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National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry: More than 200 Poems With Photographs That Float, Zoom, and Bloom!
When words in verse are paired with the awesomeness of nature, something magical happens! Beloved former U.S. Poet Laureate J. Patrick Lewis curates an exuberant poetic celebration of the natural world in this stellar collection of nature poems. From trickling streams to deafening thrunderstorms to soaring mountains, discover majestic photography perfectly paired with contemporary (such as Billy Collins), classics (such as Robert Frost), and never-before-published works.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2015
26 people are currently reading
291 people want to read
About the author
J. Patrick Lewis
134 books104 followersJ. Patrick Lewis is the current Children's Poet Laureate. He has written more than seventy children's books, including Once Upon a Tomb: Gravely Humorous Verses. J. Patrick Lewis lives in Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 6, 2018
Wow. Definitely worth owning a copy - buy it for your aunt, your niece, her science teacher, her English teacher, and all your friends, whether they're hikers, or artists, 'Green,' or philosophical. A few favorites that I already know are included, but there are also lots of poems that I didn't know by familiar poets, and lots of poets I want to read more by, too.
The images are, of course, mostly stunning, including some that alert me to parks etc. to add to my 'bucket list.' And the poems are what I pedantically consider 'real' poetry. They're not simple verses; some are challenging.
In fact, there's a poem by Jack Prelutsky, who I usually mock, that I consider one of the most interesting in its own way. "The Ways of Living Things" is too long to quote, but it reads almost like a Psalm, like "All things great and small...."
The book is not perfect. For example, two 'mysteries,' the pink color of Lake Hillier and the Sliding Stones of Death Valley, have been sufficiently solved to make the poems obsolete. And there's no direct bibliography to make it easy to find a book that has a particular poem.
And there's a fairly tight focus on the US, maybe about 2/3 US, 1/3 the rest of globe.... If I were to teach this book, I would have students seek out more poems and images from the rest of the world.
A 'resources' page lists other books to add to my to-read list.
Added to places I want to see: Watkins Glen SP, NY, and the southern Mississippi R. where it's so wide you can't see the other side.
From "Lessons in September" by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer:
Someday, I hope to stay
who I am in the woods
when out of them-
Aware
Grateful
Awed
From "Bouquets" by Robert Francis:
One flower at a time. I want
to hear what it is saying.
Too long to quote is "The Peace of Wild Things" by Wendell Berry and "The Blue Between" by Kristine O'Connell George
The images are, of course, mostly stunning, including some that alert me to parks etc. to add to my 'bucket list.' And the poems are what I pedantically consider 'real' poetry. They're not simple verses; some are challenging.
In fact, there's a poem by Jack Prelutsky, who I usually mock, that I consider one of the most interesting in its own way. "The Ways of Living Things" is too long to quote, but it reads almost like a Psalm, like "All things great and small...."
The book is not perfect. For example, two 'mysteries,' the pink color of Lake Hillier and the Sliding Stones of Death Valley, have been sufficiently solved to make the poems obsolete. And there's no direct bibliography to make it easy to find a book that has a particular poem.
And there's a fairly tight focus on the US, maybe about 2/3 US, 1/3 the rest of globe.... If I were to teach this book, I would have students seek out more poems and images from the rest of the world.
A 'resources' page lists other books to add to my to-read list.
Added to places I want to see: Watkins Glen SP, NY, and the southern Mississippi R. where it's so wide you can't see the other side.
From "Lessons in September" by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer:
Someday, I hope to stay
who I am in the woods
when out of them-
Aware
Grateful
Awed
From "Bouquets" by Robert Francis:
One flower at a time. I want
to hear what it is saying.
Too long to quote is "The Peace of Wild Things" by Wendell Berry and "The Blue Between" by Kristine O'Connell George
August 8, 2015
Another fabulous collection. The photos threaten to overwhelm the poetry at times, but based on my experience with the National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry, it's the pictures that draw kids in and they definitely stay for the poems!
May 11, 2020
A wide range of thoughtful poetry.
Brilliant photography.
Nature themes.
I may need to get my own copy of this.
Brilliant photography.
Nature themes.
I may need to get my own copy of this.
