Earth Day Book Lists for Kids Ages Birth - 17.

This book list includes boardbooks, picture books, easy readers, chapter books, novels and nonfiction books focusing on conservation, climate change, and nature appreciation. All the books are available through the Sussex County Library System.

Updated February 7, 2026
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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...
Along the Tapajós
Vilela, Fernando
Paper Book
A USBBY Outstanding International Book An Amazon Best Book of 2019 in the Ages 6-8 category A Junior Library Guild Selection A Capitol Choices Book Cauã and Inaê are a brother and sister who live in a small community along the Tapajós River in...
The aquanaut
Santat, Dan
Paper Book
Dive in to this whimsically adventurous graphic novel from Caldecott Medalist and National Book Award Winner Dan Santat! Ever since her father was lost at sea, Sophia has been moping around Aqualand, the marine theme park her dad and uncle created. But Sophia's world is turned upside down when an...
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
Now a Netflix film starring and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, this is 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 village in Malawi, his...
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...
Can you hear the trees talking? : discovering the hidden life of the forest
Wohlleben, Peter
Paper Book
WINNER OF THE AAAS/SUBARU PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE BOOKS BASED ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE HIDDEN LIFE OF TREES  This interactive and illustrated book for kids aged 8-10 introduces the wonderful science of the...
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...
The curious garden
Brown, Peter
Paper Book
This New York Times bestselling modern classic explores the perennial topic of environmentalism in an urban world, from the creator of The Wild Robot and Mr. Tiger Goes Wild One boy's quest for a greener world... one garden at a time. While out...
Earth Day
McNamara, Margaret
Paper Book
The Robin Hill School first graders celebrate Earth Day in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read in the Robin Hill School series! The kids in Mrs. Connor's class are celebrating Earth Day, and everyone has lots of ideas on how to save the Earth--except Emma. She's worried her ideas aren't...
Every day is Earth Day
Brown, Jordan
Paper Book
Join Jet Propulsion and his friends as they celebrate Earth in this Level 2 Ready-to-Read based on a popular episode of PBS's hit show Ready Jet Go! When Jet learns that humans celebrate Earth Day, he can't help but wonder, why can't every day be Earth Day? After he...
Every day is Earth Day
O'Connor, Jane.
Paper Book
Fancy Nancy fans of all ages will love this sweet story about learning to respect both the Earth and your family, in this I Can Read story from New York Times bestselling team Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser! Learning to respect the environment is no small task, especially if you...
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...
The giving tree /
Silverstein, Shel
Paper Book
Shel Silverstein's best-selling classic THE GIVING TREE has grown! Now available for the first time in an enlarged 7 1/2 x 10 edition that enhances the depth and beauty of this beloved tale. 'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.' So begins a story of unforgettable...
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....
Here we are : notes for living on planet Earth
Jeffers, Oliver
Paper Book
#1 New York Times bestseller A TIME Magazine Best Book of the Year A NPR Best Book of 2017 A Boston Globe Best Book of 2017 "Moments of human intimacy jostle with scenes that inspire cosmic awe, and the broad diversity of Jeffers's candy-colored...
History smashers : Earth Day and the environment
Messner, Kate
Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes--and their solutions! Don't miss the award-winning History Smashers series as they get to the truth on the biggest environmental fibs!
If bees disappeared
Williams, Lily
Paper Book
What would happen if bees disappeared? Find out in this fourth book from Lily Williams in the award-winning If Animals Disappeared Series that imagines the consequences of a world without bees. The rolling hills and lush climate of Kent, England are home to many creatures.
If you find a fawn : a what-to-do for wild wanderers
Gillis, Kellie DuBay
Paper Book
When you wander in the wild, you might find . . . a baby animal. Would you know what to do? Perfect for nature lovers and curious kids, If You Find a Fawn pairs instructive text with lush illustrations for a beautiful picture book adventure. When we find...
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!
Look for the Lorax /
Seuss,
Paper Book
Dr. Seuss's lovable Lorax guides beginning readers through a wonderland adventure in this Step 1-leveled story, part of the Step Into Reading program! Blue sky. Clouds fly. Bright trees sway. Cute suits! Bar-ba-loots play, play, play. Look out for...
The Lorax
Seuss, Dr.
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Celebrate Earth Day with Dr. Seuss and the Lorax in this classic picture book about sustainability and protecting the environment! I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. Dr. Seuss's beloved story teaches kids to treat the...
Make your mark, make a difference : a kid's guide to standing up for people, animals, and the planet
Galat, Joan Marie
Paper Book
Take the first steps into activism with this comprehensive middle grade guide that empowers readers to choose and become knowledgeable in a cause they are most passionate to reform, and to create meaningful change through learning what's already been accomplished--and what can still be done....
Mother of sharks
Ma?rquez, Melissa Cristina
Paper Book
Forbes 30 Under 30 Honoree and globally renowned shark scientist Melissa Cristina Marquez teams up with award-winning illustrator Devin Elle Kurtz to create an informative, powerful picture book. With lyrical writing and gorgeous art, this moving story explores Melissa's personal journey...
My friend Earth
MacLachlan, Patricia
Paper Book
