April is Earth Month

Books for all ages about Earth Day, nature, conservation, recycling, and sustainability. Borrow or request one from your SCLS branch today.

Updated March 31, 2026
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The (almost) zero waste guide : 100+ tips for reducing your waste without changing your life
Mannarino, Melanie
Paper Book
Cut back on waste, reduce your carbon footprint, and live more sustainably with these 100 (almost) zero-waste tips In a perfect world, we would all be able to fit a year's worth of waste in a mason jar. But for most of us​,​ doing so can be immensely...
101 tips for a zero-waste kitchen
Kellogg, Kathryn
Paper Book
Forty percent of all food produced in the US is wasted--the author of 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste is here with solutions! Kathryn Kellogg is taking her accessible tips for a zero-waste lifestyle and focusing on the heart of the house. Our kitchens can produce a shocking...
101 ways to help the Earth with Dr. Seuss's Lorax /
Paul, Miranda
Paper Book
Simple suggestions for helping the planet that kids can do themselves--ideal for nurturing a love of nature and for celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dr. Seuss's The Lorax! Encourage children to be eco-friendly with the fun, easy ideas in this guidebook--and a little...
Attainable sustainable pantry : a back-to-basics guide to stocking your kitchen
Bordessa, Kris
Paper Book
A handy illustrated collection of tried and true techniques to fill your cupboards with wholesome, homemade food-and save money, too. Internet sensation Kris Bordessa shows how to replace storebought, processed products with your own delicious, nutritious entrees, side dishes,...
Awesome Earth : concrete poems celebrate caves, canyons, and other fascinating landforms
Graham, Joan Bransfield
Paper Book
Fun, accessible concrete poems and bold, vibrant artwork celebrate the many shapes and forms of our planet Earth. Perfect for National Poetry Month and Earth Day! The Earth's crust shakes, water swells, lava flows, and glaciers advance. In this ingenious picture book, the...
Berry song
Goade, Michaela
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book! An Indie Bestseller! Caldecott Medalist Michaela Goade's first self-authored picture book is a gorgeous celebration of the land she knows well and the powerful wisdom of elders. On...
The boy who harnessed the wind
Kamkwamba, William
Paper Book
New York Times Bestseller * Now a Netflix film starring and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor! A gripping memoir of survival and perseverance about the heroic young inventor who brought electricity to his Malawian village. When a terrible drought struck William Kamkwamba's tiny...
Braiding sweetgrass : indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants
Kimmerer, Robin Wall
Paper Book
A New York Times Bestseller A Washington Post Bestseller A Los Angeles Times Bestseller Named a "Best Essay Collection of the Decade" by Literary Hub A Book Riot "Favorite Summer Read of 2020" A Food Tank Fall...
Bruce saves the planet
Higgins, Ryan T.
Paper Book
From unwitting mother to unwitting . . . environmental activist? Save the planet with #1 New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins's beloved Mother Bruce. Bruce was a bear who liked to be by himself. But that wasn't easy for him, as mother...
Change starts with us
Beer, Sophie
Paper Book
This vibrant board book by the creator of Love Makes a Family and Kindness Makes Us Strong celebrates small acts of green living that make a big impact on the environment. Change starts with planting trees. It starts with turning off faucets, and reusing and...
Chicken soup for the nature lover's soul : inspiring stories of joy, insight & adventure in the great outdoors
Canfield, Jack
Paper Book
For anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors: hikers, mountain climbers, snowboarders, kayakers, campers, beach-lovers, tree-huggers and more! Stories of adventure are complemented by tales of introspection and quiet moments that focus on the exhilaration of bonds created outdoors...
Climate : our changing world
Sima, Andrew
Paper Book
2024 Green Earth Book Award Shortlist Climate change affects all of us, but by working together, we can help make the world safer for ourselves and future generations. From the smallest piece of plastic in the oceans to the...
Curious George plants a tree
Perez, Monica
Paper Book
When George finds out that the science museum is planning a "Green Day" dedicated to recycling and planting trees, he is curious and wants to help out! But then George begins to recycle things around town that aren't quite ready for the recycling bin, and he gets into a jam. Thankfully, George isn't...
Don't be trashy : a practical guide to living with less waste and more joy
McKenna, Tara
Paper Book
Learn how to dramatically reduce the waste you produce--and your stress levels--one sanity-saving step at a time in this accessible, practical guide from the creator of The Zero Waste Collective. "You'll feel inspired by McKenna's thorough and accessible approach to...
The Earth gives more
Fliess, Sue
Paper Book
Enjoy nature in every season--and take care of it. From leaves falling to become fertilizer, to raindrops helping to bring plants to life in the spring, the cycle of every season has something to enjoy. While delighting in all nature has to offer, we need...
