Earth Day children's book list: Picture books about climate change for the next generation of environmental activists
Books are one of the most reused items in existence. We buy used books, borrow books from friends, and donate old books we've read already. E-books and audiobooks are sustainable and waste-free. Literature is important, but it can also be eco-friendly- especially when the book you are reading is all about caring for the planet. Getting people engaged with environmental action at a young age is the best way to ensure a sustainable future. Why not engage children during storytime?
This list showcases ten environmental books to help inspire the next generation of climate activists. They are a great read on Earth Day- and the rest of the year, because inspiration can happen at any time and climate action needs to happen all the time. This post includes affiliate links to the books featured. For most of the books on this list, 1% of net proceeds from this sale helps children in high-needs communities through the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation. Purchasing a book from this list could help change a child's life- and save the planet! That's two pages with one turn!
The Tantrum that Saved the World, by Megan Herbert and Michael E. Mann
World-renowned climate scientist Michael E. Mann teamed up with Megan Herbert to create this award-winning picture book about a girl who takes her tantrum power and directs it at the climate crisis. This book inspires kids to take action and take something negative, like a tantrum, and turn it into passionate activism. Bill Nye the Science Guy gave his stamp of approval to this book, saying "Check out this book, and let's get to work." Let's show kids their passion is not a bad thing, it just needs to be directed at something world-changing!
The Lorax (Pop-up), by Dr. Seuss with pop-ups by David A. Carter
Possibly one of the most heartbreaking books I've ever read, The Lorax educates about the dangers of deforestation without sugar-coating anything. This book was first published in 1971 but is just as timely today- if not more- because of the massive spread of industrial deforestation. This version of Dr. Seuss's classic has vivid pop-ups, so children can better explore the colourful forest. The Lorax is the best-selling picture book about environmental destruction and it will surely make your child feel empathetic toward the disappearing forests. I purchased this book for my nephew a couple years ago and was excited to find a version that was printed on recycled paper!
Our House Is on Fire: Greta Thunberg’s Call to Save the Planet, by Jeanette Winter
This is the book for the new generation of youth climate leaders who are ready to take action against human-caused global warming. Greta Thunberg inspired kids across the globe when she left school to dedicate her life to combating the climate crisis. An eco picture book list wouldn't be complete without a nod to her bravery and dedication. She gave a voice to a generation and inspired them to stand up against the fossil fuel industry. In the true spirit of protest, this book is a call-to-action. We tell our children that they can change the world, and this book is a reminder of that.
Don't Let Them Disappear, by Chelsea Clinton and illustrated by Gianna Marino
One of the best ways to inspire children to care about the environment is to teach them about how climate change is causing an increase in endangered species. Compassion for animals is a quality that most children are born with. This book educates kids about 12 different endangered species across the world, sharing interesting facts about what makes these animals unique and special. Readers will also learn why they are under threat and how to prevent them from going extinct. Nurturing a child's love for animals helps them grow to be more empathetic adults. Mobilize your kids to save endangered species during storytime!
We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade
This award-winning book is a poetic and beautifully illustrated call-to-action to save the planet's water from pollution and corruption. This story is by Indigenous author Carole Lindstrom, who is of Anishinabe/Métis ancestry and a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe Indians. It's inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America and like the rushing river, is a powerful force for environmental justice. Water is life, and we need to educate the next generation about how important safe and clean drinking water is to ensuring they are healthy in the future.
The Lonely Polar Bear, by Khoa Le
Set in the Arctic, this story introduces children to climate change using the story of a polar bear who awakes after a big storm to find his mother missing. He makes friends with a little girl and a few Arctic critters, and together they explore the tundra and learn about the threat posed by climate change. This beautifully illustrated book is a great introduction to the issues of global warming for younger children and how our frozen lands stand to lose the most the fastest as the Earth warms at an alarmingly rapid rate.
Kenya's Art, by Linda Trice and illustrated by Hazel Mitchell
Recycle, reuse, and make art! Kenya is encouraging the next generation of green artists, DIY crafters, and upcyclers. Kenya is inspired by a museum's recycling exhibit and decides to use her old, broken toys to create pieces of art for the family. Like a true activist, Kenya decides to take action and teach her class how they can turn trash into treasure to create a more sustainable world and cleaner community. Art for a purpose, and fun for a cause!
One World, by Michael Foreman
A brother and sister spend the day on the seashore, collecting specimens and creating their own underwater eco-system in their beach bucket. The author uses a fun day at the beach to teach kids about water pollution and shoreline cleanup. The health of our waters and marine life is vital to our survival, and like the eco-system they create in their bucket, pollution can collapse it and threaten all species across the globe.
What A Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting Our Planet, by Jess French
This is the ultimate book to teach children everything they need to know about recycling. Not only does this book educate about litter and pollution, but it also teaches about innovative environmental solutions and renewable energy. Find out exactly what happens to your trash. Learning where trash goes and the impact it has on the environment can inspire kids to make more sustainable choices in the future. Sustainable consumerism makes a huge impact on pollution. Your child can learn to shop smart and reuse as much as possible while enjoying the colorful illustrations in this book. Let's make one-time use plastics a thing of the past and teach kids there is no such thing as 'disposable.' Everything goes somewhere.
10 Things I Can Do To Help My World, by Melanie Walsh
Get kids off to a good, green start with this brightly illustrated, world-saving book. This is a "go green" manual for young children to live by! A great story for early readers or older kids, this book provides kids with easy things they can do every day to help save the planet. By giving children achievable goals and rewarding them for their success, we teach them that they can take action for a greener world- and succeed! This helps give them the confidence to take more action and get involved as they grow older. Count the ways you and your family can help the Earth, one to ten.
There is no doubt it will be the coming generations that succeed in shifting our culture to a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly lifestyle and economy. It's a huge responsibility. This means that we, as educators, parents, friends, teachers, volunteers, and family members have a huge responsibility to prepare them for their future responsibility. They are cleaning our mess, after all, so we owe it to them to set them up for success.
Have you read one of these books to your family? What did your child think of the story? I'd love to hear from you. Post your book review in the comments section!
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