Key Stage 1
1) Slow Down: Bring Calm to a Busy World with 50 Nature Stories
By Rachel Williams
Published by Magic Cat Publishing | 2020 | 128pp | Hardback | RRP £20 | ISBN 9781916180512
Discover the magic of noticing in this book, which contains 50 mini stories about nature, set across two generously illustrated pages. Children and adults alike will learn something new after reading and pick up skills in concentration and mindfully with their surroundings.
2) Flower Block
By Lanisha Butterfield
Published by Puffin | 2024 | 32pp | Paperback | RRP £7.99 | ISBN 9780241611371
This engaging story was a big hit at a recent library storytime. Jeremiah is shocked to discover his sunflower seeds have outgrown his tower-block home overnight. Through his eyes children will discover the power of plants to bring communities together, and see gardens as a place of wellbeing in memory of lost loved ones.
3) The Big Book of Nature Art
By Yuval Zommer
Published by Thames & Hudson | 2023 | 62pp | Hardback | RRP £14.99 | ISBN 9780500652930
This book is perfect for finding wellbeing through making. The 22 art and craft projects here are all made from sustainable sources, either from foraged materials in nature or recycled home objects. Zommer is a big believer in allowing children to break the instruction rules, keeping each project open ended and creative.
4) Feel Good Gardening: A Mindful Guide for Every Month of the Year
By Kay Maguire
Published by Magic Cat Publishing | 2023 | 34pp | Hardback | RRP £12.99 | ISBN 9781913520755
Although very short, this month-by-month guide is ideal for young gardeners aged four to six. The language of garden care is reframed as an act of wellbeing. Each month contains a short poem and a checklist of ‘feel good things’ to do in the garden, combining moments to notice with routine gardening jobs.
Key Stage 2
1) From Plant to Plate: Turn Home-Grown Ingredients into Healthy Meals
By Darryl Gadzepko
Published by DK Children | 2024 | 96pp | Hardback | RRP £14.99 | ISBN 9780241633335
Warning: this book will make budding gardeners hungry as they are drawn in by the technicolour illustrations. Equal parts a guide to growing vegetables and a recipe book, children will gain curiosity to broaden their taste buds. Food growing supports wellbeing by encouraging children to eat a variety of nutritious produce.
2) Grow: A Children’s Guide to Plants and How to Grow Them
By Riz Reyes
Published by Magic Cat Publishing | 2022 | 61pp | Hardback | RRP £16.99 | ISBN 9781913520403
From apples to aloe vera, this book takes a deep dive into 15 hero plants from around the world. Each plant profile explains its biology, how to grow your own and its historical significance to humans. By exploring their biological uniqueness, along with their resilience to survive, children will cultivate a sense of gratitude towards the plants shown.
3) A Year in the Wild
By Ruth Symons
Published by Big Picture Press | 2020 | 60pp | Paperback | RRP £9.99 | ISBN 9781787416659
Within these pages is a series of beautiful collages of wild creatures, composed entirely from hand pressed plants and dotted with seasonal descriptions. Recreating the collage illustrations of this book is a practice in mindfulness for children. Each collage reveals the interconnectedness of plants and animals.
4) Seed
By Caryl Lewis
Published by MacMillan Children's Books | 2022 | 274pp | Paperback | RRP £7.99 | ISBN 9781529077667
This book is a popular choice for whole class reading, and an excellent conversation starter about mental health, disability and bullying. Follow Marty, his grandad and friend Gracie as they grow a giant mysterious plant on the allotment. As Marty’s seed grows, so too does his resilience, culminating in an extraordinary pumpkin expedition.
Key Stage 3
1) Hi Cacti: Growing Houseplants and Happiness
By Sabrina Palermo
Published by Leaping Hare Press | 2021 | 144pp | Hardback | RRP £14.99 | ISBN 9780711261754
Indoor gardening is a fantastic way for teenagers to discover a green thumb or an interest in interior design. This houseplant care book stands apart from others because it’s peppered with meaningful affirmations and activities for self-care. There’s even a chapter with recipes to cook a few houseplants.
2) Grow: How Nature Can Restore Balance in a Busy World
By Joe Sugg
Published by Michael Joseph Ltd | 2022 | 271pp | Hardback | RRP £20 | ISBN 9780241565766
This book is funny and effective in asking for the reader to get offline and head outdoors. Part memoir and part relatable guide, young adults will gain a great role model into enjoying a less digitally driven life in all its forms, including growing plants and exercising outside, supporting a growth in their wellbeing.
3) The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation
Based on the book by Peter Wohlleben, adapted by Fred Bernard
Published by Greystone Books | 2024 | 240pp | Hardback | RRP £25 | ISBN 9781778401657
A graphic novel that re-enchant young adults with the magic of trees, based on the bestselling nonfiction book. After reading this it’s guaranteed that you’ll wander into the woods with a new sense of wonder for all that these plants can do.
4) The Garden Apothecary: Recipes, Remedies and Rituals
By Christine Iverson
Published by Summersdale Publishers | 2021 | 208pp | Hardback | RRP £14.99 | ISBN 9781787839793
Herbs are a staple of wellbeing gardens and this book offers a beginner friendly guide to their healing properties, folklore and history. There are 28 herbs and flowers described, each with a simple recipe using inexpensive ingredients that teenagers will be able to follow.
