Summer is just around the corner, and the staff at Texas Wildlife Association has put together a list of our favorite books to share with you! With recommendations for younger kids and up all the way to young adults, there’s something for every reader to enjoy. So whether you’re stretched out under a shade tree, lounging in a hammock, or sitting by the river, it’s the perfect time to slow down and get lost in a good book.
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Our first recommendation comes from our team at Conservation Legacy (CL), and it’s a great pick for families who enjoy reading together and talking about wildlife. It’s also perfect for readers who love nature, are curious about quirky animal facts, or want to see wildlife in a more accurate and respectful light.
Owls Aren’t Wise & Bats Aren’t Blind: A Naturalist Debunks Our Favorite Fallacies About Wildlife by Warner Shedd is a fascinating and fun read for anyone curious about animals and the natural world. Written by a former regional executive for the National Wildlife Federation, this book sets out to bust common myths about wildlife—like the idea that owls are especially wise or that bats are blind.
And for the younger readers CL shared these titles:
Matagorda Magic, The Hidden Life of a Texas Bay by Kimberly Ridley, with illustrations by Rebekah Raye, is a beautifully illustrated journey through a vibrant Texas estuary. Follow the lives of two American oystercatchers as they raise their young and navigate the dynamic world of Matagorda Bay. Throughout the story, special “closer look” moments offer fascinating insights into the creatures and habitats that make this ecosystem so unique.
Get ready to dive underground with Blindcat and Tadpole by Lisa Johansson, Illustrations by Bianka Santillan. When a wild flash flood whisks Tadpole into a hidden aquifer, he meets Blindcat—a glowing, eyeless fish who knows all the secret spots. Together, they explore the mysterious world below Texas, full of strange creatures and cool discoveries. It’s a fun adventure that shows just how magical nature can be—even the parts we can’t see!
Next we have a recommendation from our Director of Conservation at Texas Wildlife Association.
Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars: Fun Projects, Skills, and Adventures for Outdoor Kids by Steven Rinella, Illustrated by Max Temescu. A must-have guide for budding naturalists, scientists, gardeners, anglers, foragers, and hunters, Catch a Crayfish, Count the Stars helps get kids out into nature, imparting lifelong knowledge and skills along the way. #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
From our TYHP team we have Hatchet by Gary Paulsen is a gripping
survival adventure about 13-year-old Brian Robeson, who finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness after a plane crash.
With nothing but a small hatchet and his wits, Brian must battle the elements, face down wild animals, and conquer his own fear and loneliness. As days turn into weeks, he transforms from an ordinary teenager into a fierce survivor, discovering strength and courage he never knew he had. It’s a heart-pounding story of resilience, transformation, and the raw power of nature.
And finally, from the Director of the Texas Youth Hunting Program, the book that ignited a lifelong passion for conservation we give you, Nature’s Ways by Roy Chapman Andrews. With vivid storytelling and a deep respect for wildlife, Andrews’ work captures the magic of nature and the importance of preserving it—making it a powerful inspiration for anyone called to a life of stewardship and adventure.
Other great titles to add to your list:
The Earth Moved by Amy Steward
The Dangerous World of Butterfiles by Peter Laufer, PhD
The Falcon Thief by Joshua Hammer
To See Every Bird on Earth by Dan Koeppel
Popular Pick: A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
And of course, Texas Wildlife Association’s own CRITTER CONNECTIONS!
Happy Reading, see you in the fall!