Where to Find Children’s Books for Your StoryWalk© Program: A Guide for Libraries, Nature Centers & Educators
If you’re planning a StoryWalk© program for your library, nature center, botanical garden, school, or community space, one of the most important steps is choosing the right children’s book. The book you select sets the tone for your StoryWalk©—engaging readers, encouraging movement, and reinforcing your educational or thematic goals.
But where can you find the right books for a StoryWalk©? And how do you secure permission to use them?
This guide will walk you through the best places to find children’s books for your StoryWalk©, including publisher resources, independent authors, booklists, and tips on copyright permissions—all while following Google’s best practices for helpful content.
What Is a StoryWalk©?
A StoryWalk© is an outdoor reading experience that combines early literacy, physical activity, and nature exploration. Pages from a picture book are mounted along a walking trail, sidewalk, or garden path. Families and children read the story one page at a time as they move along the route.
📝 Trademark Note: “StoryWalk©” is a registered trademark of Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, and was developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.
Key Criteria for Choosing StoryWalk© Books
Before we get to where to find books, here’s what to look for in a great StoryWalk© book:
Age-appropriate content (typically ages 2–8)
Short, rhythmic text for outdoor reading
Bright, engaging illustrations
15–20 pages that can be split across multiple panels
Themes that support your mission: nature, kindness, community, diversity, or STEM
Where to Find Children’s Books for Your StoryWalk©
Here are the best sources to find StoryWalk-friendly children’s books and secure the rights to use them.
1. Publisher Catalogs and StoryWalk-Approved Lists
Many publishers have StoryWalk-friendly books and provide guidance on permissions.
🔹 Publishers That Support StoryWalks©:
Charlesbridge Publishing
Offers pre-approved books for StoryWalks© with simple permission processes.Lerner Publishing Group
Includes StoryWalk-compatible titles and may offer blanket permissions for nonprofits and libraries.Capstone Publishing
Known for early literacy books with educational value.Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Scholastic
These larger publishers often require case-by-case permission but have rich catalogs to explore.
Pro Tip: Search their websites using keywords like “outdoor,” “nature,” “kindness,” or “movement” to find books that work well for StoryWalks©.
2. Children’s Book Award Lists
Award-winning books often have strong narrative flow, visual appeal, and educational themes—perfect for StoryWalks©.
Recommended Book Awards:
You can find these lists on the American Library Association (ALA) website or through your state’s library consortium.
3. State Libraries and StoryWalk Booklists
Many state libraries and regional library systems have curated lists of pre-approved or recommended StoryWalk© books.
Examples:
Vermont Department of Libraries
(home of the original StoryWalk© project)Massachusetts Library System
Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL)
These lists often include:
Book titles
Themes
Age ranges
Publisher permission status
4. Independent and Self-Published Authors
Working directly with indie authors can be a great option. They're often enthusiastic about literacy programs and more flexible with permissions.
Where to Find Them:
Goodreads – Search by genre and age range
Instagram – Use hashtags like #kidlit or #childrensbookauthor
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) – Author and illustrator directories by region
Amazon (Self-Published Children’s Books) – Use filters to find highly rated indie books
Pro Tip: Reach out to authors directly with a professional request. Many are thrilled to have their books featured in a StoryWalk©!
5. Local Bookstores and Regional Authors
Your local independent bookstore or library staff can recommend local authors and illustrators—perfect for community-based StoryWalk© programming.
Hosting a local author StoryWalk© can:
Boost community engagement
Encourage author visits or readings
Open up partnership and funding opportunities
6. Thematic Booklists for Nature Centers and Gardens
If you're hosting a StoryWalk© in a nature center, botanical garden, or park, look for books with themes like:
Trees, seasons, and weather
Animals and insects
Gardening and food
Environmental stewardship
Don’t Forget: You Need Permission
Reproducing a children’s book—even for educational, nonprofit use—requires copyright permission from the publisher or author.
How to Get Permission:
Visit the publisher’s website
Look for a "Permissions" or "Rights" page
Submit your request in writing
Include program details, timeline, and your nonprofit/educational status
Keep a record of the approval for your files
Some publishers provide blanket permissions for StoryWalks©—always check first!
Bonus Tip: Books That Already Have StoryWalk© Permission
Looking for a shortcut? Some libraries and states maintain lists of books with pre-approved StoryWalk© rights. These can save time and legal hassle.
Examples:
“The Busy Tree” by Jennifer Ward
“Sometimes Rain” by Meg Fleming
“Thank You, Earth” by April Pulley Sayre
Check with your state library or organizations like the Let's Move in Libraries initiative.
Final Checklist: Choosing Your StoryWalk© Book
Before finalizing your selection, ask:
Is the book age-appropriate and visually engaging?
Can the story be split naturally across 15–20 signs?
Does it align with your program’s theme or season?
Have I secured permission to use it?
Finding the right children’s book for your StoryWalk© program is essential for creating a meaningful, engaging, and legally compliant literacy experience. Whether you're working in a library, nature center, or community park, you now have the tools and resources to find the perfect book—and bring stories to life in outdoor spaces.
Start with trusted publishers, explore local talent, use curated award lists, and always remember to get permission. With the right book, your StoryWalk© can educate, inspire, and connect families in every season.