June 26, 2018
If this collection of nature poetry were a buffet nearly every bite would be delectable. The poems are so evocative there is no need for the photographs, stunning though they are.
I kept thinking, "Oh, this one. I must collect this one", meaning the poems. I kept wondering, "How on earth could anyone be conversant enough with poems and poets to be able to collect all these into one work?" Perhaps only J. Patrick Lewis, one time U.S. Children's Poet Laureate, could have done so. (I actually got to hear him speak once and have been a tremendous fan ever since).
The poems are presented in ten categories, which works very well. Again, if it were a banquet these categories would serve as courses. There is a small icon representing the theme of the section in the top right corner of each page. These are helpful when flipping through the book to find a particular poem to share or re-read.
I found the "In Splendor" section particularly fascinating. Through poetry and photographs I was introduced to many natural wonders that here-to-fore I knew nothing about. This prompted much googling on my part to learn more about them.
Lastly, there are indexes by title, by poet, by first line, and by subject.
Because of the quality of the paper, which is heavy due to the size and the nature of color photographs, the sewn binding may not hold up to excessive library use. Which is to say that it might be in your best interest to purchase your own copy.
I kept thinking, "Oh, this one. I must collect this one", meaning the poems. I kept wondering, "How on earth could anyone be conversant enough with poems and poets to be able to collect all these into one work?" Perhaps only J. Patrick Lewis, one time U.S. Children's Poet Laureate, could have done so. (I actually got to hear him speak once and have been a tremendous fan ever since).
The poems are presented in ten categories, which works very well. Again, if it were a banquet these categories would serve as courses. There is a small icon representing the theme of the section in the top right corner of each page. These are helpful when flipping through the book to find a particular poem to share or re-read.
I found the "In Splendor" section particularly fascinating. Through poetry and photographs I was introduced to many natural wonders that here-to-fore I knew nothing about. This prompted much googling on my part to learn more about them.
Lastly, there are indexes by title, by poet, by first line, and by subject.
Because of the quality of the paper, which is heavy due to the size and the nature of color photographs, the sewn binding may not hold up to excessive library use. Which is to say that it might be in your best interest to purchase your own copy.
March 23, 2022
Great book of nature poems!
February 20, 2025
Meh. Great idea, beautiful pictures, disappointing selection: a lot of the poems are a bit too descriptive for me (perfect for kids who want a poem about winter, or about Mount Everest, or about tornadoes, though). I will not be keeping this one.
February 12, 2018
This is a big book, with a lot of photos and a lot of poems. It's an uneven collection, however.
I got this because I was looking for ocean-themed poems, and there are some in here, but what I didn't realize was that this is a collection made specifically for children. (I know. "Float, Zoom, Bloom!" should have clued me in. But I missed it.) There are some wonderful poems with all-ages appeal, some wonderful classics (Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson make several appearances, because of course), but a lot of these poems were written by children's authors, apparently for this collection. Many of these are descriptive poems, describing a particular place in the world (eg: Niagara Falls) or a particular phenomenon (eg: a hurricane). These are great poems for a classroom setting to teach children about poetry or open their minds to writing some simple poetry. But many of these poems offer nothing beyond their pretty descriptions of things and places, so they don't have all-ages appeal.
There are some lovely poems in here however. For example:
But the majority of the poems are just descriptive, they will appeal to children (especially children who may have been to the place described - my kids and I have walked Watkins Glen and this is a wonderful description), but they don't offer any deeper meaning, such as:
This collection makes an effort to be international. The majority of the poets are American, but not all of them. Many of the photos are of places around the globe.
I got this because I was looking for ocean-themed poems, and there are some in here, but what I didn't realize was that this is a collection made specifically for children. (I know. "Float, Zoom, Bloom!" should have clued me in. But I missed it.) There are some wonderful poems with all-ages appeal, some wonderful classics (Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson make several appearances, because of course), but a lot of these poems were written by children's authors, apparently for this collection. Many of these are descriptive poems, describing a particular place in the world (eg: Niagara Falls) or a particular phenomenon (eg: a hurricane). These are great poems for a classroom setting to teach children about poetry or open their minds to writing some simple poetry. But many of these poems offer nothing beyond their pretty descriptions of things and places, so they don't have all-ages appeal.
