🌿 Nature Close-Up: Nonfiction Picture Books for Curious Kids

​The In My Backyard series invites children to explore the tiny wonders of nature through full-color photographs and gentle nonfiction storytelling. Perfect for grades K–2, these books support early science learning, emotional literacy, and quiet observation — ideal for classrooms, homeschoolers, and families who love to learn outdoors.

🐛 Who Lives in My Backyard? ​

Who Lives In My Backyard children's book
 
Who Lives in My Backyard? is a nonfiction picture book that invites children to explore the tiny wonders just outside their door. With full-color photographs taken by the author in her own Maine backyard, this gentle introduction to nature showcases butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, spiders, and other fascinating creatures up close.

Designed for children in grades K–2, this book blends curiosity with calm observation — helping young readers notice, name, and appreciate the “creepy-crawlies” that share their world. Each page offers simple facts and vivid images that spark conversation, wonder, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
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Whether read at home, in the classroom, or out in the garden, Who Lives In My Backyard? encourages children (and grown-ups!) to slow down, look closely, and discover the beauty of everyday nature.

📚 For Educators and Caregivers


Content:
  • Designed for grades K–2
  • Supports science standards and observation skills
  • Encourages emotional connection to nature
  • Great for read-alouds, nature walks, and journaling prompts
  • Includes real photographs taken by the author in her Maine backyard

 
​🕸️ Garden Spiders Live in My Backyard ​
Garden Spiders Live in My Backyard children's book
 
​Garden Spiders Live in My Backyard is the second book in the In My Backyard series — a nonfiction picture book that invites children to witness the quiet magic of nature’s cycles. Through full-color photographs taken by the author, readers follow the life of the black and yellow garden spider: from the delicate architecture of its orb web to the springtime emergence of hundreds of tiny spiderlings.
Designed for curious children in grades K–2, this book blends scientific observation with visual wonder. Each page offers close-up views and gentle facts that help young readers understand and appreciate the beauty of backyard ecosystems.
Whether read indoors or out in the garden, Garden Spiders Live in My Backyard encourages children to slow down, look closely, and discover the extraordinary lives of ordinary creatures.
© 2018  Nannette Richford