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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101 tips for a zero-waste kitchen
Kellogg, Kathryn
Paper Book
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 amount of waste and, even though food scraps may seem harmless, they can't properly decompose in a landfill. What's more: wasting food can strain...
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...
At home with nature : a guide to sustainable, natural landscaping
Gidding, John
Paper Book
Increased awareness of the environment and an ever-present interest in curb appeal means that homeowners are eager for more sustainable, natural landscaping. And why shouldn't they be? In addition to supporting local flora and fauna, ditching grass for lush, native plants helps lower water bills...
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
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A National Council of Teachers of English Notable Children's Poetry Book Fun, accessible concrete poems and bold, vibrant artwork celebrate the many shapes and forms of our planet Earth. Perfect for National Poetry Month...
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...
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...
A call to farms : reconnecting to nature, food, and community in a modern world
Grayson, Jennifer
Paper Book
Within a decade, nearly half of all American farmland will change hands as an older generation of farmers steps aside. In their place, a groundswell of new growers will face numerous challenges, including soil degradation, insufficient income, and investors devouring farmland at a staggering pace...
Can I recycle this? : a guide to better recycling and how to reduce single-use plastics
Romer, Jennie
Paper Book
"If you've ever been perplexed by the byzantine rules of recycling, you're not alone...you'll want to read Can I Recycle This?... An extensive look at what you can and cannot chuck into your blue bin." --The Washington Post The first illustrated guidebook that...
The carbon footprint of everything
Berners-Lee, Mike
Paper Book
"I can't remember the last time I read a book that was more fascinating and useful and enjoyable."--Bill Bryson Reduce your carbon footprint and understand the issue with this "up-to-date life guide for carbon-conscious readers."--Kirkus ...
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...
Climate resilience : how we keep each other safe, care for our communities, and fight back against climate change
Flanagan, Kylie
Paper Book
An intersectional primer for saving the planet- place-based perspectives and community-led tools for fighting climate change-for readers of The Intersectional Environmentalist and All We Can Save "An essential, inspired chorus of voices echoing the urgency of action in...
Daisy rewilds
McNamara, Margaret
Paper Book
A young, curious, science-loving environmentalist named Daisy proves to her community the importance of conservation in this whimsical and hopeful story. Daisy was born with a green thumb. As an infant, she composted her own baby food. As a toddler, she slept on a bed of leaves....
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,practicalguide from the creator of The Zero Waste Collective. "You'll feel inspired by McKenna's thorough and accessible approach to understanding...
The Earth Book
Parr, Todd
Paper Book
This sweet homage to our beautiful planet from New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr is the perfect simple introduction to environmental protection and conservation. With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling,...
Earth Day and the global environmental movement : standing up for Earth
Peterson, Christy
Paper Book
On April 22, 1970, an estimated twenty million people held in a teach-in to show their support for environmental protections. This new celebration, Earth Day, brought together previously fragmented issues under the same banner. It was the largest nationwide event ever, and lawmakers took notice....
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...
Every day is Earth Day /
Lamoreaux, Michelle
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...
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...
Gabby & Grandma go green
Wellington, Monica.
Paper Book
When Gabby and Grandma get together, "Green Day" means "Fun Day." From sewing their own cloth bags and buying vegetables at the Farmers' Market to recycling their bottles, these two know how to have a good time while doing good things for the earth. The illustrations in Monica...
A garden to save the birds
McClure, Wendy
Paper Book
ALA Top 10 Sustainability-themed Children's Books 2022 A brother and sister learn that small changes can make a big difference. When a bird flies into their window by accident, Callum and his sister, Emmy, learn that from the...
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...
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
'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 healing power of the natural world. But forest bathing is more than just a walk...
The hidden life of trees : the illustrated edition
Wohlleben, Peter
Paper Book
"I love this book. I was even thinking about a tour of trees around the world because of this book."--Oprah Winfrey A visually stunning journey into the diversity and wonders of forests. In his international bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees,...
History smashers : Earth Day and the environment
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
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!
How to give up plastic : a guide to changing the world, one plastic bottle at a time
McCallum, Will
Paper Book
An accessible guide to the changes we can all make--small and large--to rid our lives of disposable plastic and clean up the world's oceans How to Give Up Plastic is a straightforward guide to eliminating plastic from your life. Going room by room through your home and...
Hug a bug :
Worth, Bonnie
Paper Book
Join the Lorax--Dr. Seuss's beloved icon of environmentalism--as he introduces children to nine insects currently endangered by human activity. An empowering book that teaches kids simple actions they can take to help protect and save them! I am the Lorax and I've...
