Staff Picks
Celebrate Earth Day With These Children's Titles
- Ashley S.
- Monday, April 22
Collection
Happy Earth Day! On April 22nd, people from all over the world demonstrate their support for environmental protection. If you want to learn more about how you can protect the Earth, check out these children's titles.
No World Too Big
Young People Fighting Global Climate Change
Published in 2023
"David Bowles, Traci Sorell, and others present poems about young activists who speak up to fight global climate change"-- Provided by publisher.
Reuse This Book!
Published in 2021
".... introduces younger readers to recycling, resources, Earth science, and conservation"--Amazon.
Cactus Queen
Minera Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park
Published in 2024
Long before she became known as the Cactus Queen, Minerva Hamilton Hoyt found solace in the unexpected beauty of the Mojave Desert in California. She loved the jackrabbits and coyotes, the prickly cacti, and especially the weird, spiky Joshua trees. However, in the 1920s, hardly anyone else felt the same way. The desert was being thoughtlessly destroyed by anyone and everyone. Minerva knew she needed to bring attention to the problem. With the help of her gardening club, taxidermists, and friends, she took the desert east and put its plants and animals on display. The displays were a hit, but Minerva needed to do much more: she wanted to have the desert recognized as a national park. Although she met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt and won him over, Minerva still had to persuade politicians, scientists, teachers, and others to support her cause. And, it worked! Minerva’s efforts led to what came to be known as Joshua Tree National Park in California, and saved hundreds of thousands of plants and animals. Now, the millions of people who visit each year have learned to love the desert, just as Minerva did.
The Ocean Gardener
Published in 2024
"Ayla lives on a beautiful tropical island surrounded by a coral reef. Her mom is a marine biologist, and every day, the two go exploring together. One day, Ayla notices that many of the fish have disappeared, and the once-vibrant corals have turned pale. She and her mom set out to save the corals--but is it too late?"-- Provided by publisher.
Water
How We Can Protect Our Freshwater
Published in 2023
"Water bubbles, flows, and fuels all life on earth. But worldwide pollution and climate change make it increasingly difficult for people and animals to find the clean water they need to survive. A focused call for action, this lively book narrates the history of our watery earth, succinctly explains the water cycle and the different types of freshwater, and introduces the vast array of living beings that depend on clean water for survival--as well as the devastating impact of water shortages on the lives of children around the world. Packed with facts and specific tips, bright and expansive illustrations, and end matter for further reading, this hopeful challenge inspires young readers to take action, use water wisely, and work together to defend a precious shared resource."-- Provided by publisher.
Change Starts with Us
Published in 2021
A board book celebrating the many small acts of green living that will make a positive impact on the environment.
Bugs for Breakfast
How Eating Insects Could Help Save the Planet
Published in 2022
"Most North Americans would rather squish a bug than eat it. But mopane worms are a tasty snack in Zimbabwe, baby bees are eaten right out of the can in Japan, and grasshopper tacos are popular in Mexico. More than one-fourth of the world’s population eats insects--a practice called entomophagy. 'Bugs for Breakfast' helps middle-grade readers understand the role insects fill in feeding people around the world"-- Provided by publisher.
Force of Nature
A Novel of Rachel Carson
Published in 2024
Through the eyes of her family and friends we see the young Rachel as she explores nature and overcomes obstacles to write about harmful chemical practices and launch the global environmental movement. Written in blank verse.
We Have a Dream
Published in 2022
"Indigenous people and people of color are disproportionately affected by climate change, yet often aren't heard in global conversations. In this book, British Bangladeshi environmentalist and campaigner for equal rights Dr. Mya-Rose Craig speaks to campaigners from around the world about what needs to be done. From wildlife conservation to clean water, air pollution to plastic waste, climate justice to climate strikes, the time has come to listen to a generation of young activists demanding urgent change for the world they will inherit." -- Back cover.
The Crayons Love Our Planet
Published in 2024
The hilarious Crayons are back in this celebration of our planet and their contributions to it - white ice caps, green trees, blue oceans and skies, brown soil and even wheat!
The Wild World Handbook
How Adventurers, Artists, Scientists-and You-can Protect Earth's Habitats
Published in 2021
"A middle-grade guide to environmental stewardship and protecting diverse habitats"-- Provided by publisher.
Turn the Tide
Published in 2022
"The Laskarises' relocation to Wilford Island, Florida, is a big key change for Mimi...Then her science teacher, Ms. Miller, shows her class a TED Talk by Melati and Isabel Wijsen. At ages twelve and ten, they lobbied to ban single-use plastic bags on their home island of Bali--and won.Their story strikes a chord for Mimi. She's twelve. Could a kid like her make such a big change in a place that she's not yet sure feels like home?"-- Provided by publisher.
