Lisely Laboy (she/ella) is the project manager at Diverse BookFinder. Lisely holds a master's degree in Information and Library Sciences from Florida State University and undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida in Sociology and Women’s Studies. She has 10 years of public library experience, including time as a programming librarian for children and teens.
The 'Nature Gap' & What It Means
When we talk about the Nature Gap we're talking about the variety of systemic disparities that have historically and currently kept Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) from positive and lasting engagement with the outdoors and nature.
While we like to think of nature as accessible to all, the reality is that there are and have been several socio-political factors that have lead to disparities in everything from BIPOC communities access to and enjoyment of local and national parks to their inclusion in conservation movements meant to protect our outdoor spaces.
Although people of color make up nearly 40 percent of the total U.S. population, close to 70 percent of people who visit national forests, national wildlife refuges, and national parks are white.
National Health Foundation
It Starts With Access
At the most basic level, one of the biggest barriers to BIPOC engagement with the outdoors is actually access. Research shows that people of color are much more likely to live in areas with little or no access to natural areas than white people.
Furthermore, low income communities (where BIPOC are often overrepresented) are also much more likely to lack access to natural areas. The disparities are then exacerbated because low income communities may also lack the ability to travel outside of their communities to gain access to the natural areas that can be found elsewhere.
Children, Nature, and the Importance of Representation
No age group needs nature more than children. Studies consistently find that children who spend time outdoors in natural environments experience improved health and cognitive functions, strong motor coordination, reduced stress, and enhanced social skills.
Center for American Progress
While research shows that access to nature can lead to important and positive outcomes for children in a many areas (mental & physical health, social skills, education), the children of BIPOC and low income communities experience even less access to nature than their communities at large.
The reality of these disparities feeds into a cycle that can mean that children who have lacked access to natural space and outdoor recreation will continue to feel that these spaces and activities are not for them. We can work to change this.
At Diverse BookFinder we believe that one way to start combating the Nature Gap can be through increasing BIPOC representation in nature. We believe that BIPOC children will not find themselves in nature until they can see themselves in nature.
So as we continue to enjoy the warmth of summer, we've put together a list of some beautiful newer and upcoming picture books that highlight the joy of BIPOC children engaging with the natural world. We hope that these stories will inspire children to get out and enjoy nature now and in their futures.
For More Information On The Nature Gap:
Increasing exposure to the outdoors for young children could help break the vicious cycle of nature deprivation that contributes to many excluded communities being locked out of conservation employment and leadership opportunities.
Center for American Progress
The Camping Trip
"Ernestine has never been camping before, but she’s sure it will be lots of fun…won’t it? An endearing story about a girl’s first experience with the great outdoors. My aunt Jackie invited me to go camping with her and my cousin Samantha this weekend. I’ve never been camping before, but I know I will love it. Ernestine is beyond excited to go camping. She follows the packing list carefully (new sleeping bag! new flashlight! special trail mix made with Dad!) so she knows she is ready when the weekend arrives. But she quickly realizes that nothing could have prepared her for how hard it is to set up a tent, never mind fall asleep in it, or that swimming in a lake means that there will be fish — eep! Will Ernestine be able to enjoy the wilderness, or will it prove to be a bit too far out of her comfort zone? In an energetic illustrated story about a first sleepover under the stars, acclaimed author-illustrator Jennifer K. Mann reminds us that opening your mind to new experiences, no matter how challenging, can lead to great memories (and a newfound taste for s’mores)." -- publisher
Dusk Explorers
"A lyrical ode to summer evenings spent playing outside as a neighborhood glimmers with giggles and games. It's that special time of evening, when the hours and the possibilities seem endless: Light is fading. A buzz of excitement and wonder takes over the neighborhood....What outdoor adventures await? Join a diverse group of suburban kids as they dash and dodge in classic street games like tag and kick-the-can and reconnect with nature's simple pleasures catching frogs, hunting fireflies, and climbing trees. These explorers play, laugh, and make the most of their own front yards right up until their parents call out that "It's time to come home!" But when the sun begins to set tomorrow, they'll be back for more evening excitement! This ode to the timeless magic of summer evenings spent outside will remind kids of the fun and friends that wait just outside their doors and leave adults smiling with nostalgia for their own dusk explorations." -- publisher
Hike
"Take to the trails for a celebration of nature — and a day spent with dad. In the cool and quiet early light of morning, a father and child wake up. Today they’re going on a hike. Follow the duo into the mountains as they witness the magic of the wilderness, overcome challenges, and play a small role in the survival of the forest. By the time they return home, they feel alive — and closer than ever — as they document their hike and take their place in family history. In detail-rich panels and textured panoramas, Pete Oswald perfectly paces this nearly wordless adventure, allowing readers to pause for subtle wonders and marvel at the views. A touching tribute to the bond between father and child, with resonant themes for Earth Day, Hike is a breath of fresh air." -- publisher
Natsumi’s Song of Summer