The ecology book
Juniper, Tony
Paper Book
Learn about species, environments, ecosystems and biodiversity in The Ecology Book. Part of the fascinating Big Ideas series, this book tackles tricky topics and themes in a simple and easy to follow format. Learn about Ecology in this overview guide to the subject, great...
Fatima's great outdoors
Tariq, Ambreen
Paper Book
An immigrant family embarks on their first camping trip in the Midwest in this lively picture book by Ambreen Tariq, outdoors activist and founder of @BrownPeopleCamping Fatima Khazi is excited for the weekend. Her family is headed to a local state park for their first camping...
Gardening for everyone : growing vegetables, herbs, and more at home
Watkins, Julia
Paper Book
A guide to creating and growing a backyard kitchen garden simply and sustainably--from planning to planting to harvest, with profiles of essential vegetables and herbs, ecological tips, and fun and creative projects Growing food in your backyard (or through...
Go lightly :
Karnikowski, Nina
Paper Book
This sustainable travel handbook inspires readers to explore our fascinating planet without causing it further harm. Ten chapters help you go lightly, including how to choose the least impactful methods of travel, how best to protect wildlife, how to pack with more consideration and how to implement...
The great kapok tree : a tale of the Amazon rain forest
Cherry, Lynne
Paper Book
A modern fable with an urgent message for young environmentalists. "Spectacular." (School Library Journal) Lynne Cherry journeyed deep into the rain forests of Brazil to write and illustrate this gorgeous picture book about a man who exhausts himself trying to chop down a giant kapok tree....
The healing power of trees : the definitive guide to forest bathing
Terebenina, Olga
Paper Book
*2025 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Honorable Mention* 'I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.' - Henry David Thoreau     From Thoreau and Nietzsche to Aristotle, history's greatest thinkers have long celebrated...
The hidden life of trees : the illustrated edition
Wohlleben, Peter
Paper Book
In his international bestseller, The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben opened readers' eyes to the wonders and amazing processes at work in the forest. Now this new, breathtakingly illustrated edition brings those wonders to life like never before. With compelling selections...
The homeowner's energy handbook : your guide to getting off the grid
Scheckel, Paul.
Paper Book
How to give up plastic : a guide to changing the world, one plastic bottle at a time
McCallum, Will
Paper Book
As read by James Corden, Fearne Cotton, Jim Chapman and Dougie Poytner. 'We have a responsibility, every one of us' David Attenborough Around 12.7 million tonnes of plastic are entering the ocean every year, killing over 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals. ...
How to help the Earth
Rabe, Tish.
Paper Book
The star of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss makes his Step into Reading debut in this rhymed Step 3 reader that offers kids easy suggestions for going green, a perfect real aloud for Earth Day! After explaining how the trash in a wastbasket ultimately ends up in a landfill or incinerator,...
Hug a bug : how you can help protect insects
Worth, Bonnie
Paper Book
Bees! Butterflies! Ladybirds! Join Dr. Seuss's Lorax in this exciting new book about incredible insects and how best to protect them! With unique rhymes, spectacular information and heaps of brilliant images, children will love learning about the environment and the awesome...
Just Grace goes green
Harper, Charise Mericle.
Paper Book
Grace can do a lot of things...but can she save the planet???? Or at the very least, can she help her best friend Mimi get her favorite stuffed animal back? Lots of exciting things are happening to Grace and her friends. Most exciting of all, Mimi's older cousin Gwen is coming to stay with...
The kitchen garden month by month
Buckingham, Alan.
Paper Book
In tune with the popular move toward fresh, local, and homegrown food, The Kitchen Garden lets you get the most from your garden and helps to dramatically reduce the amount you spend on produce at the supermarket. The Kitchen Garden is the perfect companion for gardeners who want to...
The last plastic straw : a plastic problem and finding ways to fix it
Romito, Dee
Paper Book
Learn how and why a useful, 5000-year-old invention has become a threat to our planet--and what you can do about it--in this history of the simple straw. From reeds used by ancient Sumerians to bendy straws in World War II hospitals, people have changed the straw to fit their...
Leave the trees, please
Zephaniah, Benjamin
Paper Book
Winner of the Margaret Mallett Award 2026 Follow a little boy's friendship and journey with one tree, in this powerful and beautiful love letter to nature. From master wordsmith, Benjamin Zephaniah, comes a breathtaking new poem and story showing how trees offer us...
Living without plastic : more than 100 easy swaps for home, travel, dining, holidays, and beyond
Allen, Brigette
Paper Book
"An eye-opening guide on how to lessen one's dependence on plastics. . . . This is a clarion, convincing wake-up call to the scope of the global plastic problem and what readers can do about it. --Publishers Weekly Embrace a plastic-free lifestyle with more than 100 simple, stylish swaps for...
