For the quiet moment seeker... 
A Winter Book by Tove Jansson 
Suitable for: Adults 
 
This collection of short stories explores themes of childhood, solitude, and nature. Perfect for dipping into when you’ve got a few minutes to yourself. 

“Tove’s writing really takes you to the places and dreamlike spaces of her mind. There is a winter sparseness yet a childlike observation in her stories that I find really comforting.” - Alison

For the animal lover... 
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton 
Suitable for: Adults

A true story exploring the instinct to care for wildlife and the deep, surprising bonds that form along the way. 

“Raising Hare is such a beautiful true story… It became a favourite in my book club and made for a wonderfully warm winter read.” - Emma

For young changemakers... 
We Have a Dream by Mya-Rose Craig 
Suitable for: Children & young people (8+) 
 
This inspiring book amplifies the voices of 30 young environmentalists from around the world - many from communities most impacted by climate change.

“This incredibly inspiring book is a particularly fabulous read for children interested in climate and environmental issues but with an amazingly diverse range of stories there is something to capture the imagination of all young people. My football loving 8-year-old loved the Lesin Muntunkei story of Trees4Goals in Kenya, where he plants a tree for every goal scored on the pitch. An amazing book to read in January to be inspired for a year of taking action for nature!” - Kristen

For the explorer... 
Wanderland: A Search for Magic in the Landscape by Jini Reddy 
Suitable for: Adults 
 
In this book, Jini Reddy, a London journalist with multicultural roots explores Britain in pursuit of magic in the landscape.

I felt profoundly moved by this book. It made me long for adventures, and homesick for the sea. But it also reinforced my love of nature, reminded me of the myriad of ways you can experience it, and showed me that no one way is the right way. This is a masterpiece; you have to read it. - Becky

For the activist... 
New Power by Henry Timms & Jeremy Heimans 
Suitable for: Adults 
 
This book is about power and the structures we live within that affect how our world is governed, how we work and how we think and feel. It gives tips and tools for making change. 

One of the many books and pieces of thinking that inspired the Wildlife Trust’s Team Wilder ethos (our way of working with people across Somerset to restore nature), this book draws on examples from a wide range of sectors, including business, politics and social justice. It’s a toolkit for how to make ideas stick and spread, and how to change the structures of power to connect with people and see real change. I pull this book down from my shelves regularly, a must read if you’re planning action in your community in 2026. - Becky
 

For the winter gardener... 
The Garden Against Time by Olivia Laing 
Suitable for: Adults 

A reflective exploration of gardening, healing, and the restorative power of tending to a space over time. A soothing, thoughtful read for darker winter days. 

As always, Laing’s writing is informative, engaging, thought provoking and extremely enjoyable. It doesn’t matter whether you are a gardener or not, just enjoy it. - Emine 
 

For the tiny creature enthusiasts... 
The Girl Who Loves Bugs by Lily Murray & Jenny Løvlie  
Suitable for: All ages 
 
Inspired by real-life entomologist Lucy Evelyn Cheesman, this joyful picture book celebrates insects in all their tiny glory. 
 

This book is a hit in our house and is on the regular bedtime rotation. It's an amazing, fun, rhyming story inspired by a real-life insect expert - a little girl, her love of bugs, and how she convinces her family to love them too. Plus, the illustrations are beautiful. Perfect for any curious, bug loving people - Emily (age 2) & her mum, Becky

For the young dreamers... 
Flower Block - Lanisha Butterfield & Hoang Giang 
Suitable for: All ages 
 
A sunflower seed grows overnight through a block of flats, transforming the building and bringing neighbours together. 

We love following the plant as it grows through the pages and bursts into a beautiful roof garden, and it's so fun to see the community that come together throughout the book. - Emily (age 2) & her mum, Becky