Happy Earth Day, readers! Since its founding in 1970, this holiday has been held as both a celebration of our planet and a call to action. Now more than ever, we’re cognizant of the work that needs to be done to preserve our planet, and the obligation we all share to care for our home. But with so much work to be done, where do we start? And how can we educate future generations about environmentalism so they can continue the practice?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, have no fear — that’s where these seven children’s books come in. With engaging writing and eye-catching illustrations, these authors and illustrators have crafted narratives that are sure to inspire readers to take charge of our planet’s plight. By starting kids on a path to green living early, we can ensure that future generations have the best shot at living in a healed and thriving environment. This Earth Day, give our planet a gift by learning what you and your family can do to protect the place we all call home.
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Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth
by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by David Litchfield (Henry Holt and Co.)
Let’s start by hearing from someone we all know and love — Earth! That’s right, our home planet has written her own autobiography (with a little help) to share her story. At just over 4.5 billion years old, she has a lot of stories to tell, but one of them takes precedence. Things are heating up, and Earth needs help from her Earthlings in order to ensure her safety and survival.
The most recent member of the Our Universe series, Our Planet!, is already a #1 Amazon bestseller in Children’s Earth Sciences Books. With its unique autobiographical approach, the book is sure to engage young readers and help them learn about this special planet. This charming and informative read gives kids a great look at the big picture of earth science and is a great introduction to environmentalism. After all, how can we work to save the planet if we don’t understand it?
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Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth
by Mary McKenna Siddals, illustrated by Ashley Wolff (Dragonfly Books)
When trying something new, it’s great to start with the basics. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth teaches us how to do just that, using the letters of the alphabet to introduce organic matter that can be returned to the earth. With these 26 letters, readers will learn what kinds of substances will make the most nutrient compost and what’s best to leave out of the pile. From apple cores to zinnia heads and everything in between, your little one will be fascinated watching nature do its work.
Composting is a great first step for young kids interested in environmentalism. Let’s be honest — kids already love making a mess, so it won’t take much encouragement to get them excited about stirring up a compost pile! Composting is also a great way to get kids up close and personal with a safe science experiment, providing a learning experience and a gift to mother nature all in one.
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If Not You, Then Who? We’re Going Green!
by David and Emberli Pridham, illustrated by Anyu Rouaux (Weeva Publishing)
With so much to be done about climate change, it can be daunting trying to figure out where to start. There are a multitude of improvements to be made, but with so much information out there it can feel impossible to comprehend, let alone explain to your child. If you’re feeling like you’re at a loss, this book is for you. Through the narrative of a school science fair, If Not You, Then Who? We’re Going Green teaches readers that “no dream is too big and no dreamer too small to make a difference.”
Not only do readers get to follow the story of our main character Noah as he prepares for his science fair presentation — they get to attend the fair themselves! Using engaging illustrations and fascinating information, the students’ projects outline several ways that society can reduce its carbon footprint, from filtration that combats water waste to cleaning plastic out of the ocean. With lovable characters and a whole lot of heart, this multifaceted story shows kids that everyone has the potential to make a change.
Check out the book trailer for We’re Going Green! as well as our full review of the book.
Amazon | Weeva | If Not You Books
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City Green
by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan (HarperCollins)
For kids living in the suburbs or rural areas, there are a number of hands-on experiences with environmentalism available to them. But things are different for kids living in the city, where they don’t have the same access to nature. What can city kids do to combat climate change?
One possible answer lies in the lauded children’s book City Green. Every day as she makes her way to school, Marcy can’t help but notice the empty, trash-filled lot in her city neighborhood. Just looking at it makes Marcy sad — until she has an idea on how to help. With her initiative, Marcy’s neighborhood mobilizes to fill the lot with plants and to petition City Hall to declare the lot as a community garden. Celebrating over 25 years in print, City Green is a classic that has inspired countless young readers to get involved in their community and in environmentalism.
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Rainbow Weaver/Tejedora del Arcoiris
by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri (Children’s Book Press)
While mixing compost and switching to renewable resources are important steps in environmentalism, that’s not all there is. Something has to be done about all the plastic already on the Earth’s surface. Luckily, we can lessen our own carbon footprints by embracing “The Three R’s” — reduce, reuse and recycle. Young readers will be inspired by this bilingual children’s book, where a young girl takes environmentalism into her own hands and creates something beautiful in the process.
Ixchel wants to weave on the backstrap looms like the other Mayan women of her community, but her mother doesn’t have enough materials for her to play with. Ixchel will have to practice weaving with whatever she can find — and when she sees the discarded plastic bags around her town, Ixchel decides to reuse the colorful plastic in a weaving all her own. Rainbow Weaver is influenced by the artistry of Mayan Hands, a nonprofit organization that celebrates the tradition of Guatemalan weavers.
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Follow the Moon Home
by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Meilo So (Chronicle Books)
With their ecosystems shifting due to climate change, wildlife needs protection now more than ever. Co-authored by lauded children’s book author Deborah Hopkinson and famous activist Philippe Cousteau, this book tells an inspiring story of a middle school class coming together to protect the local wildlife.
It’s almost turtle season on the coast of South Carolina — but there’s a big problem. When they hatch out of their eggs, baby loggerhead sea turtles use the light of the moon to guide them to the ocean. But with the lights from the new beach houses outshining the moon’s glow, the turtles will head in the wrong direction. One local middle school class mobilizes to protect these animals and convinces the town to turn off their lights at night, ensuring the turtles’ survival. Follow the Moon Home teaches children about the power of organizing for a cause and that they are never too young to create a positive change in their community.
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We Are All Connected: Caring for Each Other & the Earth
by Gabi Garcia, illustrated by Natalia Jimenez Osorio (Skinned Knee Publishing)
“We all live on one blue dot spinning in space.
We are all part of one human race.
We have hopes and dreams and love in our hearts.
We are stronger together than we are apart.”
Perhaps the most important part of environmentalism is knowing that we must come together to achieve our goals. Tender and poetic, We Are All Connected encourages us to embrace our fellow human beings and work to preserve our planet. With gentle prose and a heartfelt message, this book teaches children empathy and advocates for both humanity and the planet we live on. After all — we are ultimately one big community on this planet, and the more we accept and embrace one another, the more we’ll be able to achieve our goals and improve our planet. Together, we have the power to make this world a truly incredible place.
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