A Kid's Guide to Saving the Planet
It's Not Hopeless and We're Not Helpless
Published in 2022
"Nationally recognized meteorologist Paul Douglas clearly and thoughtfully presents the daunting problems of climate change and offers realistic solutions and actions that kids can participate in now"-- Provided by publisher.
Solar Bear
Published in 2024
"Journey with a solar bear who shines a light on the endangered species around the world and . . . join the cause with your own mighty roar in this hopeful love letter to planet Earth and those who inhabit it"--Provided by publisher.
Water!
Why Every Drop Counts and How You Can Start Making Waves to Protect It
Published in 2023
"Water supports all life on Earth, but it's disappearing fast. How do we fight for it? It's time to take a close look at water-what we have available, how to conserve it, how to distribute it, and how to manage it for future generations to come. Next up in this core National Geographic, mission-oriented series, which includes the award-winning This Book Stinks and Kids vs Plastic, this book will be loaded with super wow-worthy water stats, infographics, and weird but true information and focus on everything about water"-- Provided by publisher.
Stand As Tall As the Trees
How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain Forest
Published in 2023
"One activist's story shows how indigenous communities can fight to protect their sacred lands-and win"-- Provided by publisher.
Earth Hour
A Global Lights-out Event for Our Planet
Published in 2020
"From famous monuments to family homes, it's lights out for everyone around the world who participates in Earth Hour--the annual event that honors energy conservation and addresses climate change by encouraging everyone to turn off their lights for one hour on a specific date each March."-- Provided by publisher.
The World is Ours to Cherish
A Letter to a Child
Published in 2024
"An honest yet hopeful take on climate change written in the form of a letter and addressed to children everywhere"-- Provided by publisher.
Stand Up! Speak Up!
A Story Inspired by the Climate Change Revolution
Published in 2020
Celebrate young climate change activists in this charming story about an empowered girl who shows up, listens up, and ultimately, speaks up to inspire her community to take action against climate change. After attending a climate march, a young activist is motivated to make an effort and do her part to help the planet... by organizing volunteers to work to make green changes in their community, from cleaning a lake, to planting trees, to making composting bins, to hosting a clothing swap and more! Here is an uplifting picture book that is an important reminder that no change is too small--and no person is too young--to make a difference.
Old Enough to Save the Planet
Published in 2020
Meet kids just like you taking action against climate change. Learn about the work they do and discover how the future of our planet starts here ... with you.
How to Change Everything
The Young Human's Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other
Published in 2021
"An empowering, engaging young readers guide to understanding and battling climate change from the expert and bestselling author of This Changes Everything and On Fire, Naomi Klein. Warmer temperatures. Fires in the Amazon. Superstorms. These are just some of the effects of climate change that we are already experiencing. The good news is that we can all do something about it. A movement is already underway to combat not only the environmental effects of climate change but also to fight for climate justice and make a fair and livable future possible for everyone. And young people are not just part of that movement, they are leading the way. They are showing us that this moment of danger is also a moment of great opportunity-an opportunity to change everything. Full of empowering stories of young leaders all over the world, this information-packed book from award-winning journalist and one of the foremost voices for climate justice, Naomi Klein, offers young readers a comprehensive look at the state of the climate today and how we got here, while also providing the tools they need to join this fight to protect and reshape the planet they will inherit"-- Provided by publisher.
Earth Day
Published in 2018
"Relevant images match informative text in this introduction to Earth Day. Intended for students in kindergarten through third grade"-- Provided by publisher.
Emily Posts
Published in 2024
"When she is cut from her middle school’s podcast crew, social media influencer wannabe Emily Laurence must find another way to spread the news of a climate march, trying to balance her impeccable manners with 21st-century activism"-- Provided by publisher.
Our Green City
Published in 2022
"Welcome to our green city! You'll find flowers, trees, animals... and wind turbines, electric cars, and solar panels, too. In this city, a utopian imagination of what a sustainable community could look like, neighbours from diverse backgrounds come together to care for their surroundings and one another. As readers are invited on a journey through the city, they learn about what makes it environmentally friendly, from electric transportation to green classrooms to community gardens. With an encouraging tone that's never didactic, the text asks questions to encourage readers to find small details: butterflies fluttering by, birds sipping nectar from flowers, and all the ways people work together to take care of the community. The uniquely positive depiction of how city life could look in the future is complemented by backmatter that shares some common environmentally friendly ideas kids can try out at home. This uplifting picture book celebrates sustainability and community and encourages kids to think about what their ideal green city might look like."-- Provided by publisher.
