Discover Nature Books recommended by Emma Watson, CBC Radio: The Current, and Leonardo DiCaprio—insights that deepen your connection to the natural world.
What if the books you read could change how you see the world outside your window? Nature has a way of surprising us—its complexity often hidden beneath quiet forests, sprawling parks, and the delicate interactions of ecosystems. At a moment when global environmental challenges demand our attention, turning to expert voices that make sense of nature's intricacies is more vital than ever.
Experts like Enric Sala, whose work at National Geographic blends science with conservation, and Peter Wohlleben, who reveals the secret lives of trees, invite us to rediscover the wild with fresh eyes. Emma Watson, known for her activism, embraces these insights to deepen her understanding of ecological balance. Similarly, CBC Radio: The Current highlights how such works illuminate the powerful connections between humans and the natural world, urging thoughtful stewardship.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks and compelling stories, readers seeking content tailored to their specific environment, experience level, or interests might consider creating a personalized Nature book that builds on these insights. Tailored content can bridge general knowledge and your unique nature journey, making your exploration even more meaningful.
Cbc Radio: The Current, hosting CBC Radio One's flagship news program, highlighted Enric Sala's transition from academia to National Geographic as a pivotal move for conservation advocacy. They noted, "@Enric_Sala quit academia and joined National Geographic to further the cause of conservation. His new book The Nature of Nature outlines why preserving land and oceans are our best means of combating environmental disaster." This perspective underscores the book’s blend of scientific rigor and urgent activism. Complementing this, Leonardo DiCaprio, actor and environmentalist, praised Sala’s ability to appeal to both reason and emotion, emphasizing the book’s heartfelt arguments for protecting wild places. Together, these voices frame the book as a thoughtful and compelling call to action grounded in both experience and passion.
“@Enric_Sala quit academia and joined National Geographic to further the cause of conservation. His new book The Nature of Nature outlines why preserving land and oceans are our best means of combating environmental disaster.” (from X)
Enric Sala is a marine ecologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence dedicated to restoring the health and productivity of the ocean. He is widely recognized for his worldwide conservation efforts, based on solid observational and experimental research, combined with strategic communications and policy discussions. Previously a professor at the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California, he founded National Geographic Pristine Seas, a global project that combines exploration, research, and storytelling to inspire leaders and communities to protect the last wild places in the ocean. To date, Pristine Seas has helped to create 22 marine reserves encompassing almost 6 million square kilometers of ocean, more than half the area of all 50 United States.
Unlike most nature books that focus solely on the beauty of wilderness, Enric Sala’s work blends his scientific expertise with a powerful narrative on conservation's economic and ecological importance. Drawing from his experience leading National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project, Sala reveals surprising insights such as how shark populations indicate ocean health and why crop diversity outperforms monoculture farming. Through engaging expedition stories and scientific evidence, you’ll gain a nuanced understanding of why protecting natural ecosystems benefits both the planet and human economies. This book suits anyone keen on environmental science, policy, or sustainable development who wants a grounded yet passionate perspective.
National Geographic, the renowned global nature publication, highlights this atlas’s vivid photographs, maps, and graphics that showcase America’s national parks as natural treasures. Their recommendation came after seeing how the book captures the parks’ diversity with stunning visuals and detailed information. "National Geographic’s Atlas of the National Parks showcases these natural treasures through photographs, maps, and graphics," they noted, emphasizing its role in deepening appreciation for these spaces. This atlas helped broaden perspectives on conservation and geography. Additionally, Library Journal praises the book's thorough exploration of 33 parks in depth, noting its value for students and casual readers alike.
Jonathan Waterman is an accomplished author and adventurer, known for his deep connection to the outdoors. He has written numerous books that reflect his lifelong love of nature, including 'Surviving Denali', which he penned while working as a park ranger in Alaska. Waterman has received several accolades for his writing, including the American Alpine Club Literary Award and an NEA Literary Fellowship. His works often explore the beauty and significance of America's wilderness areas, making him a respected voice in environmental literature.
What started as Jon Waterman's firsthand experiences as a park ranger in Alaska became a richly illustrated atlas that immerses you in America’s national parks. You’ll explore detailed maps, striking photographs, and in-depth profiles of all 61 parks, uncovering their unique ecosystems, landmarks, and histories. The book offers precise insights on wildlife, climate, and cultural heritage, making it ideal if you want to deepen your understanding of these natural treasures or plan meaningful visits. Chapter 12’s comprehensive look at Denali’s geography and wildlife exemplifies how the atlas blends cartography with storytelling.
