April Challenge: Stories of Nature

Explore the Wonders of the Natural World with the North Little Rock Public Library System Challenge

The North Little Rock Public Library System continues its 2026 Digging Up the Past Challenge with April’s theme: Stories of Nature.

This month, we invite readers and viewers to explore narratives that celebrate, investigate, and reflect on the natural world. Whether you choose fiction, nonfiction, memoir, essays, or films, April’s challenge is an opportunity to connect with nature through powerful storytelling.

What Is the NLRPLS 2026 Challenge?

The NLRPLS 2026 Challenge is a year-long program encouraging the community to explore a new theme each month through books and movies. Inspired by this year’s overarching theme, Digging Up the Past, the challenge highlights stories that uncover history, explore hidden stories, and connect readers to meaningful narratives.

You can view the full list of 2026 challenge themes here:
👉 https://www.nlrlibrary.org/blogs/nlrpls-blog/2026-reading-challenge

Throughout the month, NLRPLS staff will share curated recommendations to help you find the perfect book or film.

April Theme: Stories of Nature

For April, choose a book or movie that explores the beauty, complexity, and mysteries of the natural world. Stories can focus on wildlife, forests, ecology, human interactions with nature, or the science and wonder of our planet.

Books and films both count toward the challenge.

How to Participate

Read a book or watch a movie that fits the theme Stories of Nature. Then submit your entry form either in person at your favorite NLRPLS location or online at:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/NLRlibrary1/ReadingChallenge

Participants may submit one entry per person, per month.

Monthly Prize and Grand Prize

Each month, one lucky participant will win a $50 gift card generously donated by Skinny J’s. At the end of 2026, all monthly entries will be entered into a grand prize drawing to win an e-reader. The more months you participate, the more chances you have to win.

April Recommendations: Stories of Nature

Looking for a place to start? Here are staff-selected books that dive into the beauty, mystery, and science of the natural world. You can also find additional themed displays and recommendations in person at Laman Library and Argenta Library throughout the month.

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

A gripping novel exploring humanity’s relationship with the oceans and the natural world, told through a haunting and beautifully crafted narrative.
Available at Laman Library.

Train Dreams by Denis Johnson

A lyrical novella tracing the life of an American laborer in the early 20th century, with vivid reflections on landscapes, wilderness, and the passage of time.
Available on Libby as an ebook and audiobook.

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver

A sweeping novel set in Appalachia that intertwines human and ecological stories, exploring the interconnection of people, wildlife, and the land.
Available on Hoopla as an audiobook.

Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by Mary Roach

An entertaining and fascinating nonfiction look at encounters between humans and wildlife, revealing the surprising ways nature challenges our rules and expectations.
Available at Laman Library.

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

A groundbreaking nonfiction exploration of how trees communicate, care for one another, and form complex forest communities.
Available at Laman Library.

Start Exploring

April’s challenge invites you to reconnect with the natural world through books and films available right here at the North Little Rock Public Library System. Pick up a book, stream an audiobook, watch a film, and don’t forget to submit your entry for a chance to win.

Happy reading, happy watching, and happy exploring!