2. "Natureness" in popular children’s literature: Implications for early development and environmental connection

• In Event: Nature-connectedness and the More-than-human in Environmental Education - Environmental Education SIG Structured Poster Session

Abstract

This study examines how popular children’s picture books depict nature, environmental themes, and equitable access to natural experiences. Building on prior research (McGuire & Della-Croce, 2017; Ryman, 2021), it evaluates the extent to which widely circulated books support young children’s nature-connectedness and environmental literacy which are key foundations for fostering pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in early childhood.
Perspective:
Grounded in early learning and environmental connectedness frameworks, this study considers picture books as powerful tools that shape young children’s perceptions of the natural world (Strouse et al., 2018; Ganea et al., 2011). These early perceptions have lasting implications for children’s development, well-being, and environmental attitudes (Arola et al., 2023; Chawla, 2020). While previous studies have focused on award-winning or explicitly nature-themed books (e.g., Kirk & Karbon, 2010), this study analyzes widely circulated titles—those most likely to reach children—to examine how nature is represented and how inclusion and equity are (or are not) embedded in environmental storytelling.

Authors

• Emily Small, University of Washington

• Stacey Alfonso, University of Washington

• Gail E. Joseph, University of Washington

• Emily Holm Tobin, University of Washington