Smokey Bear Reading Challenge 2024

Celebrate Smokey’s 80th Birthday by joining the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge and engage youth in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers while they explore their local environment. This list are books for children and are available through the Sussex County Library System.

Updated July 25, 2024
S
Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Redwoods
Chin, Jason
Paper Book
Jason Chin's Redwoods tells the story of a boy who discovers a book about redwoods and finds himself in their midst as he turns the pages. An ordinary train ride becomes and extraordinary trip to the great ancient forests. A subway trip is transformed when a...
Where's Rodney? /
Bogan, Carmen,
Paper Book
A Black boy's transformative day out in nature, recommended by Social Justice Books and We Are Kid Lit Collective Rodney is that kid who just can't sit still. He's inside, but he wants to be outside. Outside is where Rodney always wants to be. Between school and home, there is a...
Controlled burn /
Downing, Erin Soderberg
Paper Book
A MIBA bestseller 2024-2025 Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee 2024-2025 South Carolina Book Award Nominee 2023 Northeastern Minnesota Book Award Winner From bestselling author, Erin Soderberg Downing, Controlled Burn is a story...
Forests /
French, Jess
Paper Book
Wildfires /
Furgang, Kathy.
Paper Book
Learn all about wildfires-how they happen, why they're important, and when they're dangerous-in this fascinating level 3 reader. It's sure to ignite your interest, with color photographs, interesting facts, and more.
Nature all around :
Hickman, Pamela
Paper Book
This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated introduction to trees and the important role they play is part of the essential Nature All Around series. The book first explores the parts of trees, their life cycles, the difference between deciduous and evergreen trees, leaf types and the processes...
Listen to the language of the trees :
Kelley, Tera,
Paper Book
This captivating book explores the real connection and communication that runs underground between trees in the forest. The well-researched details about trees' own social network will help readers see that the natural world's survival depends on staying connected and helping others--just like us...
When forests burn :
Marrin, Albert
Paper Book
A fascinating look at the most destructive wildfires in American history, the impact of climate change, and what we're doing right and wrong to manage forest fire, from a National Book Award finalist. Perfect for young fans of disaster stories and national history. A...
Over and under the rainforest
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
In this latest follow-up to the critically acclaimed Over and Under series (Over and Under the Snow, Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, Over and Under the Pond), the award-winning author and illustrator team of Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal takes...
Over and under the snow /
Messner, Kate.
Paper Book
Over the snow, the world is hushed and white. But under the snow exists a secret kingdom of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and busy, under the snow. Discover the wonder and activity that lies beneath winter's...
Up in the garden and down in the dirt /
Messner, Kate.
Paper Book
In this exuberant and lyrical addition to the award-winning Over and Under series, emerging readers will delight in discovering the wonders that lie hidden between stalks, under the shade of leaves, and down in the dirt. From the author-illustrator team behind...
Wildfire
Morrison, Taylor.
Paper Book
Every summer, wildfires spread through the forests of the western United States, threatening homes and entire communities in their paths. Hundreds of firefighters work tirelessly to control this extremely powerful and unpredictable force of nature. But despite the seemingly devastating effects of...
Little Smokey /
Neubecker, Robert.
Paper Book
For a brave firefighting airplane, the sky's the limit! This timeless story of teamwork and determination is perfect for kids who loved The Little Engine That Could and shows how even unlikely heroes can help their community in times of need. When forest fires blaze, the...
They hold the line :
Paley, Dan,
Paper Book
A tribute to the unsung heroes of firefighting that takes readers along on a high-stakes mission to battle one of the deadliest natural disasters. A lone figure stands on a tower, watching and waiting. Lightning strikes. Tree bark sparks. A wisp of white smoke rises in the distance. It is time...
All about wildfires :
Potenza, Alessandra,
Paper Book
Conditions on Earth are becoming more and more extreme and kids want to learn about it! Is it true that smoke from wildfires can travel thousands of miles? Yes! If a wildfire is large enough, wind can blow smoke from the West Coast to the East Coast of the United States! INSIDE, YOU´LL...
Hiking day
Rockwell, Anne
Paper Book
"Engaging, soothing, and informative--just right for inquisitive young readers." --School Library Journal Beloved author Anne Rockwell celebrates nature and the outdoors with a gorgeous new picture book about a child's first mountain hike! A young girl...
Treecology :
Russo, Monica,
Paper Book
National Outdoor Book Award Honorable Mention in the Children's category 2017 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 (National Science Teachers Association - Children's Book Council) Finalist for the 2017 AAAS / Subaru SB&F Excellence in...
Because of an acorn /
Schaefer, Lola M.,
Paper Book
Because of an acorn, a tree grows, a bird nests, a seed becomes a flower. Enchanting die-cuts illustrate the vital connections between the layers of an ecosystem in this magical book. Wander down the forest path to learn how every tree, flower, plant, and animal connect to one...
Fraser the forest ranger /
Schufman, Matthew,
Paper Book
Fraser the Forest Ranger is on a mission- to find one true friend. He searches far and wide, but he might just discover a best friend is closer than he thinks. Fraser is a Forest Ranger and he loves his job. He checks on the trees, he checks on the animals, and he always ends his...

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