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
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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Redwoods
Chin, Jason
CD
When a young boy riding the subway finds an abandoned book about redwoods, strange things start to happen. He reads that the trees' ancestors lived during the Jurassic period as dinosaurs appear at his window. Discovering that redwoods alive today first sprouted during the Roman Empire, he finds...
Controlled burn
Downing, Erin Soderberg
Paper Book
From acclaimed middle-grade and chapter-book author, Erin Soderberg Downing, Controlled Burn is a story that blends family, friendship, fire, and the rocky path toward healing our deepest fears. Twelve-year-old Maia's parents say she's lucky she noticed something as early as she did...
Forests /
French, Jess
Paper Book
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!
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
A wonderful winter book for kids from the author and illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series, now in paperback! Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under the Pond, Over and Under the Rainforest, and Up in the...
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...
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...
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 another in spiraling...

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