2026 MLA|DLA Annual Conference

Picture books are a gateway to wonder. For young children, they can be the very first introduction to the intricate beauty of the natural world. This workshop will demonstrate how a well-chosen picture book can serve as the anchor for a rich, multi-disciplinary environmental lesson. We'll examine books that celebrate the joy of the outdoors, address environmental challenges in age-appropriate ways, and promote empathy for living things. Participants will leave with a curated list of high-quality nature picture books, a "toolkit" of discussion questions and activity ideas, and the confidence to integrate this engaging medium into their environmental education practices.