This personalized AI book about ecosystem conservation is created after you share your background, skill level, and which conservation topics you want to focus on. You also provide your specific goals, so the book is crafted to address your unique path to understanding and protecting nature effectively. Personalization matters here because ecological challenges vary widely, and a one-size-fits-all approach often misses critical local and contextual factors. This custom AI book ensures you get the precise insights and strategies that fit your interests and conservation aims.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored book provides a personalized framework for mastering natural ecosystems, conservation principles, and sustainable practices aligned with your specific goals. It focuses on delivering targeted strategies to understand ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity preservation, and human impact mitigation within your unique environmental context. By cutting through irrelevant generic advice, it offers a comprehensive guide to assessing ecological health, implementing conservation initiatives, and fostering sustainable interactions with nature. The book integrates foundational concepts with practical applications, ensuring a tailored approach that fits your knowledge level and priorities, thereby enhancing your capacity to protect and steward natural environments effectively.
With three decades as an editor, writer, and photographer, Joe Yogerst has brought his extensive experience working across four continents to this book. His National Geographic contributions and multiple Lowell Thomas Awards underscore his expertise in travel and exploration. This background drives the detailed guidance and stunning photography that make this guide a gateway to discovering North America's parks in depth, helping you plan visits that go beyond the usual routes and sights.
With three decades as an editor, writer, and photographer under his belt, Joe Yogerst has lived and worked on four continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. His writing has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Islands Magazine, the International New York Times (Paris), and numerous National Geographic books including 50 States, 5,000 Ideas; Destinations of a Lifetime; and National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States. He has won four Lowell Thomas Awards, including one for Long Road South, his National Geographic book about driving the Pan American Highway from Texas to Argentina. He lives in San Diego, California.
With three decades as an editor, writer, and photographer, Joe Yogerst brings a seasoned eye to exploring North America's diverse parks. This guide offers you 5,000 ideas across national, state, and city parks, blending practical tips with vivid National Geographic photography. You’ll find detailed advice on hiking, biking, camping, and wildlife insights, all peppered with fascinating facts and insider knowledge. Whether you're planning a trip to Yellowstone’s geysers or a stroll through Central Park, this book serves those who want more than a cursory visit, providing inspiration and concrete ideas for immersive park experiences.
The Garden Design Journal, a respected authority in garden design, highlights this book as 'an expert study of a major gardening trend.' Their endorsement reflects deep familiarity with evolving landscape aesthetics. They found the book transformative in understanding how naturalistic planting reshapes traditional gardening concepts, offering both inspiration and practical insight. Similarly, Washington Gardener Magazine praises it as 'a trove of naturalistic gardens,' underscoring its rich visual and textual content that guides gardeners toward more eco-conscious designs.
Noel Kingsbury is a planting-design consultant and a prolific writer on gardens and naturalistic planting, with over 20 books to his name. He is based in Portugal, where he is developing an experimental garden.
When Noel Kingsbury and Claire Takacs first discovered the shift toward nature-based planting, they captured this movement in a refreshingly detailed way that moves beyond traditional garden aesthetics. You’ll learn how to apply eco-aware principles to create gardens that prioritize sustainability and embrace natural growth patterns, illustrated by over 40 international examples—from drought-resistant designs in Australia to perennial meadows in England. This book is ideal if you're passionate about redefining your outdoor space with wild, resilient plantings rather than manicured lawns, and it dives deep into the philosophies and practicalities behind the naturalistic garden trend. The photography and designer profiles enrich your understanding, making it both inspirational and instructive.
Jennifer Jewell, creator and host of the Cultivating Place Podcast, turned to this book during a time when environmental concerns like climate change and pollinator decline felt overwhelming. She describes New Naturalism as a companion that gently shifts the gardening mindset, making it easier to engage with these large challenges through established gardening habits. This fresh perspective helped her see gardening not just as a hobby but as an act of ecological care, bridging passion with actionable consciousness in everyday garden decisions.
“New Naturalism is a companion for us in cultivating a caring consciousness… In a gardening moment where there is a lot of potential anxiety around the urgency of the biggest concepts like climate change and pollinator decline, Kelly provides just enough of a tweak in perspective on how we approach our gardening impulse to grant us easier access into this conversation about the role of gardeners through the fortitude and best intentions of our already established gardening passions and habits.”
Kelly D. Norris is an award-winning author and plantsman, and the former director of horticulture and education at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a revitalized public garden in Des Moines, Iowa. Over his career, his work has been featured in The New York Times, Organic Gardening, Better Homes and Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Garden Design, and in numerous local and regional media appearances. As a writer and photographer, he regularly contributes to popular gardening magazines like Country Gardens, Fine Gardening, The American Gardener, and a variety of industry trade publications. As a speaker, he has garnered acclaim for his high-energy, zealous presentations on the national stage, leading many to call him one of the rising stars of American horticulture. Kelly has been fortunate to earn recognition for his work from a variety of organizations, including three awards from Iowa State Horticultural Society (2009–2011) for his service and contributions to horticulture in Iowa; early career and young professional awards from the Perennial Plant Association (2011), GardenComm (2018) and the American Horticultural Society (2018); the Iowa Author Award for Special Interest Writing (2013), the youngest Iowan to be recognized in the history of the awards program; and a fellowship from the Chanticleer Foundation (2015) for his curatorial and plant exploration work at the Botanical Garden.
When Kelly D. Norris challenges the traditional notion of home gardening, he invites you to rethink your outdoor spaces as dynamic ecosystems rather than neatly trimmed displays. Drawing from his extensive horticultural expertise, Norris teaches you how to design gardens that mimic natural meadows, prairies, and woodlands, emphasizing ecological resilience and biodiversity. You’ll learn to layer plants according to natural palettes and create spaces that support wildlife and reduce reliance on chemicals. This book suits gardeners eager to cultivate not just beauty but a thriving, environmentally integrated garden that reflects the wild landscapes we cherish.
Iowa Author Award for Special Interest Writing
Multiple horticultural awards from Iowa State Horticultural Society
This AI-created book on nature immersion is tailored to your skill level, interests, and goals. You share which aspects of nature observation and conservation you want to focus on, along with your current experience. The book then provides daily guided activities designed specifically for you, making your journey into the natural world immersive and practical. Personalization ensures the content fits your unique environment and deepens your connection authentically.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This personalized book provides a step-by-step daily guide focused on nature observation, conservation practices, and fostering ecological awareness. It offers a tailored approach that aligns with your specific environment, experience level, and objectives, cutting through generalized advice to fit your unique context. Throughout the 30-day journey, you engage with actionable activities that cultivate a deeper connection to the natural world, emphasizing practical immersion rather than abstract theory. The content integrates both foundational knowledge about ecosystems and hands-on conservation techniques, enabling you to develop a sustained practice of ecological mindfulness and stewardship.
Ron Fournier, president at Truscott Rossman and bestselling author, finds solace in northern Michigan woods, where he pairs quiet moments by the Au Sable river with this book. He shares, "One of my favorite things to do in the northern Michigan woods is to stop on the Au Sable river with a cigar and this beautiful book that I keep in the glove box of my ATV. Among other things, it’s taught me to hear the trees (no shit)." This transformed his experience of nature, revealing layers of interaction he hadn't noticed before. Similarly, Tracy Chou, a startup advisor and investor, praises the illustrated hardcover edition for its beauty and substance, highlighting the book’s appeal beyond just text to its visual storytelling.
“One of my favorite things to do in the northern Michigan woods is to stop on the Au Sable river with a cigar and this beautiful book that I keep in the glove box of my ATV. Among other things, it’s taught me to hear the trees (no shit)” (from X)
by Peter Wohlleben, Jane Billinghurst, Tim Flannery, Suzanne Simard··You?
About the Author
Peter Wohlleben spent over twenty years working for the forestry commission in Germany before leaving to put his ideas of ecology into practice. He now runs an environmentally-friendly woodland in Germany, where he is working for the return of primeval forests. He is the author of numerous books about the natural world including The Hidden Life of Trees, The Inner Lives of Animals, and The Secret Wisdom of Nature, which together make up his bestselling The Mysteries of Nature Series. He has also written numerous books for children including Can You Hear the Trees Talking? and Peter and the Tree Children.
When Peter Wohlleben first discovered that trees communicate through underground networks, he reshaped how we understand forests. Drawing from over two decades working in forestry and managing an ecologically conscious woodland, Wohlleben unfolds how trees support each other like family members, sharing nutrients and warnings. You’ll gain insight into the social life of trees, backed by scientific findings and illustrated through observations of forest ecosystems. This book suits anyone curious about the natural world, especially those wanting to deepen their connection with forests beyond a casual walk.
