Books as Bridges:  Using Award-Winning Children's Literature to Connect Young Readers with Nature

Authors

Keywords:

children's literature, children's literature book awards, environmental education, nature education, science education

Abstract

As children spend less time outdoors and more time engaged with digital media, educators are seeking effective ways to foster environmental awareness and meaningful connections with nature. This article explores how children’s literature can serve as a bridge between young readers and the natural world. The authors examine major environmental and nature-focused children’s book awards, identify common characteristics of award-winning titles, and discuss how these books can support environmental education. Practical examples illustrate how literature can reduce apprehension, build anticipation for outdoor experiences, activate prior knowledge, develop vocabulary to support science learning, and foster environmental stewardship. By intentionally pairing award-winning literature with outdoor exploration, educators can help children develop curiosity, confidence, environmental understanding, and a lifelong connection to nature.

 

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Published

2026-07-29

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): International Journal of the Whole Child

Section

Nature, Nurture, and Childhood

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Mangione, Katherine, Burch, Sophia

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