Whether you live in the country surrounded by pine trees and lakes or in the inner city surrounded by cement and buildings, these books are wonderful resources to help your child appreciate and learn about nature.

Sleepy Eyes
By Jane E. Gerver

Children love learning about animals. Where do they live? What do they eat? And, where do they sleep? Sleepy Eyes will answer all those questions, plus show your child how they sleep. This clever book gives each animal a set of eyes that actually close when the book is leaned back.

Rabbits, beavers, squirrels, bears and owls come alive through snappy rhyming verse and playful drawings showing each animal in its own habitat. To accommodate the eyes, the book is chunky, so little hands will not have any trouble holding or toting it around the house.

Sleepy Eyes is sure to become a favorite for bedtime reading. As your child watches each animal go "night, night," their eyes may just become "sleepy eyes" as well.

On the Spot: Oceans
By Moira Butterfield

What lies beneath the ocean? What animals call the ocean their home? Are all oceans the same? All of these questions and more are answered in Oceans, part of the On the Spot series from Reader's Digest Children's Books.

With see-through images, maps, pictures of ocean creatures and creatively placed text, each page is a new adventure to explore. All ages of children will be intrigued as they learn about the mysteries of the ocean. Younger children will love the pictures and being read the short facts about animals, icebergs, lost treasure and scuba diving. Older children will enjoy reading about ocean legends and using the dictionary of ocean terms in the back of the book. A humpback whale pops out in the middle of the book as a pleasant surprise for both young and old!

Looking into Nature's Secrets
By Michael Bright

Where do grubs live? What does it mean when an animal migrates? Why is a coral reef considered a "cleaning station" for some fish? All these questions, plus many more, are answered in Looking into Nature's Secrets.

See-through pages add interest, while the subtle pictures will make the child want to learn more. Each page contains short blurbs about several different animals, plants and locations. Children learn what secrets nature tries to keep to itself through easy-to-understand words. For older children, important words are put in bold letters, and explanations are simple and direct. Younger readers will be full of questions, encouraging conversation between parent and child. Together, read and learn about all of nature's little secrets.

It's a Frog's Life: My Story of Life in a Pond
By Steve Parker

What's it like to be a frog living in a pond? One frog decides to keep a journal of his life -- with a little help by author Steve Parker -- and the result is It's a Frog's Life.

The journal begins in early spring when it's nice and warm for the frog, and ends in winter, when the frog must bury himself in the soil. The frog's entries, photos and words will entertain as well as educate preschoolers up to school-age children. Muddy footprints left by the frog add an interesting touch and are sure to be hunted for by the reader.

In the end, the frog introduces some of his friends: a red-eyed tree frog, a water-holding frog, a "squeaker" from Africa, a poison dart frog and the American Bullfrog. A glossary of terms will help children learn more about the frog's life in the pond.

Journey to the Center of the Earth
By Nicholas Harris

Now children can go someplace they never could before -- the center of the Earth! Read this book with your child and take a trip together like no other.

Start by learning about the "watery planet." Then, slowly you'll make your way to the center, or "inner core," of the Earth. With clever cut-outs and unfolding pages, children actually journey through the book. Facts are presented in easy-to-understand language, and a glossary provides a list of words to learn. The full color pictures illustrate the journey beautifully, and are out of this world!

The Insect Book: A Basic Guide to the Collection and Care of Common Insects for Young Children
By Connie Zakowski

Your child can learn about nature and responsibility with The Insect Book. Children will learn how to catch, feed and care for some of nature's smallest creatures. Interesting insects like grasshoppers, walking sticks, ladybugs and fireflies will amaze all ages -- even adults! Capture a caterpillar and observe with your child how it turns into a beautiful butterfly. The simple pencil drawings illustrate each insect, plus the various pieces of equipment recommended for collecting them. A glossary in the back of the book will help older children pronounce and remember the harder words and names.

How Nature Works: 100 Ways Parents and Kids Can Share the Secrets of Natures
By David Burnie

Introducing your child to nature can be a wonderful experience for you and your little one. How Nature Works is a wonderful resource for parents who need ideas, or want to encourage a more "hands-on" approach. The book involves the reader with fun experiments and activities. Colorful photos will help you know you're on the right path -- you can follow along with the "live" photos. A great resource for parents and educators.