Nature, School & Halloween: 3 Picture Books for Curious Kids (Ages 2–7)

 

Picture books are a window to a child’s imagination, letting them explore the world during storytime. Some books take them on a journey through nature, while others gently help them overcome the fear of the new and the unknown. Yet others simply give them a reason to celebrate.

Here are three picture books that do just that—discovering the world, navigating first experiences, and enjoying seasonal fun.

 

1. Bunny Sees (A First Look Nature Book)
by Hargrave Hands

Bunny Sees is a beautifully illustrated board book for little readers who are just beginning to discover the wonders of nature. It is a lovely read-aloud for curious little explorers who can experience the small moments of the natural world through the eyes of a little bunny.

The lifelike illustrations give young readers the feeling of a first-hand encounter with nature as they follow Bunny, who steps out of its home to quietly observe the world around it. Children notice a dragonfly hovering near the pond with its silvery wings, bright yellow flowers where a honeybee stops to gather nectar, and a tiny bird picking a small purple berry from a plant.

With very little text—perfect for first-time listeners during read-aloud time—this gentle board book becomes a wonderful introduction to observing nature. It is a simple and engaging choice for parents who want to encourage little ones to notice, explore, and enjoy the small details in the world around them.

Age: 2–4 years
Best for: Introducing toddlers to nature and encouraging quiet observation of the world around them.

 

2. Pooh’s First Day of School (My Very First Winnie the Pooh)
by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld and illustrated by Robbin Cuddy

Starting school can feel exciting for some children, but for many it can also be a little scary and overwhelming. Some little ones feel nervous about stepping into a whole new world, while others simply feel sad about being away from home for the first time.

Pooh’s First Day of School can be a comforting story for children who feel unsure about going to school. Leaving the familiar comforts of home is not always easy for a little child, and this gentle story helps reassure them that new experiences can slowly turn into happy ones.

In the story, Christopher Robin introduces Pooh and his friends to the world of school. As the characters explore this new place together, young readers begin to see that school is not something to be afraid of after all.

Younger children will enjoy listening to the story during read-aloud time, while the soft and welcoming illustrations help slightly older children connect with the experience through the eyes of their beloved bear, Winnie the Pooh.

Age: 2–6 years
Best for: Helping children feel reassured and prepared for their first days at school.

 

3. Happy Halloween, Daniel Tiger! (A Lift-the-Flap Book)
by Angela C. Santomero

Happy Halloween, Daniel Tiger! is a cheerful lift-the-flap board book where Daniel Tiger and his friends are getting ready for the Halloween parade in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. What makes this book especially exciting for young readers is that they get to join the fun themselves by lifting the flaps on each page.

Daniel Tiger and his friends—Katerina Kittycat, Miss Elaina, O the Owl, and Prince Wednesday—choose their costumes and head out together to celebrate Halloween in their neighbourhood. As children lift each flap, they discover little surprises that add to the excitement of the parade.

The colourful and lively illustrations, along with the interactive flaps and simple storyline, make this book an engaging way to introduce children to the fun traditions of Halloween. At the same time, the story gently highlights the joy of celebrating together as a community.

Age: 3–7 years
Best for: Interactive storytime and introducing young children to the fun traditions of Halloween.

 

Final Thoughts

Each child has their own unique life experiences—small but meaningful. Whether it is discovering the quiet beauty of nature, preparing for new beginnings like the first days of school, or celebrating joyful occasions with friends and family.

Picture books often help little ones explore these moments before they experience them fully in their own lives. Through simple stories and colourful illustrations, they allow young readers to observe, imagine, and understand the world around them.

The three books in this list offer a glimpse into these different experiences. Whether children are quietly observing nature with Bunny, feeling reassured about school with Pooh, or joining Daniel Tiger and his friends in a cheerful Halloween celebration, each story brings its own kind of joy to storytime.

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