There are some lovely poems in here however. For example:
When It Is Snowing, by Siv Cedering
When it is snowing
the blue jay
is the only piece of
sky
in my backyard
I So Liked Spring, by Charlotte Mary Mew
I so liked Spring last year
Because you were here;-
The thrushes too-
Because it was these you so liked to hear-
I so liked you.
This year's a different thing,-
I'll not think of you.
But I'll like the Spring because it is simply spring
As the thrushes do.
But the majority of the poems are just descriptive, they will appeal to children (especially children who may have been to the place described - my kids and I have walked Watkins Glen and this is a wonderful description), but they don't offer any deeper meaning, such as:
Thank You Note to the Gorge, by Patricia Hubbell
At Watkins Glen State Park,
New York, U.S.A.
Gorge,
You are like a Chinese brush painting,
all lichened rocks and crags,
jutting precipices, scraggly pines.
As tourists passed, I stood
and stared at a waterfall that tumbled
down your rocks in a spray of joy.
Halfway up your narrow stone path
I was out of breath. I stopped to watch
waters of yet another fall slide over you –
a transparent skin
that crashed in foamy froth.
Your cold air, deep shadows,
endless stone steps,
all shrouded in a strange green daytime light
made a mystery around me, and I felt
as though I were in some far and ancient land.
Thank you, gorge, for the wonder of my trip.
This collection makes an effort to be international. The majority of the poets are American, but not all of them. Many of the photos are of places around the globe.
July 6, 2022
Strangely, as a fan of both nature photography and poetry, I found this anthology of poems and beautiful nature photographs to be disappointing. The poems’ text often cover the beautiful landscapes and the photographs may only relate to a single word in the poem but miss the intention of it. It’s a jarring mishmash. I think maybe nature poetry is best enjoyed with just text and letting your mind conjure the images up off the page. Unless, the photographer is also the poet and the poem is more about the experience of the visit. I felt like the poems and photos were in constant competition so that neither could be fully enjoyed. Also, the extremely glossy photo pages and often white font over photos, caused the light to glare off the page and made it difficult to read.
April 21, 2020
Beautiful photographs throughout but the poetry was not great. I would say I enjoyed about 20% of the pieces selected.
June 4, 2025
After reading the National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry, and loving it, I was excited to read this book as well. I love poetry, and I love sharing it with my sisters, both of whom also love poetry, so over several months, we read through this book as a bedtime treat.
This book has a wide variety of poems—from well-known writers from centuries past, right up through the present. I was impressed by how many poems there were in this book, each chosen with care. I also love the vivid, full-page pictures—they are a brilliant addition to the poetry, and set the scene and draw you in.
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t as much of a hit for me as the Animal Poetry book. I was surprised by how many poems had some sort of mystical/spiritual element, and as a Christian, I didn’t appreciate that so much.
I did enjoy the variety of poems, though—some of the places described in these poems were ones I’d never heard of before, so my sisters and I got to do additional investigation after reading about things like The Great Blue Hole or the Christmas Island Crabs—that was fun!
I don’t think this book will be staying on our family shelf, but I am glad to have had the chance to read this collection. There was a lot to love in it, and if you don’t mind having some spiritual elements in the poetry you read, you and your family are likely to love this book.
This book has a wide variety of poems—from well-known writers from centuries past, right up through the present. I was impressed by how many poems there were in this book, each chosen with care. I also love the vivid, full-page pictures—they are a brilliant addition to the poetry, and set the scene and draw you in.
Unfortunately, this book wasn’t as much of a hit for me as the Animal Poetry book. I was surprised by how many poems had some sort of mystical/spiritual element, and as a Christian, I didn’t appreciate that so much.
I did enjoy the variety of poems, though—some of the places described in these poems were ones I’d never heard of before, so my sisters and I got to do additional investigation after reading about things like The Great Blue Hole or the Christmas Island Crabs—that was fun!
I don’t think this book will be staying on our family shelf, but I am glad to have had the chance to read this collection. There was a lot to love in it, and if you don’t mind having some spiritual elements in the poetry you read, you and your family are likely to love this book.