The Lorax
Seuss, Dr.
Paper Book
In this haunting fable about the dangers of destroying our forests and woodlands, the long-suffering Lorax struggles to save all the Truffula Trees from the wicked Once-ler's axe. Yellow back books are for older, more fluent readers to enjoy.
Nate the Great and the Earth Day robot /
Sharmat, Andrew
Paper Book
Join the world's greatest detective, Nate the Great, as he solves the mystery of the missing Earth Day robot in this long-running chapter book series that's a favorite for beginner readers! WILL THIS CASE ROLL AWAY? The Earth Day Fair is days away, but Nate's...
No new things : a radically simple 30-day guide to saving money, the planet, and your sanity
Piper, Ashlee
Paper Book
From award-winning sustainability expert Ashlee Piper, a witty, no-nonsense guide to regaining control over your time, consumerist impulses, and financial and mental wellness For nearly two years, Ashlee Piper challenged herself to buy nothing new. And in the process, she got...
No one is too small to make a difference
Thunberg, Greta
Paper Book
The #1 New York Times bestseller by Time's 2019 Person of the Year "Greta Thunberg is already one of our planet's greatest advocates." --Barack Obama "A powerhouse compendium of [Greta's] greatest hits." --Teen Vogue The groundbreaking...
No-waste save-the-planet vegan cookbook : 100 plant-based recipes and 100 kitchen-tested tips for waste-free meatless cooking
Steen, Celine
Paper Book
The No-Waste Save-the-Planet Vegan Cookbook delivers 100 delicious and waste-free recipes and more than 100 specific action steps anyone can take at home.
Not the end of the world : surprising facts, dangerous myths and hopeful solutions for our future on planet Earth
Ritchie, Hannah
Paper Book
This book will transform how you see our biggest environmental problems - and show how together we can solve them. ** THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER ** 'Truly essential' MARGARET ATWOOD 'Inspiring' DAVID WALLACE-WELLS
One plastic bag : Isatou Ceesay and the recycling women of the Gambia
Paul, Miranda
Paper Book
Discover the inspiring true story of Isatou Ceesay, an African woman who started a recycling movement to combat the pollution caused by plastic bags in her community. For years, plastic bags were a cheap and convenient option for carrying goods in Njau, Gambia. However, when these...
PlantYou: scrappy cooking : 140+ plant-based zero-waste recipes that are good for you, your wallet, and the planet
Bodrug, Carleigh
Paper Book
An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller! Save money, reduce food waste, and eat healthier than you ever have before with this groundbreaking cookbook from New York Times bestselling author and social media sensation, Carleigh Bodrug. 
The power of trees : how ancient forests can save us if we let them
Wohlleben, Peter
Paper Book
'Eye-opening ... The Power of Trees reminds us that trees are not the slow learners when it comes to climate change - we are.' -Danielle Clode Trees can survive without humans, but we can't live without trees. Even if human-caused climate change devastates our planet, trees will...
Remodelista : the low-impact home : a sourcebook for stylish, eco-conscious living
Guralnick, Margot
Paper Book
"Easy ideas . . . . The kind of guidebook we reference again and again. . . with recommendations for every single room in the house." --Real Simple Learn how to make planet-friendly choices at home with the design experts of Remodelista.comConcerned about the state of the planet and wanting to do...
Reuse this book!
Paper Book
A picture book with sturdy pages and the interactivity of Press Here that introduces younger readers to recycling, resources, Earth science, and conservation. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Revitalize. Learn how budding environmentalists can help take care of the Earth with the interactive story...
The secret network of nature : the delicate balance of all living things
Wohlleben, Peter
Paper Book
'Peter Wohlleben doesn't merely look, he sees. Let's all learn as much from him as we can, and quickly.' Rosamund Young, author of THE SECRET LIFE OF COWS Did you know that trees can influence the rotation of the earth? Or that wolves can alter the course of a...
Simply living well : a guide to creating a natural, low-waste home
Watkins, Julia
Paper Book
Simply Living Well is a beautiful and timely motivational guide to living well sustainably and reducing our footprint for the generations to come. Author Julia Watkins shares rituals, recipes, and projects for living simply and sustainably at...
Simply sustainable : moving toward plastic-free, low-waste living
Cameron, Lily
Paper Book
Break your plastic habit with simple, actionable steps and jumpstart your journey toward a minimal, beautiful, low-waste home. "Simply Sustainable guides you through the why and how of zero-waste, while emphasizing the importance of finding the sweet spot between...
Speaking with nature : awakening to the deep wisdom of the earth
Ingerman, Sandra.
Paper Book
Connecting with nature and nature beings to help heal us and the Earth * Provides experiential practices to communicate with nature and access the creative power of the Earth * Shares transformative wisdom teachings from conversations with nature beings, such as Snowy Owl,...