Jayden's impossible garden
Mangal, Me?lina
Paper Book
Jayden and a new friend bring nature to the city in this timeless story about a community garden Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama...
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. This new edition of the bestselling guide from Alan...
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
A gorgeously illustrated picture book that celebrates our connections to nature and to each other while empowering young readers to help protect the earth, from a beloved British poet, musician, actor, and activist. In this powerful love letter to nature, a child who befriends a tree...
Living bridges : the hidden world of India's woven trees
Acharya, Sandhya
Paper Book
A boy learns how to care for and weave the roots of the living tree bridges in his village in India in this narrative nonfiction picture book that "offers young readers insight into a positive way to sustain the environment" (School Library Journal, starred review). In the...
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...
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...
Mothering Earth : the busy family's guide to saving the planet
Rockwell, Julia
Paper Book
This Earth-and money-saving guide to sustainable living empowers families everywhere to fight climate change by making practical lifestyle changes-at home at their own pace. A perfect gift for parents, homeowners, and anyone looking to simply their daily routines. ...
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...
Not the end of the world : how we can be the first generation to build a sustainable planet
Ritchie, Hannah
Paper Book
This "eye-opening and essential" book (Bill Gates) will transform how you see our biggest environmental problems--and explains how we can solve them. It's become common to tell kids that they're going to die from climate change. We are constantly bombarded by doomsday headlines...
One plastic bag : Isatou Ceesay and the recycling women of the Gambia
Paul, Miranda
Paper Book
One turtle's last straw :
Boxer, Elisa
Paper Book
The inspiring true story of how one small turtle and kids all over the country sparked an environmental movement. Based on the viral video that created awareness of the harm caused by plastic straws, this heart-wrenching story is a perfect tool for teaching children about sustainability....
Over and under the wetland
Messner, Kate
Paper Book
Discover the hidden magic of the Everglades in this fascinating and beautiful exploration of the wetland habitat from the New York Times bestselling author and award-winning illustrator of the beloved Over and Under series Part of the acclaimed nature book series that includes Over and Under...
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. 
Reduce, reuse, and recycle, Oscar!
Lindeen, Mary
Paper Book
Oscar the Grouch knows a lot about trash, including how to reuse it! Read along as Oscar and friends show young readers that reducing, reusing, and recycling lessens their impact on the planet. Learn how to turn trash into treasure, like making old bottle caps into artwork. We can help...
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...
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...
Safe crossing
Percival, Kari
Paper Book
How does an amphibian cross the road? With the help of the Amphibian Migration Team! Learn all about a citizen scientist who acts as a crossing guard for migrating amphibians and helps build them a tunnel to safety in this delightful nonfiction picture book! 2026 ALSC Notable...
The secret wisdom of nature : trees, animals, and the extraordinary balance of all living things : stories from science and observation
Wohlleben, Peter
Paper Book
"As you read these pages you will understand why I so admire [Peter Wohlleben] and am so in love with his work."--JANE GOODALL Nature is full of surprises: deciduous trees affect the rotation of the Earth, cranes sabotage the production of Iberian ham, and coniferous...
Simply living well : a guide to creating a natural, low-waste home
Watkins, Julia
Paper Book
Recipes, DIY projects, and inspiration for a beautiful and low-waste life, from the creator of @simply.living.well on Instagram In this timely and motivational guide, author Julia Watkins shares rituals, recipes, and projects for living simply and sustainably at home. For every area...
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...
Sustained : creating a sustainable house through small changes, money-saving habits, and natural solutions
Batista, Candice
Paper Book
Help Save Our Planet with Money-Saving Sustainable Tips for Your House Households are among the biggest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Could the secrets of saving the environment (and money) be closer to home than we thought? Looking...
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 :
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
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 Under the Snow and Over...
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 Amazon...
Wildflower
Brown, Melanie (Children's author)
Ebook
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, maps,...
Year of no garbage : recycling lies, plastic problems, and one woman's trashy journey to zero waste : a memoir
Schaub, Eve O.
Paper Book
"Eve's brave and honest experiment reveals the shocking impact of the throwaway society we've become and at the same time showing small ways we can all do better." --Rebecca Prince-Ruiz, founder of Plastic Free July Year of No Garbage is Super Size Me meets the...
Zero waste quilting : 38 projects use every scrap with style
Murphy, Patty
Ebook
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 approach--intentional fabric buying,...

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