Read
December 3, 20191. This collection of poems highlights the natural world and all its beauty. This book captures a variety of different poets, from classics such a Robert Frost to never before published poets. Escape the real world, and go where your imagination (and the stunning pictures) take you.
3. This book shows many different elements of nature and poetry. From short simple poems, to longer more detailed poems, this book has it all. Not only that it also captures many of the worlds beauties, with fabulous pictures. Share your love for both poetry and nature by reading this collection of poems.
3. I would pair this collection of poems with the book "Fun with Nature: Take Along Guide" by Mel Boring. I would use this book to show students that nature is all around us, we just have to go outside and find it. They will see all these beautiful places in the poetry book, and then be able to use those pictures to go out and explore their own world.
4. "This is my rock, And here I run to steal the secret of the sun;" I would use this line of the poem to show students how rhyming in a poem works. Since there are many types of poems in this collection, I would be able to compare many different poems and show students that not all poems are the same. This line in particular would help show students a specific rhyming pattern, that they can incorporate in their writing.
3. This book shows many different elements of nature and poetry. From short simple poems, to longer more detailed poems, this book has it all. Not only that it also captures many of the worlds beauties, with fabulous pictures. Share your love for both poetry and nature by reading this collection of poems.
3. I would pair this collection of poems with the book "Fun with Nature: Take Along Guide" by Mel Boring. I would use this book to show students that nature is all around us, we just have to go outside and find it. They will see all these beautiful places in the poetry book, and then be able to use those pictures to go out and explore their own world.
4. "This is my rock, And here I run to steal the secret of the sun;" I would use this line of the poem to show students how rhyming in a poem works. Since there are many types of poems in this collection, I would be able to compare many different poems and show students that not all poems are the same. This line in particular would help show students a specific rhyming pattern, that they can incorporate in their writing.
December 8, 2019
Beautiful book of National Geographic-quality pictures that correspond to the subjects of the nearly 200+ poems. A sample poem:
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer
Walt Whitman - 1819-1892
When I heard the learn’d astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.
Poems are written in shapes (the hurricane, or the pipe fish, falling flakes), or simply flow, like volcanoes. Great coffee table book (about 1' x 1')
There are sections like Sky, Sea, Land, Shade, Distress, etc. Writing colors chosen to still be read if written over/near a picture.
Excellent indexes:
-resources
-poet index (really great list of names)
-first line index
-subject index
When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer
Walt Whitman - 1819-1892
When I heard the learn’d astronomer,
When the proofs, the figures, were ranged in columns before me,
When I was shown the charts and diagrams, to add, divide, and measure them,
When I sitting heard the astronomer where he lectured with much applause in the lecture-room,
How soon unaccountable I became tired and sick,
Till rising and gliding out I wander’d off by myself,
In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time,
Look’d up in perfect silence at the stars.
Poems are written in shapes (the hurricane, or the pipe fish, falling flakes), or simply flow, like volcanoes. Great coffee table book (about 1' x 1')
There are sections like Sky, Sea, Land, Shade, Distress, etc. Writing colors chosen to still be read if written over/near a picture.
Excellent indexes:
-resources
-poet index (really great list of names)
-first line index
-subject index
July 25, 2017
This is a fantastically beautiful over-sized book of nature poetry for everyone to enjoy! Truly the age level of interest ranges from babies to the elderly. Gorgeous photographs are paired with more than 200 favorite poems that illuminate our Earth in all its splendor, in this copyright 2015 book of nature poetry & photography. Included in the 200 are classic and contemporary poets, as well as never-before-published poems. The Fountas & Pinnell reading level is R-Z.
Characteristic of genre: The purpose of this anthology of nature poems is to not only be in awe of our planet, but see the splendor and connections within natural categories such as, "The Wonder of Nature," "In the Sky," "In the Sea," "On the Move," "Across the Land," "In Splendor," etc.
Characteristic of genre: Poetry is about the saying a lot in a few words. In this book, the incredible images of our planet coupled with the poems speaks volumes too.
Intended audience: Young children will delight in the photos if the poems are not yet accessible, but it is a book to be enjoyed by middle grade readers to adults.
