Several months ago (has it really been that long?) . . . I started a list with some of my favorite new releases from this year.
(You can find that list here.)
At the time, we were only halfway through the year, and there’s been many other fantastic new books released. Many of those books were from household names or big publishers.
Now, though, I want to focus on books from Indie authors.
I’ve seen dozens of fabulous books from Indie authors and publishers this year. This set, though, focuses on nature & science themes.
These books teach kids about curiosity. They help children explore science and nature from different angles. Plus, many of them are part of series, so they’re a gateway to even more nature topics!
Also, small disclaimer! I worked with Siski Kalla on the the book designs for both Beaver Believers and the Urban Wildlife Explorer series. Siski is amazing to work with! The books are also loads of fun, so I would recommend them even without that experience.
(This post includes affiliate links. I am an Amazon affiliate and earn a small commission for purchases made through these links. There is no extra cost to use these links.)
If you want to avoid shopping on Amazon, I suggest checking Bookshop or your local bookstores instead.
You can also order many of these books from the author’s websites if you want to support them directly.
Beaver Believers by Dr. Sean McCormack, illustrated by Siski Kalla.
How can beavers change the health of an ecosystem? In this “almost true” story, three young kids look for answers after their neighborhood floods. Their research leads them to beavers as the solution. As they convince their community to help out, kids get to learn how important this keystone species can be.
This book is a delight, and I’m excited to add it to my collection this year.
The Urban Wildlife Explorer Series, written and illustrated by Siski Kalla. This includes, Let’s Explore Snails, Let’s Explore Ducks, and Let’s Explore Moths, with more books to come in 2026.
These books look at nature and science with a touch of whimsy! Each of these books explains what exactly makes each animal unique. It also addresses the challenges that these animals face, while showing what kids can do to help. They’re info-dense, but broken up into sections so that parents can decide how much to read.
I think this is a great series, and I’m looking forward to reading more of these books soon.
It Got to Be Magic by J.R. Becker, illustrated by Max Rambaldi.
How do we explain the world? Often, through story, myth, and superstition! This book shows how we can find scientific explanations for things that once seemed like magic. It’s a lively story of science through the ages, and my kids enjoy reading it a lot.
The Know It Owl by Terri Sabol, illustrated by Paula Piechna.
What is an owl? If they have plumicorns, are they really unicorns? How do they turn their necks and find their prey? Read along as the Know It Owl corrects his younger great horned owl relative! This book covers all the fun (and funny) facts about owls.
There are five other books in this series. Those books introduce kids to kangaroos, otters, beluga whales, and other animals from around the world. You can find those books here.
Jeremy, the English Garden Snail by Darcy Pattison, illustrated by Olga Gonina.
It’s hard being one-of-a-kind! Most snail shells coil right, but Jeremy’s shell spirals to the left. It’s a small difference, but a fascinating science topic.
There are several books in this series (including one about a jumping spider that traveled to space!). I recommend checking out Darcy’s other books as well, especially her series focused on famous scientists.
The Dragons of Agua Caliente by Shannon Bliss, illustrated by Haley Grunloh.
He’s small, but he’s fierce and he’s ready to defend his territory! This book shows the salamander’s mighty battle (even if happens underfoot on the forest floor!), while it highlights the damp ecosystem that these tiny creatures rely on. It’s a fun, delightful book, and I love the details that the illustrations add.
Fishers in the Forest by Adalgisa and David Nico, illustrated by Andy Atkins.
Join the adventure as Adele explores this snowy forest and learns about one of the special animals who lives there! This book is an in-depth look at the pacific fisher, their habitat, and the scientists who study them.
Fishers in the Forest is the third book ins the Bringing National Parks to Life series. The other books introduce kids to an unusual fish living in Death Valley and a rare frog from Yosemite.
The Lonely Wolverine by Maeve Rogers. Only the ebook is available on Amazon at the moment. You can order the hardcover version from the author’s website.
Wolverine is wandering the mountain, looking for something–but what is it? And will he find it? Along the way, the young wolverine meets other animals and learns more about what makes these elusive animals so special.
It’s always fun to discover something new, and picture books are a great way to learn! I hope you’ll check these out when you get the chance.
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