Best Children Books on Plants: Garden, Flowers, Trees

Book covers are arranged on a pale green background with green artist designs and leaves with bold black text on the image for children books on plants booklist.

This booklist of Children Books On Plants may be my favorite list that I have made so far. The list includes a collection of 28 Garden Picture Books for kids of all ages. I have listed some of our favorite all-time picture books (marked with an asterisk*). I hope these books about gardening will inspire you to start a garden. No matter how small.

This list of books includes nonfiction finds, living books, and even a fun rhyming book.

Reading is a part of our daily life with our little ones. Learning about gardening, plants, trees, and God’s creation is one of my favorite book themes to share with you.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you on qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate.

A Garden Picture Book Collection: 28 Children Books on Plants

1. Whose Garden is it? by Mary Ann Hoberman*

An older white-haired lady wearing a garden hat looks curiously into a fruitful garden alongside her grandson and his dog on the book cover of "Whose Garden is It?" a book on the childrens books on plants booklist. — Whose Garden Is It? by Mary Ann Hoberman

The gardener boasts of his beautiful garden, but who is the true owner? A lady and a boy tour the garden as many lay their claim of ownership. A garden is a wonderful example of how many unique talents and gifts can be combined to accomplish something truly beautiful.

This book is out of print. Don’t let that stop you from borrowing it from your local library or hunting for this literary gem at a secondhand bookstore.

2. What Grew in Larry’s Garden by Laura Alary*

Larry, a kind-hearted gentleman who loves his garden, shares his garden with his neighbor, a young girl on the book cover of "What Grew in Larry's Garden." — What Grew in Larry’s Garden by Laura Alary

In this heartwarming story, Grace loves to help her neighbor, Larry, in his extraordinary backyard garden. But, when a neighbor builds a tall fence that blocks the sun, Larry’s garden begins to die. Larry and Grace have solved many problems together. Grace admires the purpose of Larry’s garden and decides to take a stand. I love the gentle message of generosity and community in this beautifully illustrated book.

3. Gracie’s Garden by Lara Casey*

A little girl with brown hair tied in a big pink bowl holds a basket of carrots and tomatoes besides her two siblings with decorative flowers and greenery around the frame of the image on the book cover for "Gracie's Garden," part of the childrens books on plants booklist. — Gracie’s Garden by Lara Casey

This children’s garden book is one of my favorites and kids of all ages will enjoy this simple and humorous story of little gardeners. A story of patience and the goodness of God.

4. A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston*

Red seeds in a pod, sunflowers, and purple flower budding on a leafy green branch fill the book cover "A Seed is Sleepy," a book included on the childrens books on plants book list. — A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston

This informative book on plants is filled with colorful and beautiful illustrations. A beautiful nature book filled with facts about seeds and plants. A Seed is Sleepy does reference millions of years. Dianna Hutts Aston writes many nonfiction books for children that are all beautifully illustrated and focus on nature.

5. The Curious Garden by Peter Brown*

A young red-headed boy sits in a tree reading a book with a watering can and a blue bird on the book cover of "The Curious Garden," a book on the booklist of Children's books about perseverance. — The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Liam lives in a gray city without any trees or gardens. He discovers a struggling garden on top of an abandoned railway and determines to take care of it. Eventually, the garden grows through the gray city and transforms the city into a lively green city. This is a great way to encourage kids to be observant and look for positive changes they can make in their community.

6. Badger’s Perfect Garden by Marsha Diane Arnold*

A badger, a weasel, and a squirrel work hard in their spring garden on the book cover for "Badger's Perfect Garden," a book part of the childrens books on plants booklist. — Badger’s Perfect Garden by Marsha Diane Arnold

Oh, Badger wants his garden to be perfect, and it is until a storm washes away all his and his friend’s hard work. Badger had worked for months sorting and saving different kinds of seeds. His friends try to help him cope with the devastating change of plans. This picture book for kids is a gentle reminder that nature and life often don’t go as expected or planned, and we must find and focus on the good.

7. The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter*

A brown rabbit wearing a bright blue coat famously known as Peter Rabbit, slips under a wooden picket fence into the garden on the book cover of "The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit," a book included on the childrens books on plants booklist. — The Complete Collection of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

The famously rebellious little brown rabbit has to be included on this list of children books on plants. What garden booklist is complete without it? The story begins with Peter rebelling against his mama’s wish to avoid Mr. McGregor’s garden, but he disobeys. In this sweet children’s treasury, the little rabbit finds himself in all kinds of trouble. This is a perfect book for a baby shower gift.

