WOW Dozen: Poetry Picturebooks that Sing the Beauty and Wonder of Nature
The NCTE Poetry Awards Committee reviewed approximately 130 poetry picturebooks published in 2025 for consideration for the 2026 Notable Poetry Books list. During the review process, we noticed a growing number of science-themed poetry picturebooks that beautifully combined lyrical language with scientific concepts. Many of these titles captured our attention because they encourage children not only to learn about nature, animals, insects, weather, forests, oceans, and the Earth, but also to pause, observe, and wonder.
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. During read alouds, we are often amazed by children’s observation skills and the thoughtful questions. They frequently notice tiny details adults overlook and ask fascinating questions such as, “Why is the sky blue?” or “Why are trees tall?” Sometimes, as adults, we realize we have forgotten to explore these questions alongside children.
We are excited to share a dozen poetry picturebooks that invite children to share moments of wonder and discovery with peers, families, caregivers, and educators. Through rich language, vibrant illustrations, and engaging scientific ideas, these books inspire dialogue, imagination, and deeper connections with nature while celebrating the beauty of our world.
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A captivating combination of lyrical language and facts brings to life the impressive capabilities and habits of chameleons. | Image
Told through poetry and informational text, a young child learns about a ruby-throated hummingbird before it migrates south for the winter. | Image
Combining poetry and scientific explication, readers explore a variety of forests through bold, colorful illustrations. |
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In the hot and dry Sahara Desert, surprisingly, many animals make their homes. | Image
A free diver descends upon a clan of sperm whales, welcoming the newest sea life into their whale world down deep in the sea. | Image
Dig into Earth’s secrets below the surface to discover a world of mystery, danger, and intrigue where budding geologists learn to explore our planet one layer at a time. |
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We learn how instrumental blue jays are in spreading oak forests by burying acorns near and far, to be eaten (or forgotten) in winter. | Image
We follow the lifecycle of one monarch butterfly, enhanced by fascinating backmatter. | Image
The spacecraft travels through the five layers of Earth’s atmosphere, and the poetic lines tell of all the beauty in the sky as the spacecraft sails through space and finally back home again. |
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This poetic book turns into a guessing game, revealing fun facts about the owners of the many different wings. | Image
An interactive, rhyming, question-and-answer story that provides answers to questions about various aspects of nature through the eyes of a curious child. | Image
Through thirty fun and humorous poems, children learn about various bugs from around the world, including Brazil, New Zealand, Japan and the United States. |
Full list of contributors to this WOW Dozen: Junko Sakoi, Tucson Unified School District, Tucson, AZ, Willeena Booker, Hatboro-Horsham School District, Horsham, PA, Darryn Diuguid, McKendree University, Lebanon, IL, Glenda Funk, Pocatello/Chubbuck, S.D. #25, Pocatello, ID, Kasey Short, Charlotte Country Day School, Charlotte, NC, April Halprin Wayland, UCLA Extension Writers' Program, Los Angeles, CA, & Jongsun Wee, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR.
WOW Dozen features a list of 12 global books for children and adolescents around a theme, topic, issue or personal favorites. Each Dozen consists of ten newly-published titles with two older "must have" books. Please share or recommend additional books that fit the theme in the comments section or on social media using #WOWDozen.
