Earth Day: Books for Kids

Fiction and non-fiction titles for kids all about our planet, climate change, and the great outdoors!

Updated March 21, 2024
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Kids vs. plastic : ditch the straw and find the pollution solution to bottles, bags, and other single-use plastics : how you can be a waste warrior!
Beer, Julie (Children's author)
Paper Book
Jam-packed with surprising information about plastic's effect on the environment, plus loads of practical ways kids can cut down on their plastic footprint, this is the kids guide to being part of the pollution solution! It's in your toothbrush ... your clothes ... your...
The gentle genius of trees
Bunting, Philip
Paper Book
Let trees teach you everything from how to branch out to how to stay rooted in this delightful blend of nonfiction and inspirational humor by author-illustrator Philip Bunting! What could we clever humans ever learn from trees? Find out when you take a stroll through the woods...
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...
The outdoor scientist : the wonder of observing the natural world
Grandin, Temple
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author and world-renowned scientist and autism spokesperson Temple Grandin comes a book about exploring the world around us, asking questions, and making sense of what we see--with 40 fun outdoor activities that promote independent thinking, which kids...
Rise to the sky : how the world's tallest trees grow up
Hirsch, Rebecca E.
Paper Book
What is the tallest living thing? It's not an elephant, or a giraffe, or even a blue whale. It's a tree! Trees are the tallest living things on Earth. But how do they grow to be so tall? Science writer Rebecca E. Hirsch presents a poetic introduction to the tree life cycle in Rise to the...
The last straw : kids vs. plastics
Hood, Susan
Paper Book
"Thoughtful and thought-provoking, this book will plant the seeds of environmental activism in young readers." --Kirkus (starred review) "I encourage everyone to read this book." --Dr. Jane Goodall There's no doubt about it--plastic is in almost...
My big book of outdoors
Hopgood, Tim
Paper Book
Introduce little ones to the great outdoors with this beautifully illustrated treasury exploring the wonders of nature in four glorious seasons. From vibrant springtime flowers to sweet fruits on summer trees, from the falling of autumn leaves to snowdrops in winter, this ode to...
The way of the hive : a honey bee's story
Hosler, Jay
Paper Book
"A wonderful graphic novel."--Neil Gaiman Experience the life of a honeybee in this coming-of-age story about a bee named Nyuki, in this full-color graphic novel by Jay Hosler, perfect for curious kids who are fans of the Science Comics series. Nyuki is a brand-new...
Ocean atlas : a journey across the waves and into the deep
Jackson, Tom
Paper Book
Old enough to save the planet
Kirby, Loll
Paper Book
Author Loll Kirby and illustrator Adelina Lirius's picture book Old Enough to Save the Planet is an inspiring look at young climate change activists who are changing the world.   The world is facing a climate crisis like we've never seen before. And kids...
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,...
The Water Lady : how Darlene Arviso helps a thirsty Navajo Nation
McGinty, Alice B.
Paper Book
This inspiring picture book tells the true story of a woman who brings desperately needed water to families on the Navajo reservation every day. Underneath the New Mexico sky, a Navajo boy named Cody finds that his family's barrels of water are empty. He checks the chicken coop--...
No world too big : young people fighting global climate change
Metcalf, Lindsay H.
Paper Book
Fans of No Voice Too Small will be inspired by young climate activists who made an impact around climate change in their communities, countries, and beyond. Climate change impacts everyone, but the future belongs to young people. No World Too Big celebrates twelve...
Drawn to change the world : 16 youth climate activists, 16 artists
Reynolds, Emma
Paper Book
"A brilliant, powerful, must-read for anyone and everyone on planet earth." --Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear The climate crisis is reaching a critical tipping point--and you might have heard of the countless amazing young people who are taking action and speaking up for...
Magic trash : a story of Tyree Guyton and his art
Shapiro, J. H.
Paper Book
Vacant lots. Abandoned houses. Trash--lots of trash. Heidelberg Street was in trouble! Tyree Guyton loved his childhood home--that's where his grandpa Sam taught him to "paint the world." So he wanted to wake people up... to make them see Detroit's crumbling communities. ...
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...
Be thankful for trees
Ziefert, Harriet
Paper Book
What gives you a seat, a floor for your feet?A place you can sit with your family to eat? The pum-pum of a drum, a guitar's twangy strum . . .Tree wood makes music zing, ping, and hum. Using lilting, rhyming couplets, this book...

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