The sustainable travel handbook : practical advice and inspiration for the conscientious traveller
Reid, Sarah
Paper Book
This practical and inspiring guide, the latest in our popular Handbook series, motivates travellers to take a responsible approach to the impact of travelling. Whether you're looking to reduce your carbon emissions, enjoy more a responsible wildlife-watching experience, harness culinary tourism...
Taking on the plastics crisis
Testa, Hannah
Paper Book
"Taking on the Plastics Crisis delivers straightforward advise for getting involved in the global movement to eliminate single-use plastics." -- Booklist, Starred Review "Brief yet inspirational, this story will galvanize youth to use their voices for change."--Kirkus...
Team trash : a time traveler's guide to sustainability
Wheeler, Kate
Paper Book
When a science project goes awry, two student activists travel through time to learn how to protect our Earth from plastic pollution in modern times. Studious environmentalist Charlie is stuck with a science fair partner who seems like her complete opposite: Charlie wants to save...
Twelve trees : the deep roots of our future
Lewis, Daniel
Paper Book
A compelling global exploration of nature and survival as seen via a dozen species of trees, offering "extensive insight into the ways in which humans and trees are interconnected" (BookPage), revealing the challenges facing our planet and how scientists are working urgently to save our...
Up in the garden and down in the dirt
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
A follow-up to Over and Under the Snow that explores the hidden world and many lives of a garden through the course of a year, now in paperback.  Up in the garden, the world is full of green--leaves and sprouts, growing vegetables, ripening...
Waste and recycling
Hewitt, Sally
Paper Book
This is one in a series of involving books that encourage readers interested in the environment to join the green team and see how they can make a difference in a hands-on way.
The water-smart garden : techniques and strategies for conserving, capturing, and efficiently using water in today's climate... and tomorrow's
Johnson, Noelle (Horticulturist)
Paper Book
The Water-Smart Garden is a complete guide to conserving, capturing, and efficiently using water in your landscape at a time when water-usage restrictions are on the rise.
We are eating the Earth : the race to fix our food system and save our climate
Grunwald, Michael
Paper Book
From the author of New York Times bestseller The New New Deal, a groundbreaking piece of reportage from the trenches of the next climate war: the fight to fix our food system. Humanity has cleared a land mass the size of Asia plus Europe to grow food, and our food...
We are water protectors
Lindstrom, Carole
Paper Book
From author Carole Lindstrom and illustrator Michaela Goade comes a New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Medal winning picture book that honors Indigenous-led movements across the world. Powerfully written and gorgeously illustrated, We Are Water Protectors,...
Wear, repair, repurpose : a maker's guide to mending and upcycling clothes
Fulop, Lily
Paper Book
In with the old, out with the new--reclaiming your closet and reducing fashion waste starts here. Repair your favorite socks with style, add flair with personalized patches, and turn ripped jeans into an embroidered masterpiece. For beginner and experienced makers, Lily Fulop's...
What a waste
French, Jess
Paper Book
In this informative book on recycling for children, you will find everything you need to know about our environment. The good, the bad and the incredibly innovative. From pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling. This educational book will teach young...
The wild world handbook : how adventurers, artists, scientists--and you--can protect earth's habitats
Debbink, Andrea
Paper Book
Packed with real-life tales of adventure, breathtaking illustrations, and hands-on STEAM activities, this handbook is an inspiring guide for the next generation of climate activists, conservationists, and nature lovers. The wonder of the natural world surrounds us--from the...
Wildflower
Brown, Melanie (Children's author)
Paper Book
The Rainbow Fish for kids who love the garden. A moving picture book for ages 3 to 8 about a daisy who is told she's "just a weed"--and embarks on a journey to find her place in the garden. "Beautifully illustrated with a powerful message to love yourself exactly...
The wisdom of trees : how trees work together to form a natural kingdom
Judge, Lita
Paper Book
With lush illustrations, poems, and accessible scientific information, The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge is a fascinating exploration of the hidden communities trees create to strengthen themselves and others. We clean the air and seed the clouds, we drench the...
The wondrous workings of planet Earth : understanding our world and its ecosystems
Ignotofsky, Rachel
Paper Book
An illustrated tour of the planet exploring ecosystems large and small, from reefs, deserts, and rainforests to a single drop of water--from the New York Times bestselling author of Women in Science.   Making earth science accessible and entertaining through art...
Zero waste quilting : 38 projects use every scrap with style
Murphy, Patty
Paper Book
Craft stunning quilts while being resource-savvy. Revolutionize your approach to quilting by eliminating fabric waste and embracing sustainable crafting. Each project serves as a catalyst for additional projects, using all the scraps and leftovers. This mindful...

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