"This sweet and gentle picture book celebrates summer in Japan, as one little girl shares her love for bugs with her cousin who is visiting from America. Two young cousins who are separated by language, continent and culture meet for the first time when Jill’s family travels from America to Japan to stay with Natsumi’s family during the summer holidays. Natsumi’s nervousness about meeting her cousin from across the sea quickly disappears when she discovers that her cousin is a lot like her: they both love summertime’s hot sandy beaches, cool refreshing watermelon, festivals and fireworks. Then Jill asks Natsumi about the strange buzzing sound that comes from the nearby trees, and Natsumi is nervous once again. What if Jill is frightened of Natsumi’s cherished cicadas, the insects that sing the music of summertime? This is a tender, evocative story that celebrates the special pleasures of summertime and of reunions with faraway family and friends." -- publisher
Over and Under the Rainforest
"Under the canopy of the rainforest hundreds of animals make their homes, but up in the leaves hides another world. Turn the pages of this beautiful and educational book to discover in words and mesmerizing illustration: Animals like the slender parrot snake and the blue morpho butterfly. The canopies where toucans and pale-billed woodpeckers chatter and call. Capuchin monkeys who swing from vines and slow-moving sloths who wait out daily thunderstorms. And much more! Discover the wonder that lies hidden among the roots, above the winding rivers, and under the emerald leaves of the rainforest in this glorious nature book for children and adults alike. Perfect for anyone who can't get enough of the rainforest and all the animals living in it." -- publisher
Percy’s Museum
"A sweet story about embracing change, the excitement of discovery and the wonder of nature and new friends. A young boy moves from the city to a new home in the country. He misses his friends, but at least it’s summertime — flowers are blooming, baby birds are hatching, and caterpillars are transforming into butterflies. Enraptured by the natural world, Percy climbs trees, tastes wild strawberries and tries to catch fish in the river with his bare hands. Percy also likes to draw pictures of what he has seen that day. He collects interesting leaves and rocks, and insects in jars. Percy discovers that being alone doesn’t have to be lonely, but explorers often share their findings. So, he creates a way to share his collection with others... Percy’s Museum is a sweet story about embracing change, the excitement of discovery and the wonder of nature and new friends." -- publisher
Wonder Walkers
"Micha Archer’s gorgeous, detailed collages give readers a fresh outlook on the splendors of nature. When two curious kids embark on a “wonder walk,” they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. They have thought-provoking questions for everything they see: Is the sun the world’s light bulb? Is dirt the world’s skin? Are rivers the earth’s veins? Is the wind the world breathing? I wonder…Young readers will wonder too, as they ponder these gorgeous pages and make all kinds of new connections. What a wonderful world indeed!" -- publisher
Outside, You Notice
"A lyrical nonfiction celebration of the outdoors pairing childlike observation with facts about the natural world...Time spent in the outdoors stirs a child’s imagination. Nature sparks wonder, wonder leads to curiosity, and curiosity brings about a greater knowledge of the world and one’s self. In Outside, You Notice, a meditative thread of child-like observations is paired with facts about the habits and habitats of animals, insects, birds, and plants." -- publisher
Titles Coming Soon to Diverse BookFinder
Let's Go Outside! by Ben Lerwill & Marina Ruiz
The great outdoors is waiting, ready to be filled with excitement and imagination. Join a group of friends as they play together throughout the year in this joyful exploration of spending time outside every day.
Drawing Outdoors by Jairo Buitrago & Rafael Yockteng
The students in this spirited picture book spend their days drawing dinosaurs outdoors. They draw astounding, spectacular creatures that come to life before their eyes, and turn their school into a wondrous place, where any child would want to go and learn.
Wild Summer: Life in the Heat by Sean Taylor, Alex Morss, & Cinyee Chiu
The beautifully-told story follows a young girl and her naturalist grandpa as they walk down a wild path towards the coast. They spot amazing plants and animals. She is enchanted by the vibrancy of life around her, but asks: "Do plants and animals want summer to last forever?"
Returning to the Yakoun River by Sara Florence Davidson, Robert Davidson, & Janine Gibbons
Every summer, a Haida girl and her family travel up the Yakoun River on Haida Gwaii, following the salmon. While their father fishes, the girl and her brother spend their time on the land playing and learning from Tsinii (Grandfather).
To Find Treasure in the Mountains by Francine Rockey & Kendra Binney
With sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure, three young children hike through the sparkling woods to find treasure in the mountains. No pirate's map or magic wand required! Outside, there is always something wonderful just around the bend.
When Summer Comes: Exploring Nature in Our Warmest Season by Aimée M. Bissonette & Erin Hourigan
Poetic children's book celebrating nature and wildlife in the summer season. Summer is the perfect season for families to embrace the outdoors. When Summer Comes celebrates playing and exploring in the wilderness during the summer months.
The Nature Journal: A Backyard Adventure by Savannah Allen
Tim has always loved nature. His dad always taught him to explore and adventure through their own backyard. So Tim observed, he collected, and he recorded it all in his nature journal, just like Dad! But when one day Dad is too busy to look at his findings, Tim takes it upon himself to show Dad all his adventures.
It's Time for Berries! by Ceporah Mearns, Jeremy Debicki, & Tindur Peturs
Ninguiq and the girls head out to pick berries, rain or shine--nothing will stop Ningiuq! Through driving rain and early autumn snow the girls and Ningiuq pick as many sweet berries as their buckets can hold. The hard work is all worth it to enjoy the delicious treats Ninguiq creates with her berries.
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