Summertime and the great outdoors: there’s nothing better. If your family agrees, enjoy these new titles in picture book format that run to gamut of reading levels and throw a tinge of wonder, humor and learning into the mix.

“Uncle John’s Garden” by Bernette G. Ford, illustrated by Frank Morrison

Three siblings join their uncle in cultivating an urban lot. Li’l Sissy, the youngest, picks okra for her row of vegetables, and her brother and sister round out the ingredients for succotash; a recipe is included. Oil and spray paint illustrations transition from the browns and tans of an early garden, to the grays and blues of a scary storm, and finally to the joyful greens of full summer. Great for any aspiring gardener, or ages 4-8.

“Tiny Dino” by Deborah Freedman

Is a hummingbird a tiny dino? Yes! Freedman’s book has easy text exploring the relationship between birds and dinosaurs, and more complex images and text that can be read in conjunction or skipped depending on the age and interest of the child. Great for prereaders who like dinosaurs, up to about age 7.

“Listen to the Language of the Trees” by Tera Kelley, illustrated by Marie Hermansson

Did you know that trees talk to each other, and to mushrooms? This book explores the evolving science, and the beauty of a Douglas fir dominant biome. Perfect for an elementary aged reader, with help for the younger end of the range.

“Dear Little One” by Nina Laden, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon

A letter from Mother Nature to a young child, first exploring her world. I imagine flipping this book open to a random page and using that as a starting point for a daily exploration: for example, “Celebrate the flowers. Be grateful for the bees.” Great for ages 4-5, and fun for the nature-loving or curious child of any age.

“Flowers Are Pretty Weird!” by Rosemary Mosco, illustrated by Jacob Souva

Do you think of flowers as pretty and nice smelling? This book will shift your paradigm! Flowers that look like animals, poisonous ones, those that smell like rotten meat, or worse! A friendly bee humorously narrates this tour of interesting, dangerous, and gross flowers. Great for the naturalist in grades 1-3.

“Am I Even a Bee?” by Felicity Muth, illustrated by Alexa Lindauer

Solitary bee Osmia questions her identity: is she even a bee when she’s shiny and green? Can she claim the identity when she isn’t fuzzy and fat? This is a delightful exploration of the diversity of bees, and is just silly enough to entertain those not interested in insects. Great for grades K-3.

“A Warbler’s Journey” by Scott Weidensaul, illustrated by Nancy Lane

A painted journey of a young warbler from the highlands of Nicaragua to her nesting grounds in northern Canada, explained by the humans who observe her in various locations. Bird migration is a fascinating natural phenomena, and this book makes it accessible to young readers. Perfect for elementary aged children.