Perfect for Earth Day--and every day!--this spectacular picture book is a valentine to our wonderful planet from the Newbery Award-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall. Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! She tends to animals...
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...
The natural genius of ants
Culley, Betty
Paper Book
A summer ant farm grows into a learning experience for the entire family in this lyrical coming-of-age story from the award-winning author of Down to Earth. "Endearingly executed, this gentle tale will see readers applauding as they reach the end." -Booklist,...
The ocean calls : a haenyeo mermaid story
Cho, Tina M.
Paper Book
A breathtaking picture book featuring a Korean girl and her haenyeo (free diving) grandmother about intergenerational bonds, finding courage in the face of fear, and connecting with our natural world. Dayeon wants to be a haenyeo just like Grandma. The haenyeo dive off the coast...
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...
Our planet! : there's no place like Earth
McAnulty, Stacy
Paper Book
From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator David Litchfield, Our Planet! There's No Place Like Earth is a nonfiction picture book about the Earth, told from the perspective of Earth herself. Meet Earth. Planet Awesome! And your awesome home! Actually, Earth is home to...
Penguins don't wear sweaters!
Tamura, Marikka
Paper Book
This uplifting, charmingly told story, tells what happens when well-meaning humans knit sweaters for penguins who've encountered an oil spill. You may have seen the cute pictures of penguins wearing sweaters--but did you know why they were wearing them? Debut author Marikka...
The planet we call home
Isaac, Aimee
Paper Book
A lyrical and loving ode to Planet Earth and the ways in which its many features are interconnected--to each other and to us--told in the cumulative style of "This Is the House that Jack Built." This is our Earth, the planet we call home. These...
The pout-pout fish cleans up the ocean
Diesen, Deborah
Paper Book
A major motion picture based on the books coming soon! Turn little pouts into big smiles in this splashy adventure where Mr. Fish, the star of the New York Times bestselling The Pout-Pout Fish series, discovers how to take care of the ocean. "The...
Rocket says clean up!
Bryon, Nathan
Paper Book
Plucky science-lover Rocket returns in another inspiring picture book about getting a community to notice the world around them, and, in this book, to CLEAN UP! their shoreline. Rocket, is off to the islands to visit her grandparents. Her family loves nothing better than...
Thank you, Earth : a love letter to our planet
Sayre, April Pulley
Paper Book
Winner of the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature "A splendid marriage of poetry and photography." --School Library Journal (starred review) Acclaimed children's book author and photographer April Pulley Sayre's love letter to Earth is a stunning exploration of the beauty and...
The tree and the river
Becker, Aaron
Paper Book
A spectacular time-lapse portrait of humankind--and our impact on the natural world--from a Caldecott Honor-winning master of the wordless form In an alternate past--or possible future--a mighty tree stands on the banks of a winding river, bearing silent witness to the flow of...
The tree lady :
Hopkins, H. Joseph
Paper Book
Unearth the true story of green-thumbed pioneer and activist Kate Sessions, who helped San Diego grow from a dry desert town into a lush, leafy city known for its gorgeous parks and gardens. Katherine Olivia Sessions never thought she'd live in a place without trees. After all,...
Up in the garden and down in the dirt
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
Now in paperback! This exuberant and lyrical addition to the award-winning Over and Under series unveils the wonders that lie hidden between stalks, under the shade of leaves, and down in the dirt. From the author-illustrator team behind Over and...
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,...
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...
What to Do When the News Scares You, Revised Edition: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Current Events (Revised)
Toner, Jacqueline B.
Paper Book
This latest installment in the bestselling What To Do series tackles children's feelings of anxiety around current events and what is portrayed in the news. Scary news is an inevitable part of life. This book can support and guide efforts to help scary news seem a bit more manageable for...
When Cloud became a cloud /
Hodgson, Rob
Paper Book
Meet Cloud! Follow along as she moves, transforms, precipitates, and more in this charming and humorous portrayal of the water cycle. The lifecycle of our protagonist, Cloud, is delightfully and sparsely narrated in nine short chapters that follow the stages of the water cycle....
Why does it rain? : weather with the very hungry caterpillar
Carle, Eric
Paper Book
Learn why it rains with the help of The Very Hungry Caterpillar! In this nonfiction story, young readers can discover what rain is and why it falls. The miracles of nature come to life in this early-learning series centered around weather, featuring simple text and Eric Carle's...
Why does plastic hurt the planet?
Gifford, Clive
Paper Book
A unique and beautiful approach to understanding the plastic problem with practical actions to help protect the planet. Every single minute, a dump-truck's worth of plastic is emptied into the ocean, trashing beaches, killing wildlife, making food supplies dangerous,...
Wildoak
Harrington, C. C.
Paper Book
When the fates of a snow leopard, a child, and an ancient forest collide, the unimaginable can happen. Perfect for fans of Pax and The One and Only Ivan. A great gift for nature and animal lovers. **Winner of the 2023 Schneider Family Book Award!** *...
Wonder walkers
Archer, Micha
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor winner! Micha Archer's gorgeous, detailed collages give readers a fresh outlook on the splendors of nature. When two curious kids embark on a "wonder walk," they let their imaginations soar as they look at the world in a whole new light. They have...
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, maps,...

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