We've combined two of our greatest loves - books and the great outdoors - to bring you a must-read list this World Book Day.
Although we’ve never needed any further encouragement to pick up a paperback and escape the world, World Book Day is here (4th March) and to celebrate we’re sharing some of our all-time favourite reads themed around nature and the great outdoors. And with a month or so left of lockdown, there’s no better way to pass the time whilst at home than curled with up with a good book. Happy reading!
No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference – Greta Thunberg
We love nature, the environment, the great outdoors and, of course, plants, so it goes without saying that we’re passionate about protecting our precious plant Earth. One voice that has campaigned tirelessly and fervently on this topic is 18-year-old Greta Thunberg. If you’re unfamiliar with her story, back in August 2018, she started skipping school on Fridays to protest about the climate crisis. This spiralled and sparked a global, inspiring millions of pupils to join her. The book is inspiring, compelling and leaves you determined to do your bit.
Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm - Isabella Tree
This book tells the story of husband and wife, Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell, as they embarked on the 'Knepp experiment' - a pioneering rewilding project in West Sussex. After realising their land was economically unsustainable, they decided to let nature take over, using free-roaming animals to create new habitats for wildlife. For those with a love of ecology and nature, this book is a hopeful story that will warm your heart.
Life Of Pi by Yann Martel
What do you get when a hyena, a zebra (with a broken leg we might add), an orangutan, a Royal Bengal tiger and 16-year-old Indian boy, called Pi, all find themselves stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean after their cargo ship sinks? No, it’s not the start of a bad joke, but a heart-warming piece of fiction which raises questions about our perceptions of reality. This book has won numerous awards, and was also made it into a film starring Dev Patel, but interestingly it was rejected by at least five London publishing houses before finally being published in September 2001.
This book has had a huge hype around it since it came out in 2019 and we’re not surprised. Beautifully written from start to finish, you can really picture the scenery and imagine what Owens is describing to you. The story follows Kya, who is nicknamed The Marsh Girl, who lives alone in the marshes. She is shy and reserved, having grown up without a family. However, her world is turned upside down when she is accused of the murder of Chase Andrews. The book’s narrative asks how isolation influences the behaviour of a young woman, and how we all have the desire to belong somewhere. The clues to the mystery are interwoven into the lush landscape habitat and natural habitat. A stunning yet heart-breaking read.
Every Day Nature: How noticing nature can quietly change your life – Andy Beer
We’ve all drastically slowed down over the past year thanks to lockdown life, giving us more time to appreciate the little things. For many of us, that’s included getting outside for the simple pleasure of a walk and bringing with it the opportunity to enjoy nature. This book is a celebration of such, encouraging you to find beauty in the everyday and forge your own powerful connection with the natural world. We like how it talks you through each month and acts almost like a seasonal guide.