ALSC 2016 Notable Children's Book
Surprisingly, no published reviews known
Characteristic of genre: The purpose of this anthology of nature poems is to not only be in awe of our planet, but see the splendor and connections within natural categories such as, "The Wonder of Nature," "In the Sky," "In the Sea," "On the Move," "Across the Land," "In Splendor," etc.
Characteristic of genre: Poetry is about the saying a lot in a few words. In this book, the incredible images of our planet coupled with the poems speaks volumes too.
Intended audience: Young children will delight in the photos if the poems are not yet accessible, but it is a book to be enjoyed by middle grade readers to adults.
ALSC 2016 Notable Children's Book
Surprisingly, no published reviews known
August 10, 2025
A lush mix of photography and poetry gave me hours of pure, beautiful, read-aloud time. I love starting my morning sitting on my patio, sipping my coffee, listening to water gurgle in my fountain, and reading poetry aloud. Oh sure, the birds look at me funny: “Who you talkin’ to, lady?” But reading aloud exercises different muscles in our brains and this routine means every one of my days starts in a good place, calmed by nature and routine.
Throughout the entire collection, I was awed by the photography and mesmerized by the poems that former poet laureate J. Patrick Lewis paired with the images. This book may be shelved in the children’s section of the library but it is sure to please all ages.
Throughout the entire collection, I was awed by the photography and mesmerized by the poems that former poet laureate J. Patrick Lewis paired with the images. This book may be shelved in the children’s section of the library but it is sure to please all ages.
February 6, 2019
So weird meeting some of my favorite poems here, in the middle of this loud party of glamor shots: stunning vistas, cactus spikes, dewdrops, praying mantis arms, and so so many colors all at once. I couldn't hear a thing. And I wanted to. Especially Peggy Gifford's "The Thing is the Thing Is Green" and Arnold Adoff's "here is a poem of love and hope" -- two ones new to me.
What would happen if we stopped illustrating poems?
What would happen if we stopped illustrating poems?
June 6, 2018
4 1/2 The pictures are beautiful and the poems are too! Not every poem is great but most of them are very good! Combined they have the power to make me love and long for nature. Definitely one for my library! It’s also teaching as children learn ALL about nature through the poems as the describe it in so many ways.
December 12, 2020
A wide variety of poems by a variety of poets with stunning photography that help capture the poem.
Good for a lesson in poetry and talking about how words provide images in the mind - compare those to the photographs and have students think of other photos that they might choose for the poem for 2nd through 6th grade. Classroom library 1st through 6th grade.
Good for a lesson in poetry and talking about how words provide images in the mind - compare those to the photographs and have students think of other photos that they might choose for the poem for 2nd through 6th grade. Classroom library 1st through 6th grade.
March 14, 2025
National Geographic’s classic photography paired with a breadth of poems about nature in its beauty and fury. Some written by children’s poets (Yolen, Grimes, LaTulippe…) and some classics by Frost, et al. A huge assortment of styles and topics, perfect for the classroom.
September 30, 2017
Very nice pairing of images & words. Vicarious journeys through our wonder full world.
October 5, 2017
What could be better? National Geographic photos of nature paired with poems by beloved poets, past and present.
.
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October 30, 2017
This has been a great poetry book to read with my daughter (8 years old).
December 14, 2017
Great photographs accompany each poem - beautiful book that helps me better appreciate nature.
January 15, 2019
Absolutely stunning book. Beautiful photography, and a lovely selection of poems.
April 3, 2020
Amazing book of poetry with fabulous photos. Appropriate for kids and adults alike.
December 16, 2020
This is a great introduction to poetry for kids, the National Geographic photos pair beautifully with a wide range of poems.
February 12, 2021
2021 Read Harder Challenge - book of nature poems
November 11, 2021
This is an absolutely beautiful and amazing book!!! I found a number of some of my favorite poems as well as some new ones (and new poets!). The photographs were OUTSTANDING!!!
November 24, 2021
Gorgeous pictures!!! Perfect for kids just getting into poetry with the pictures the way they are. You don't feel like you have to understand every poem because of the picture.
April 6, 2022
Beautiful nature themed poetry featuring authentic photos
June 7, 2022
Beautiful poetry, beautiful photography. Vivid and heartwarming! A wonderful book for any library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews