Top 10 Botany Books for Preschool

Aria Dana
Sep 29, 2025
5 min read

Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their structure, properties, and biochemical processes, as well as their classification, ecology, and uses in society [1]. It is a core biological discipline essential for understanding life on Earth.

Top Picks for Botany Books suitable for Preschoolers

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle

A timeless picture book that brings the plant life cycle to life—plus kids can plant their own seeds!

What will the student learn?

Children will discover how a tiny seed travels, grows, and transforms into a flower while experiencing the plant life cycle firsthand by planting the included seed paper.

Perfect For:

Kids ages 3 - 6 , parents, teachers, and classrooms learning about plants, seasons, and nature.

Why is it recommended?

Picture Book with vivid illustrations
Teaches the plant life cycle simply
Includes seed paper for hands-on activity
Interactive, fun, and science-friendly

From Seed to Plant by Gail Gibbons

🧬 A nonfiction science classic that explains how seeds form, grow, and become plants with clear diagrams and fun facts.

What will the student learn?

Readers will learn how plants grow from seeds through pollination, seed formation, and germination. They will also gain plant vocabulary knowledge, explore diagrams, and try a seed-growing project.

Perfect For:

Kids ages 3 – 7, teachers, classrooms, and young gardeners curious about plants and science.

Why is it recommended?

Comprehensive Nonfiction Science Book
Bright diagrams & simple, clear text
Covers pollination, seed formation, and germination
Includes seed project and fun plant facts

A Seed Is Sleepy by Dianna Aston & Sylvia Long

🧬 A beautifully illustrated nature book that reveals the hidden wonders of seeds and how they grow.

What will the student learn?

Children will explore the fascinating world of seeds—from tiny redwood seeds to giant coconuts. They’ll learn plant and seed facts through poetic text and watercolor illustrations that show how seeds grow, travel, and flourish.

Perfect For:

Preschool and kindergarten readers, parents, teachers, homeschool educators, and young nature enthusiasts curious about plants, gardening, and the natural world.

Why is it recommended?

Picture Book with lyrical, poetic storytelling
Gorgeous watercolor illustrations of seeds, plants, and trees
Introduces seed diversity, growth, and plant life cycle
Inspires curiosity, garden exploration, and nature appreciation

Lily's Garden Adventures by Nora Wildwood

🧬 A joyful preschool storybook that invites kids to explore flowers, plants, and outdoor wonders with Lily.

What will the student learn?

Children will discover the basics of gardening through Lily’s adventures—learning about flowers, plants, sprouts, and bees while developing curiosity, imagination, and a love for nature.

Perfect For:

Kids ages 3–5, parents, preschool teachers, and families looking for fun gardening gifts or early nature books.

Why is it recommended?

Picture Book with playful, age-appropriate gardening themes
Charming illustrations that bring outdoor adventures to life
Introduces flowers, plants, sprouts, and pollinators
Encourages outdoor play, nature exploration, and curiosity

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner & Christopher Silas Neal

🧬 A lyrical picture book that reveals the busy world above and below the garden, from ripening vegetables to hidden underground creatures.

What will the student learn?

Children will discover how gardens grow throughout the year and explore the hidden ecosystem beneath the soil. They’ll learn about worms, insects, and animals that help plants thrive, as well as the cycle of planting, harvesting, and seasonal change.

Perfect For:

Kids ages 3 – 5, parents, teachers, and classrooms exploring gardening, ecosystems, or nature.

Why is it recommended?

Picture Book with lyrical storytelling and vivid illustrations
Introduces above-ground and underground garden life
Glossary enriches learning about animals, insects, and plants
Inspires curiosity, gardening, and appreciation of ecosystems

The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller

🧬 A rhythmic, colorful picture book that introduces children to flowers, seeds, and plant parts with playful language and art.

What will the student learn?

Children will learn that the reason for a flower is to make seeds, while also exploring plant parts and their functions. The book reinforces vocabulary and basic botany concepts through rhyme and vivid illustrations.

Perfect For:

Young readers, parents, teachers, and classrooms introducing basic plant biology and vocabulary in an engaging way.

Why is it recommended?

Picture Book with rhythmic, poetic text
Bold, electrifying illustrations that captivate children
Introduces flowers, seeds, and plant functions clearly
Makes early botany concepts fun and memorable

Eating the Alphabet by Lois Ehlert

🧬 An alphabet book that teaches letters while introducing colorful fruits and vegetables from around the world.

What will the student learn?

Children will learn upper- and lowercase letters while discovering a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. A glossary at the end provides extra facts, encouraging healthy eating and vocabulary growth.

Perfect For:

Preschoolers, early readers, parents, teachers, and classrooms introducing the alphabet, healthy foods, or multicultural fruits and vegetables.

Why is it recommended?

Picture Book
Combines literacy learning with nutrition awareness
Features a wide range of fruits and vegetables from around the world
Includes glossary with fun food facts for extended learning

The Vegetables We Eat by Gail Gibbons

🧬 A colorful nonfiction book that explains what vegetables are, how they grow, and why they matter.

What will the student learn?

Children will learn the basics of vegetables—different types, how they grow, and how they make it from farms to stores. They’ll also explore fun vegetable trivia through diagrams, cross-sections, and detailed illustrations.

Perfect For:

Kids ages 3 – 7, parents, teachers, classrooms, and young readers curious about food, farming, and healthy eating.

Why is it recommended?

straightforward text
Watercolor illustrations, diagrams, and cross-sections add depth
Makes a complex topic accessible and engaging
Supports early science lessons and nutrition awareness

Tree Full of Wonder by Anna Smithers

🧬 A rhyming picture book that inspires children to love, respect, and protect trees.

What will the student learn?

Children will learn why trees are important, how they help people and the planet, and what we can do to protect them. They will also practice tree recognition and explore mindful connections with nature.

Perfect For:

Kids ages 3 – 8, parents, teachers, homeschool educators, and young readers interested in nature, mindfulness, and environmental awareness.

Why is it recommended?

Rhyming Picture Book
Breathtaking illustrations that spark curiosity and imagination
Includes worksheets for active learning and reflection
Encourages mindfulness, empathy, and environmental stewardship

My First Book of Growing Food by duopress labs, illustrated by Åsa Gilland

A playful board book that introduces toddlers to gardening, herbs, and veggies in a hands-on way.

What will the student learn?

Toddlers will discover how to plant and care for vegetables and herbs such as lettuce, tomatoes, rosemary, and mint. They’ll also follow a simple 12-step guide to starting their own herb garden, building early awareness of food and nature.

Perfect For:

Toddlers ages 0–4, parents, families, and early childhood educators encouraging gardening, healthy eating, or eco-friendly habits.

Why is it recommended?

Board Book format designed for toddlers with sturdy, eco-friendly materials
Bright, playful illustrations that spark curiosity and imagination
Encourages family participation with an herb garden project
Supports early environmental awareness and healthy lifestyle habits

Ready to Inspire a Love of Plants in Your Little Ones?

Bring the wonder of the plant world to life! Explore these carefully selected botany books for preschoolers and watch your child grow curious, creative, and connected to nature.

Shop the Books Now!

Want More Science Fun?

Check out our other recommended Science Books for Early Childhood Education to keep your little learners exploring, discovering, and loving STEM!

Reference

Oliveira, M., Azevedo, L., Ballard, D., Branicki, W., & Amorim, A. (2023). Using plants in forensics: state-of-the-art and prospects.. Plant science : an international journal of experimental plant biology, 111860 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plantsci.2023.111860.