From my youngest years I have gained much comfort when connecting to nature and getting immersed in a book. Books by and for nature lovers get bonus points, so today I want to suggest a list of books you can refer to if you need a bit of extra comfort and a delightful, nature-filled break from it all.
Any book by James Herriot
I can’t think of any other books that have the simultaneous power to make me laugh so much and move me to tears from one page to the next. James Herriot’s account of his life as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales is a delightful immersion in the company of the many animals he took care of, and contains very evocative descriptions of the beautiful Yorkshire scenery through the seasons. If you love animals and enjoy observing the natural world around you, you will fall in love with these books, which are amongst my top favourites.
The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
A timeless classic rich with brilliant animal characters that are at once touching, familiar and incredibly sweet. The dialogues often make me chuckle and the descriptions of the natural world as the seasons unfold regularly stop me in my tracks with the unique beauty that Kenneth Grahame weaves in. He has the gift of letting nature speak through him. As I read along, it feels like the river, the sky, the forest and its inhabitants are talking to me in their own clear and individual voices. A true masterpiece for nature lovers.
Chaperon Rouge, by Eva Chatelain
This story without words is an incredibly immersive tale in rich colours of glowing sunsets, bursting with plants and a mystery with a hilarious and really cute twist. I love spending time poring over these pages to notice all the thoughtful details and the gentle artistry, the beauty of the colour gradients and the story to which I can add my own slant. Every time I look through this book, I feel as refreshed as if I had been taken on a walk and an adventure.
The Great British Year, Wildlife through the Seasons, by Stephen Moss
A masterpiece of gentle beauty, this journey through the four seasons of Britain is captivating and rich with detail about the lives of the secretive creatures that live right next to me. The photography is breathtaking and shows all the details of fur, plumage and leaf. It’s a lovely book to pick up every few days through the year to help us connect to nature in an immediate and inspiring way, easefully enriching the knowledge of where we live.
The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Another children’s book that every adult should read, this story might be the best testament to the healing powers of gardening. It shows how choosing to take care of a little spot of land can mend the heart, strengthen the body, repair relationships and make friendships bloom. It is written in a simple and direct way which should encourage any reader to at least want to grow a geranium in a pot and see the transformative power of that simple action in their lives.
The Silmarillion, by J. R. R. Tolkien
Having wanted to read The Silmarillion for many years, I finally started it a few weeks ago and it was immediately propelled to my top favourite book. The richness is indescribable and has to be experienced firsthand. What touched me most was that within a few chapters we witness the entire creation of a world. It is an intense journey which bent my mind and fed my soul.
As a nature lover I was transported by the unique inventiveness and depth of Tolkien’s literal creation of a beloved world, and the pure dedication and love that the creators and nurturers have for what they have made. The effortless beauty of the descriptions are so exquisite that I read every sentence thrice, delighted in such mastery from the wordsmith.
Botanical Inks, by Babs Behan
If you prefer non-fiction and are looking for a hands-on way to connect to nature through books, this will be a treasure for you. Inviting you to create your own dye baths from a profusion of easily accessible botanicals, this book is a little workshop in itself, rich in inspiring photography to encourage the fulfillment of your creativity and connect to nature through fun projects.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, by Charlie Mackesy
A deceptively simple story which deserves regular visits with its adorable characters. The sketch-like appearance of the drawings contributes to the many charms of this book, which is mostly encapsulated in the connection these friends create and nurture. I couldn’t help being reminded of Winnie the Pooh, but it feels much more poetic, more melancholy, and pared down to its essential meaning of being totally oneself and being here for our friends as some of the most important values we can nurture in life.
Unravelling the Ripple, by Helen Douglas
Another wordless book, perfect for those times when the brain has overworked and cannot cope with reading, this is an absolute gem of a book. If you are an ocean lover, I promise it will delight you for hours—it is the next best thing to actually going to the beach. As someone who lives near the ocean but can rarely get there, I love to pick up this little book which always conjures up the fresh, salty air of the sea, the rumble of the waves and the unique texture of the sand. It has the most beautiful photos of seaweed, rockpools, sand and shells, and holds a completely refreshing break within its pages.
The Forager’s Calendar, by John Wright
If your love of nature is coupled with curiosity for what you can forage to eat, you will absolutely love this book! I have many foraging books, and this is one of my favourites, because it is very detailed and extensive. It goes through the four seasons and discourages anyone from thinking that Winter is dull. It makes me want to learn more about my immediate environment and makes me look at plants, trees and fungi in a different way. Always an inspiring read, complete with recipes to play with. What could be more satisfying than picking a part of your meal right on your doorstep?
I hope you’ve enjoyed basking in a little nature time through books!
Until next time, take good care :)