As the weather gets warmer and you start to plan outdoor adventures for you and your loved ones, consider picking up one of these nature guides from your local library:

The Book of Seeds edited by Paul Smith – An essential guide to these complex plant creations offers an up-close look that will inspire scientists and nature lovers alike.

Vitamin N by Richard Louv – Filled with activities, websites, advice, and essays, this guide provides an abundance of inspiration for creating a nature-rich life for both kids and adults.

Hike it Baby by Shanti Hodges – Presents the 100 best outdoor adventures that you can take with babies and toddlers (really!) along with everything you need to know about traveling and exploring the natural world as a new family.

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben – Draws on up-to-date research and engaging forester stories to reveal how trees nurture each other and communicate, outlining the life cycles of “tree families” that support mutual growth, share nutrients, and contribute to a resilient ecosystem.

Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia by Vin T. Sparano – Provides the most up-to-date information on hunting, fishing, camping, boating, and first aid, and offers profiles of game animals, sporting dogs, birds, and fish.

Families on Foot by Jennifer Pharr & Brew Davis – Offers practical advice and engaging activities to make hiking fun for families, from tackling diaper blowouts in the backcountry to using smartphone apps and GPS to engage teenagers with nature.

The Meaning of Birds by Simon Barnes – An illustrated examination of the lives of birds looks at how they achieve the miracle of flight, why they sing, what they tell us about the seasons of the year, the uses of feathers, and what the migration of birds can tell us about climate change.