8. Miss Maples Seeds by Eliza Wheeler*

Miss maple holds tight to a stem of a flower as she floats through the air on the book cover of "Miss Maple's seeds," a book on the booklist of childrens books on plants. — Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler

Celebrate the miracles of each seed with kind-hearted and nurturing Miss Maple. This story will capture the child’s imagination as Miss Maple cares for seeds until it is their time to take root and become beautiful creations. Oh, this beautiful story is another one of our favorite books. Eliza Wheeler is the author of my favorite Children’s book, “Home in the Woods.”

9. On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole*

Caroline, a young girl builds a fence around a little wildflower in her yard on the book cover of "On Meadowview Street" by Henry Cole, a book on the book list childrens books on plants. — On Meadowview Street by Henry Cole

After moving to her new home, Caroline discovers a wildflower on her lawn and builds a little fence around it. In time her wildflower preservation grows larger, consuming the entire lawn. Her dad joyfully sells the lawn mower, and Caroline turns her front yard into a beautiful meadow with a water source, trees, and beautiful flowers.

10. Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter*

A young African American girl reads a book on a branch up in her tree with her white farmhouse in the background on the book cover of "Nell Plants a Tree," a book on the booklist of childrens books on plants. — Nell Plants a Tree by Anne Wynter

I find the colorful illustrations in this book stunningly beautiful. Nell plants and tends a pecan tree that is enjoyed by her family. This book inspired my kids to want to start planting trees all over the yard. This book is an excellent choice of children books on plants.

11. Mortimer’s First Garden by Karma Wilson

Mortimer, a brown mouse holds tightly to a big, bright yellow sunflower on the book cover of "Mortimer's First Garden," a book about plants for children. — Mortimer’s First Garden by Karma Wilson

Mortimer Mouse is very skeptical about planting his last sunflower seed in the ground. This impatient little mouse experiences the miracle of planting a seed.

12. The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta

A picture of the young George Washington Carver sits in his beautiful garden holding a blooming plant on the book cover of "The Secret Garden on George Washington Carver," a book on the booklist of childrens books on plants. — The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver by Gene Barretta

As a child, George Washington Carver had a secret garden where he experimented and cared for plants. He used what he learned to nurture his neighbor’s plants. But he kept his garden hidden due to the warning not to waste his time on such flowers. His independent study led to great accomplishments. CONTENT WARNING: violence against women & infants.

13. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (illustrated picture book by Calista Brill)

Mary Lennox, a young and frail girl with bright blue dress and bow opens the door to the secret garden on the book cover of a book on plants for children. — The Secret Garden (illustrated picture book by Calista Brill)

This beautifully illustrated picture book is a great introduction to classic children’s literature. The story is about Mary Lennox, an unfortunate girl who discovers the key to the secret garden. As she and her two companions tend the garden, Mary transforms into a pleasant and healthy little girl.

Click HERE For content warnings for The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I enjoyed this illustrated edition with my preschool-age girls. I will not read this book aloud until they are about 9-10 years old due to the content that requires discernment and further conversation.

14. Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens

A lazy, defeated brown bear slumps in a white lawn chair while a brown hare holds a large husk of corn on the book cover of "Tops and Bottoms," a book on the childrens books on plants booklist. — Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens

Hare’s family is going through hardship. To provide for his family, Hare outwits the lazy farmer, Bear. If you are loving these children books on plants, check out this list of Funny Picture Books. Another good book by Janet Stevens made the list.

15. Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

A farmer stands in his garden holding a rake while three little bunnies munch on his harvest on the book cover of "Muncha! Muncha! Muncha!" by Candace Fleming. — Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming

Mr. McGreely’s garden is overrun by determined rabbits, who raid his garden when the moon comes up. These sneaky rabbits cross trenches and dive over fences to get to the farmer’s veggies.

16. The Turnip by Jan Brett

A family of badgers and a rooster work hard to pull a large turnip from the wintery ground on the book cover of "The Turnip" by Jan Brett, a book on the book list of childrens books on plants. — The Turnip by Jan Brett

The badgers struggle to pull their giant turnip from the frozen ground. The cocky rooster gets the credit for pulling up the turnip, but underneath the gigantic turnip is a mother bear who needs more room in her den.

17. Green Green: A Community Gardening Story by Marie Lamba

A young African American girl wearing a red and white polka-dotted dress pushes a red wheelbarrow filled with garden supplies and plants in the green community garden on the book cover "Green Green," a book included on the childrens books on plants book list. — Green Green by Marie Lamba

In this sweet story, children inspire the community to build a garden in the middle of the city for everyone to enjoy.

18. Jack’s Garden by Henry Cole

Jack peeks from behind the tall plants and flowers in his garden on the book cover of "Jack's Garden" by Henry Cole, a book on the booklist of childrens books on plants. — Jack’s Garden by Henry Cole

Tend a garden with Jack and watch it grow. This book is an informative picture book about growing gardens from seeds to plants. Younger children will love this fun book. The book is out of print. Borrow from your local library or search for it at a secondhand bookstore.

19. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney*

Miss Rumphius, an older lady admires the lupines that were planted in the meadow in her town on the book cover of "Miss Rumphius," a book on the childrens books on plants book list. — Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

This great book is an old friend in our home. Miss Rumphius’ story challenges us “to make the world more beautiful” with a gentle reminder that this task is the most difficult. She sows seeds of lupines along the country roads, hillsides, schools, and churches. While the flowers are beautiful, her legacy is stunning. I highly recommend reading this book to the young children in your life.

20. The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

A bright red-orange flower with a thick green stem and two leaves fill the front of the book "The Tiny Seed" by Eric Carle, a book on the book list of childrens books on plants. — The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

Seeds are carried by a strong wind across various terrains. In the spring, the tiny seed remains and grows into a gigantic flower. In autumn, the process starts over and sends the seeds flying high in the air across the land. The perfect informational book for an Eric Carle fan.

21. Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner

A bird hunts for a worm in a flower garden on the book cover of "Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt," a book about plants for kids. — Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner

We love the Over and Under series by Kate Messner. This particular book in the series follows a young girl and her grandmother through a year of planting. Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt book has a simple and easy-to-follow storyline while teaching children about the garden ecosystem. A good choice for younger kids.

22. The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

A little boy drops a carrot seed into a hole in the ground on the book cover of "The Carrot Seed," a book on the booklist of children's books about perseverance. — The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

In the face of skepticism, a young boy plants a carrot seed, waters it, and cultivates it into the biggest carrot in many neighboring counties. This simple story focuses on a little boy’s determination and patience.

23. From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons

A tall and green leafy plant sprouts from the soil on a bright sunny day on Gail Gibbon's book "From Seed to Plant," a book about plants for children. — From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons

This nonfiction picture book instructs little readers about pollination to germination, includes seed-growing experiments, and establishes important vocabulary words with detailed illustrations, diagrams of parts of plants, and simple informational text. Gail Gibbons is an excellent resource and a great choice for young readers. Her nonfiction books are filled with interesting facts on great topics.

24. Seeds Move by Robin Page

A blue scrub jay carries a seed, lotus seeds fall, seeds catalupt from a seed pod, a dug beetle rolls a seed, and seeds hitchhike on a raccoon's fur on the book cover of "Seeds Move!" a book on the booklist of children books on plants. — Seeds Move! by Robin Page

Explore the different ways seeds move, from hitchhiking on a raccoon’s fur to parachuting in the wind. This book is filled with many interesting facts.

25. Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

Red and orange flowers growing tall fill the book cover of "Planting a Rainbow" by Lois Ehlert, a children's book author. — Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

This simple book includes the names of many flowers. A mom and her child plant a rainbow of various plants, from buying seeds in a catalog to seedlings at the nursery. They enjoy their colorful garden each year. This book is perfect for toddlers learning colors and older kids learning the names of flowers.

26. My Garden by Kevin Henkes

A little girl wearing a brown straw hat imagines the perfect garden with huge purple flowers, sunflowers, birds, butterflies, and bees on the book cover of "My Garden" by Kevin Henkes, a book included on the booklist of children books on plants. — My Garden by Kevin Henkes

I adore the little girl’s imagination in “My Garden.” She loves helping her mom work in the garden, but if she had a garden, her garden would be just a little bit different, with chocolate bunnies and blooming seashells.

27. The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins

Kate Sessions lays in the grass in the middle of tall Redwood forest on the book cover of "The Tree Lady," a book on the booklist children books on plants. — The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins

A true story based on the life of Kate Sessions. Kate loved the woods and loved studying science which made her quite different in the late 1800s. Kate was the first female to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science. She changed the city of San Diego from a desert town to a city of magnificent gardens.

28. Planting the Wild Garden by Kathryn O. Galbraith

The children's book on plants, "Planting the Wild Garden," is covered with a little girl blowing dandelion seeds, a ring-tailed raccoon, a brown rabbit in a garden of yellow flowers, a jumping blue fish, and flowers and seeds being carried by the wind. — Planting the Wild Garden by Kathryn O. Galbraith

The wild garden is planted by many: animals, people, wind, and water. This book focuses on how seeds move and how we all work together to plant and grow the wild garden.

Hands-on Activities and Fun Projects:

These projects would be a great addition to celebrating Earth Day or adding a hands-on project to good reads from children books on plants:

Nature Paintbrushes by Katie at Mud Pies with Sprinkles
DIY Seed Starters for Kids by Vicky at Mess For Less Blog.
Pressed Flower Suncatcher over at Little Pine Learners

Interested in More Booklists for Kids: Check These Out!

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Get the complete list of books HERE.

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Get the complete booklist HERE.

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