Entertainment Weekly, a popular entertainment publication, named this book their "Holiday Gift Pick 2016," highlighting its impact during the holiday season. Their endorsement reflects the emotional power David Yarrow’s photography wields in reconnecting audiences with endangered wildlife. This recognition came at a time when visual storytelling helps deepen public awareness of conservation. Similarly, Smithsonian Magazine praised it as one of the best 'Art Meets Science' books of 2016, appreciating how Yarrow’s portraits renew emotional bonds with threatened animals. Both emphasize how this collection transcends typical wildlife photography to touch both the heart and mind.
David Yarrow was born in Scotland and is now based in London. He was named Young Scottish Photographer of the Year at the age of 20, and since turning his lens on the natural world, David has built an unrivaled reputation for capturing the beauty of the planet's remote landscapes and endangered animals. He is now Europe's best-selling wildlife photographer and is represented by a selection of the world's leading galleries while also being appointed as an ambassador for Nikon UK. Tusk, whose Royal Patron is HRH The Duke of Cambridge, will receive proceeds from the sale of the book to support its vital conservation projects in Africa. Tusk is a dynamic and pioneering organization with 25 years of experience initiating and funding conservation, community development and environmental education programs across Africa. Since its formation in 1990, Tusk has invested more than $40 million into a wide range of projects across the continent.
When David Yarrow first discovered the urgent plight of vanishing animal species and remote cultures, he set out with his camera to capture them in a way that commands attention. You’ll learn how photography can evoke deep emotional connections by seeing iconic animals like lions and polar bears anew, through intimate portraits that feel close enough to touch. This book offers not only breathtaking images but also insights into global conservation efforts and cultural preservation, making it ideal for anyone passionate about wildlife, photography, or environmental activism. Chapters showcase Yarrow’s journeys across continents, revealing how he balances art and advocacy to inspire awareness and action.
Robert Macfarlane, renowned author and Fellow at Cambridge known for his writings on nature and place, praised this book during its recognition phase, emphasizing its multi-generational impact and inspiration across conservation circles. His public congratulations reflect the book’s deep resonance with those dedicated to Britain's natural heritage. Macfarlane’s appreciation stems from how the book reshaped his understanding of Britain's wildlife challenges, highlighting overlooked opportunities for ecological renewal. Additionally, George Monbiot, a prominent environmental writer, noted its beautiful prose and genuine passion, forecasting Benedict Macdonald's rising influence in conservation discourse.
Author and Cambridge Fellow, nature and place writer
“@Rebirding1 @wainwrightprize @pelagicpublish @hughbrazier @GeorgeMonbiot @herdyshepherd1 @IoloWilliams2 @ChrisGPackham @PhilipPullman @isabella_tree @caitlinmoran @JLewisStempel @charlottebsmith What a wonderful & moving thread of thanks, Benedict; the book as a work of many hands across several generations. That all said: *huge* congratulations on this recognition of your important, inspiring book.” (from X)
Benedict Macdonald is a conservation writer, field director in wildlife television, and a keen naturalist; passionate about restoring Britain's wildlife, pelicans included, in his lifetime. During his extensive global travel experience, Benedict has found inspiring examples of why desecrating our country’s ecosystems is both entirely avoidable and against the national interest. This book is his attempt to ensure that this generation, for the first time in thousands of years, leaves Britain’s wildlife better off, not worse, than the generation before – for wildlife and people alike. Benedict is a long-time writer for Birdwatching magazine, as well as a contributor to the RSPB Nature’s Home and BBC Wildlife. He has been fortunate to work on TV series for the BBC and Netflix – most notably the grasslands and jungles programmes of Sir David Attenborough’s conservation series Our Planet: broadcast worldwide on Netflix in April 2019.
When Benedict Macdonald first rethought Britain's wildlife decline, he challenged the common notion that farmland modification was the key to conservation. Drawing from his background as a conservation writer and wildlife television field director, Macdonald lays out how historical landscape taming and the loss of cornerstone species have led to impoverished ecosystems. You learn how Britain's vast rural spaces are ironically underused for wildlife recovery and how rewilding national parks could revive both biodiversity and rural economies. This book is particularly insightful if you want to understand the ecological and economic stakes behind Britain's nature crisis and explore realistic paths toward restoration.
Winner of the Wainwright Prize for Writing on Global Conservation
Winner of the Richard Jefferies Society and White Horse Book Shop Literary Prize
The Times, a distinguished British newspaper, praises this work for its elegant and gently humorous prose. Their appreciation highlights how Sir David Attenborough's early adventures, captured through his Zoo Quest expeditions, reveal not only the thrill of discovery but also a warm, witty perspective rarely seen in nature writing. This book offered them a fresh look at the origins of wildlife storytelling and deepened their respect for the craft behind nature documentaries.
