Looking for a good book to curl up and read? We’ve got some stories to share on all sorts of nature topics for all ages, so even if you can’t get outside, you can reap the benefits of staying connected to nature!

Nature Stories

Chickadees at Night by Bill O. Smith

If you have a bird feeder in your backyard, you’re likely to spot a chickadee stopping by to catch a quick meal! Join Environmental Educator Melissa at Baltimore Woods as she reads an engaging, happy story called “Chickadees at Night” by Bill O. Smith.

Fairy Houses by Tracy Kane

Fall is a magical time of year! The trees are aflutter with colorful leaves offering our imagination a chance to consider the enchanted world that shimmers through in nature when we take a closer look! Sit down and get cozy as Environmental Intern Meghan reads Fairy Houses by Tracy Kane, a special story about a very magical place.

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell

Whooo would like to listen to a story about owls? Join Naturalist Anna as she reads Owl Babies and talks about some adaptations that help owls to hunt at night!

The Bug Girl by Sophia Spencer

Here at Baltimore Woods Nature Center, we think bugs are pretty great and we encourage people of all ages to explore the world of bugs. We hope you will enjoy this heart-warming true story written by (and about) a young girl who loves bugs. Maybe you’ll even feel inspired to go bug hunting, too!

Winter Trees by Carole Gerber

Without their leaves the trees are showing us their wonderful shapes and structures but it can be tricky to identify trees in the winter. We have a special nature story read by Naturalist Lexi for you and your family to enjoy! This story gives us fun ways to identify trees in the winter. This week, after watching the Winter Trees nature story video, head outside and practice identifying trees! Here’s a winter trees scavenger hunt to add to your fun outdoor adventure!

In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George

On a cozy winter evening let’s join Naturalist Lexi for a nature story! Curl up with your favorite blanket and listen as Lexi reads In the Snow: Who’s Been Here? In this story, we will follow William and Cammy as they discover what animals have been leaving evidence behind. After the story we will head outside with Naturalist Lexi to see what animal evidence she finds near her home. Now it’s your turn, head outside this weekend to see what you can find!

Snowman Magic by Katherine Tegen

There is not much better than curling up with a good book, other than having one read to you by a Baltimore Woods naturalist! Enjoy a relaxing night and the story Snowman Magic read by Naturalist Becky. Share photos of your snow creations with us on social media or send them to [email protected]!

Giving Thanks by Jonathan London

What are you thankful for today and everyday? On this day of gratitude enjoy the book, Giving Thanks by Jonathan London with paintings by Gregory Manchess. If you can, try to get outside this weekend and say “thank you” to nature for all the gifts we receive from it!

Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin

Have the squirrels been enjoying the bird feeders at your house recently? If so, you can relate to Old Man Fookwire’s frustrations! Settle in for a nature story called Those Darn Squirrels read by Naturalist Becky to see how the squirrels win over Old Man Fookwire!

The Little Yellow Leaf  by Carin Berger

Little yellow leaves, just like the one in this story, are hanging on to trees all around us! After listening to this nature story, The Little Yellow Leaf, with Naturalist Lexi, see how many yellow leaves on the trees you can find!

The Sunset Switch by Kathleen Kudlinski

The sun has set and it is beginning to get dark outside, that means some animals will be getting tucked in and going to sleep, while others are just waking up! Settle in for a story with Naturalist Lexi called Sunset Switch, we will learn about which animals come out at night. Why do you think some animals are awake at night instead of during the day?
Click here to make a clothespin critter and tell your own story!

Bat Loves the Night by Nicola Davies

After a long summer’s day, settle in for a story with Naturalist Lexi. Tonight we are reading Bat Loves the Night. Bats are fascinating flying mammals, let’s learn about them and then go outside looking for them!
Click here to make your own bat flyer and to learn how to play the bat and moth game!

Around the Pond: Who’s Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George

Take a trip around the pond with Naturalist Lexi, you never know what you might find! In this special Natural Connections video, Natualist Lexi will be reading a story book called, Around the Pond and exploring her backyard to see what exciting things we can find! After watching this video, go explore around your yard or neighborhood and see what you discover. Then make a map of your findings and share it with us by sending your map to [email protected] or sharing it on social media using the hashtag #baltimorewoodsnaturecenter. Happy exploring!

Hey Little Ant? by Hannah and Phillip Hoose

Gather the family and enjoy a story, a song, and a craft about one of the insects we are all most familiar with – the ant! Join Naturalist Lexi as she reads “Hey Little Ant” and helps us think about things from an ant’s perspective. She’ll also teach you how to identify a true insect with a fun song!

Click here for instructions on how to make your own ant friend, just like the one you saw in the video!

Send us photos of you singing along or your own insect craft by tagging @baltimorewoodsnaturecenter or emailing [email protected]

Are You a Bee? by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries

Grab your antennae and settle in for a story! Naturalist Lexi will be reading a book called Are you a Bee? to help us learn about the fascinating lives of honeybees. After the story, try to communicate with your family through dance, just like the bees do! If you make your own waggle dance, send us a video of it to [email protected] and we’ll try to figure out what you’re saying!

Feathers for Lunch by Lois Ehlert

Listen as Eliza reads a very silly story about a house cat who went out for a wild lunch! After you listen to the story, you can download this activity to help you identify the birds from the story the next time you go outside!

Live rendition of  The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (and our campers!)

Acting out The Lorax by Dr. Suess is one of our favorite ways to end a summer camp week and reminds us to be good stewards of the planet!  Sit back, enjoy, and if you have a copy of The Lorax at home, read along!

Earth Hour Story and Craft

Saturday, March 28th from 8:30-9:30pm, people all over the world  turned their lights off for one hour to “place a spotlight on nature” in celebration of Earth Hour. Even if you missed the moment on Saturday, you can still take in the wonder of the night sky and take time to enjoy this story, “There Once was a Sky Full of Stars”, read by our naturalist, Eliza! For a special constellation craft for you and your family to create, click here.