“Isn't it a wonder that out in the pond, smooth wiggly tadpoles lose their tails and grow legs, and turn into frogs? And that fuzzy caterpillars weave silken cocoons around themselves and go to sleep, then wake up as pretty moths or butterflies?” It’s a rare nonfiction book that’s also a simple, beautiful poem. In this gorgeous Little Golden Book from 1957, Eloise Wilkin’s stunning and realistic artwork is accompanied by gentle text that brings an awe of nature to the youngest readers.

Jane Werner Watson (1915–2004) was the original editor of Little Golden Books, and a prolific author of Golden Book titles, from Disney titles to nonfiction. Some of her bestselling Little Golden Books include My Little Golden Book About God, Wonders of Nature, and The Christmas Story.  Eloise Wilkin (1904–1987) illustrated dozens of classic Golden Books in her long career, including The Christmas Story, Wonders of Nature, Baby Listens, and We Help Mommy. Famous for her beautifully detailed paintings of the natural world and of cherubic children, she helped make Golden Books an icon. Her Golden Books Prayers for Children and My Little Golden Book About God have never been out of print.