by John Parra
Growing an Artist is a touching memoir-inspired story about a young boy who spends a day working alongside his father, a landscaper. Through vibrant illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, John Parra celebrates both the beauty of cultivated gardens and the artistry involved in landscaping. This book offers a unique perspective on gardening as both a craft and a connection between family and nature.
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea Transformed a Neighborhood
by Tony Hillery, illustrated by Jessie Hartland
Based on a true story, Harlem Grown tells how a vacant lot in Harlem was transformed into a flourishing community garden. Tony Hillery’s inspiring narrative and Jessie Hartland’s lively illustrations showcase the power of gardening to bring people together and create positive change. This children’s book about gardening is a wonderful example of how small seeds can lead to big transformations, both in the soil and in the community.
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Inch by Inch: The Garden Song
by David Mallett, illustrated by Ora Eitan
Based on the beloved folk song, Inch by Inch takes readers through the simple, satisfying process of planting and growing a garden. The repetitive, sing-song text is perfect for reading (or singing!) aloud, while Ora Eitan’s bright, playful illustrations capture the joy of nurturing plants. This is a delightful children’s book about gardening for even the youngest readers.
Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden
by Christy Mandin
Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden offers a playful twist on traditional gardening books. Millie, an unconventional gardener, loves plants that are prickly, stinky, and even poisonous. Christy Mandin’s quirky illustrations and offbeat humor make this a fun read for kids who enjoy the unusual side of nature, while subtly teaching about the diversity of plants.
A Seed Is Sleepy
by Dianna Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long
This beautifully illustrated book explores the secret life of seeds, from their quiet beginnings underground to their spectacular blooms above. Dianna Aston’s poetic text paired with Sylvia Long’s detailed, nature-inspired illustrations make A Seed Is Sleepy both a visual and educational treasure. It’s a perfect introduction to the science and wonder of gardening for kids.
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- Aston, Dianna
- Long, Sylvia
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt
by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
This beautifully layered children’s book about gardening takes readers on a dual journey—above ground, where plants grow and bloom, and below the soil, where insects and roots quietly work their magic. Kate Messner’s lyrical text paired with Christopher Silas Neal’s earthy, textured illustrations creates a rich, sensory experience. It’s a perfect blend of storytelling and science, ideal for curious young gardeners.
- Messner, Kate
- Neal, Christopher Silas
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett, adapted by Calista Brill
This adapted version of the classic novel introduces younger readers to the timeless story of Mary Lennox and her discovery of a hidden, neglected garden. Calista Brill’s adaptation retains the magic and wonder of the original, while the charming illustrations help bring the garden’s transformation to life. A beautiful introduction to one of the most beloved stories in children’s literature about the healing power of nature.
Ella in the Garden of Giverny: A Picture Book about Claude Monet
by Daniel Fehr, illustrated by Monika Vaicenaviciene
In Ella in the Garden of Giverny, young readers are transported to Claude Monet’s famous garden, where they experience the beauty of nature through the eyes of a child. Monika Vaicenaviciene’s soft, impressionistic illustrations mirror Monet’s style, making this both an artistic and botanical journey. It’s a lovely way to introduce children to gardening and art history simultaneously.
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- Fehr, Daniel
- Vaicenaviciene, Monika
The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies
by Cicely Mary Barker
This enchanting collection combines poetry and delicate illustrations to introduce children to the magical world of flower fairies. While it’s more whimsical than instructional, The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies fosters a love for nature and gardening through its charming depictions of flowers and plants. Amazon reviewers rave about the timeless beauty of Barker’s illustrations, making it a beloved classic for young readers and garden enthusiasts alike.
The Girl Who Loves Bugs
by Lily Murray, illustrated by Jenny Løvlie
In this vibrant, adventurous children’s book about gardening and insects, young readers follow a girl passionate about all things creepy and crawly. The story celebrates the important role bugs play in gardens, with fun, factual tidbits woven throughout. Reviewers highlight the book’s engaging storytelling and bright illustrations, making it a perfect pick for kids curious about the tiny creatures that help gardens thrive.
Grow: A Family Guide to Plants and How to Grow Them
by Riz Reyes, illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows
This family-friendly guide is packed with fun facts about plants and practical tips for growing them at home. Riz Reyes’s engaging text is complemented by Sara Boccaccini Meadows’s lush, detailed illustrations, making Grow an inviting and informative children’s book about gardening. It’s perfect for families looking to turn gardening into a shared adventure.
- Reyes, Riz
- Meadows, Sara Boccaccini
The Big Book of Blooms
by Yuval Zommer, illustrated by Elisa Biondi
The Big Book of Blooms is a visually stunning exploration of flowers from around the world. Yuval Zommer’s playful text and Elisa Biondi’s vibrant, oversized illustrations make this book a feast for the eyes. It’s not just a picture book about gardening—it’s a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the plant world, sure to captivate young botanists.
The Secret World of Plants: Tales of More Than 100 Remarkable Flowers, Trees, and Seeds
by Ben Hoare
This captivating children’s book about gardening dives into the fascinating world of plants, from exotic flowers to towering trees. Ben Hoare’s engaging storytelling brings plant facts to life, while the vibrant illustrations keep young readers hooked. Amazon reviewers love how the book balances educational content with beautiful visuals, making it a favorite for curious kids who love both gardening and nature exploration.
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Arboretum: Welcome to the Museum
by Tony Kirkham, illustrated by Katie Scott
Part of the acclaimed Welcome to the Museum series, Arboretum is an exquisite children’s book about gardening and trees. With Tony Kirkham’s informative text and Katie Scott’s breathtaking, museum-quality illustrations, the book feels like walking through a botanical gallery. Reviewers praise its stunning visuals and in-depth information, making it a perfect gift for young nature enthusiasts.
Botanicum: Welcome to the Museum
by Kathy Willis, illustrated by Katie Scott
Botanicum offers a deep dive into the plant kingdom, showcasing everything from ancient ferns to modern flowers. The detailed illustrations and comprehensive information make it more than just a picture book about gardening—it’s a botanical treasure trove. Readers love the large, museum-style format and rich content, perfect for kids who want to learn about the science and beauty of plants.
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