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 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...
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...
A call to farms : reconnecting to nature, food, and community in a modern world
Grayson, Jennifer
Ebook
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 ...
Compost stew : an A to Z recipe for the earth
Siddals, Mary McKenna.
Paper Book
Teach kids to compost and help them develop life-long habits to protect the Earth. From apple cores to zinnia heads, readers will discover the best ingredients for a successful compost pile in this fun picture book perfect for Earth Day! Kids everywhere are seeking knowledge...
Curious George plants a tree
Perez, Monica.
Paper Book
George loves to go to the science museum. So, when he finds out that the museum is planning a "Green Day" dedicated to recycling and planting trees, and George is curious and wants to help out! But little monkeys eager to help can sometimes become little monkeys getting into trouble. When George...
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....
The Earth Book
Parr, Todd
Audiobook
"I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference..." With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitiviy, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture...
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...
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...
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...
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!
The homeowner's energy handbook : your guide to getting off the grid
Scheckel, Paul.
Paper Book
Are you looking for creative ways to lower your energy costs, generate more of your own power, or become less reliant on the grid? Paul Scheckel offers practical advice for taking matters into your own hands. Explaining the fundamentals of solar, wind, water, and biofuel energy production,...
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 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...
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...
Love, the Earth
Stickley, Frances
Paper Book
With vibrant artwork and an affecting poetic text narrated by the Earth, this magnificent ode to our planet serves as a call to action. I am the Earth. All yours to share. The mountains and the Arctic air. . . . And now you're here, so...
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...
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
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,...
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. 
The power of trees : how ancient forests can save us if we let them
Wohlleben, Peter
Paper Book
"Another love letter from Wohlleben to the green world... makes the case for how we should allow forests throughout the world to regrow and in the process help heal not only the climate but us, as well."--Lydia Millet, Oprah Daily An illuminating manifesto on...
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...
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...
Sustained : creating a sustainable house through small changes, money-saving habits, and natural solutions
Batista, Candice
Ebook
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 for easy,...
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
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...
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...
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)
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 wondrous workings of planet Earth : understanding our world and its ecosystems
Ignotofsky, Rachel
Paper Book
An illustrated tour of our planet's ecosystems both large and small, from reefs, deserts and rainforests to a single drop of water - from the bestselling author of Women in Science. Through exquisite illustrations, maps and infographics, bestselling author Rachel...
Year of no garbage : recycling lies, plastic problems, and one woman's trashy journey to zero waste : a memoir
Schaub, Eve O.
Ebook
"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...

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