Sir David Attenborough is a broadcaster and naturalist whose television career is now in its seventh decade. After studying Natural Sciences at Cambridge and a brief stint in publishing, he joined the BBC. Since the launch of his famous Zoo Quest series in 1954, he has surveyed almost every aspect of life on earth and brought it to the viewing public. His latest program, Planet Earth II, was the most watched nature documentary of all time.
Sir David Attenborough's decades of experience as a broadcaster and naturalist provide the foundation for this engaging account of his early expeditions. Drawing from his pioneering Zoo Quest series in the 1950s, he takes you through immersive journeys to remote locations like Guyana and Indonesia, where he encountered exotic species such as giant anteaters and Komodo dragons. You gain insight into the practical challenges of fieldwork, the dynamics of wildlife filming, and the importance of biodiversity preservation. This book suits anyone fascinated by natural history or the origins of nature documentary filmmaking, offering a vivid glimpse into the man who shaped modern nature storytelling.
Nick Offerman, an actor and author known for his deep appreciation of craftsmanship and nature, praises this book as a charismatic and humorous journey through America's national parks. After discovering Conor Knighton's vivid storytelling, he describes it as a delightful sampler plate that invites you to truly experience these natural treasures. Offerman’s endorsement highlights how the book blends humor with erudition, making it not just informative but genuinely enjoyable. Alongside him, Victoria Stilwell, a celebrity dog trainer and nature enthusiast, calls it one of her favorite reads of 2020, emphasizing its appeal to anyone who loves national parks and nature's beauty.
“I am crazy about this book. It’s a delightful sampler plate of our national parks, written with charisma and erudition and leavened by a healthy dollop of humor. When Conor Knighton tells you to take a hike, you’d do well to pay attention.”
Conor Knighton is an Emmy-winning correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning, America's #1 Sunday morning news program. Depending on your cable package, you may have also seen him hosting shows on Current TV, AMC, and The Biography Channel or providing commentary for the likes of MTV, E!, and CNN. He has been to all of America's national parks and what feels like 40 percent of its Hampton Inns.
What if everything you knew about exploring national parks was wrong? Conor Knighton, drawing from his Emmy-winning experience as a CBS correspondent, offers more than just travel tales—he unpacks how visiting every U.S. national park reshaped his views on nature, community, and even technology. You’ll find chapters filled with vivid anecdotes, like a naked scrub in Arkansas and stargazing in Nevada, alongside reflections on the fragile future of these parks. This book suits anyone curious about America’s natural heritage, combining personal insight with cultural and environmental observations that challenge how you engage with the outdoors.
Stop following generic advice that doesn't fit. Get targeted Nature strategies without reading 10+ books.
Focused Nature Insights
•Customized Learning Path
•Practical Outdoor Tips
Join 15,000+ Nature enthusiasts who've personalized their approach
Nature Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Nature Immersion
Current Nature Trends
Expert Naturalist Playbook
Conclusion
The 10 books featured here weave together themes of ecological interdependence, conservation urgency, and the joy of immersing oneself in nature’s beauty. From the intricate communication of trees to the vivid photography capturing endangered wildlife, these works invite you to see nature as a dynamic, interconnected system.
If you’re grappling with how to contribute meaningfully to conservation, start with The Nature of Nature for a grounded scientific and economic perspective. For those eager to explore the American wilderness, pairing National Geographic Atlas of the National Parks with Leave Only Footprints offers both detailed knowledge and personal narrative.
Once you've absorbed these expert insights, create a personalized Nature book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Tailored books can sharpen your focus, adapt strategies to your locale, and inspire deeper engagement with the natural world around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with The Nature of Nature by Enric Sala. It offers a compelling blend of science and conservation that grounds your understanding of why nature matters globally and locally.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Nature?
Not at all. Books like Adventures of a Young Naturalist provide accessible stories, while others like New Naturalism gently introduce ecological gardening concepts so beginners can easily engage.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with broader ecology and conservation themes like The Nature of Nature, then explore specific topics such as national parks or gardening to deepen your knowledge progressively.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can certainly choose based on your interests—whether it's wildlife photography, national parks, or gardening—but together they offer a richer, interconnected view of nature.
Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?
The Hidden Life of Trees delves into ecological theory, while New Naturalism and Wild offer practical advice on designing resilient gardens inspired by nature.
Can personalized Nature books complement these expert recommendations?
Yes, personalized Nature books are a great way to complement expert insights. They tailor knowledge to your interests, experience, and goals, offering focused guidance beyond general advice. Explore your options here.
📚 Love this book list?
Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!