Restoring Prairie, Woods, and Pond
How a Small Trail Can Make a Big Difference
Published in 2023
"A small rural Wisconsin community restores publicly-owned land that has become a dumping ground into a nature trail joining an elementary school and the public library and crossing three distinct ecosystems"-- Provided by publisher
Change is in the Air
Carbon, Climate, Earth, and Us
Published in 2024
"The Earth is facing a climate crisis that it can't fight on its own. Luckily, the Earth has another important power: the power of people! And people have the power to change, protect, innovate, and invent. Thanks to the power of nature and the ingenuity of people, change is in the air!"-- Provided by publisher.
Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior
Published in 2023
"Indigenous women have always worked tirelessly to protect our water -- keeping it pure and clean for the generations to come. Yet there was a time when their voices and teachings were nearly drowned out, leaving entire communities and environments in danger and without clean water. But then came Grandma Josephine and her great-niece, Autumn. Speak for the water. Sing for the water. Dance for the water. With moving lyricism and arresting illustrations, Carole Lindstrom and Bridget George celebrate Josephine Mandamin and Autumn Peltier, two groundbreaking water warriors who have created a tidal wave of change." -- Jacket flap.
We Are Water Protectors
Published in 2020
Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all. When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource. -- Publisher.
Flipflopi
How a Boat Made from Flip-flops is Helping to Save the Ocean
Published in 2023
"A boat made entirely out of plastic trash and flip-flops!"--Back cover.
Our Planet!
There's No Place Like Earth
Published in 2022
Meet Earth. Planet Awesome! And your awesome home! Actually, Earth is home to all the plants and all the animals in the solar system, including nearly eight billion people. Humans have accidentally moved Earth's climate change into the fast lane, and she need your help to put on the brakes. Earthlings need Earth, and Earth needs Earthlings, so let’s save Earth together!
Earth Day
Published in 2023
"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. Emma is worried that her ideas are not good enough. With the help of her dad and Mrs. Connor, Emma learns that her small ideas can have big results!"-- Front jacket flap.
Our World out of Balance
Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do
Published in 2021
An encouraging and comprehensive illustrated nonfiction guide introducing children to the important topic of climate change with clear facts and positive solutions. Easy-to-follow "Before" and "After" segments help children understand complex topics like: air pollution, rising seas, plastics and increased waste, wildfires, and more.
A Planet Like Ours
Published in 2022
"Our planet Earth is as individual and special as each one of us. It's ability to sustain and nurture life is unique in our solar system--and beyond. In this book, celebrate all the wonderful qualities of our Earth while learning how to protect her for future generations"-- Provided by publisher.
We Are Earthlings
Published in 2023
"Big and small, young and old, animal and human, we are all earthlings! How can we take care of our Earth?" Back cover.
Drawn to Change the World
16 Youth Climate Activists, 16 Artists
Published in 2023
Emma Reynolds shines a spotlight on sixteen incredible youth activists from around the world who are fighting to protect the planet and all life on Earth. From Autumn Peltier campaigning for clean water to Edgar Edmund Tarimo turning plastic waste into building materials-and many more-these inspiring true stories highlight the importance of taking charge and creating change. Beautifully illustrated by sixteen different artists and accompanied by facts and pictures that explain the science, Drawn to Change the World is for anyone who wants to learn more about the climate and nature crisis and what we can do about it, with extensive front matter and back matter materials. You are not too young and you are not too old to begin. We need everyone to help with the biggest challenge the human race has ever faced. We can do this if we work together.
Saving Earth
Climate Change and the Fight for Our Future
Published in 2022
"A timely and important illustrated nonfiction guide for middle grade readers about the history of our fight against climate change, and how young people today can rise to action."-- Provided by publisher.
Girl Warriors
How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth
Published in 2021
"Interviews with 25 climate leaders under age 25 present a hopeful picture of the future of environmentalism. These fearless girls and young women from all over the world have led hundreds of thousands of people in climate strikes, founded nonprofits, given TED talks, and sued their governments. They are standing up to demand change when no one else is"-- Provided by publisher.
Hello, Earth!
Poems to Our Planet
Published in 2021
"We walk on Earth’s surface every day, but how often do we wonder about the incredible planet around us? From the molten cracks below to the shimmering moon above, Hello, Earth! explores the wonders of the natural world. This playful journey across our puzzle-piece continents does not hesitate to ask questions—even of the Earth itself! ...The book concludes with extensive scientific material to foster further learning about how the earth works, from water cycles to plate tectonics to the origin of ocean tides." -- Amazon.com.
Climate
Our Changing World
Published in 2023
"From the smallest piece of plastic in the oceans to the largest glacier at the north or south pole, scientists can see the effects of climate change. And it is all caused by burning fossil fuels-coal, oil, and natural gas-that release carbon dioxide intoour atmosphere. Fossil fuels are the fuels for the world's industry. They are the world's greatest achievement but they are also the fuel for our world's biggest problem: climate change. There is still time to protect what we have and avoid making it worse"-- Provided by publisher.
Climate Action
What Happened and What We Can Do
Published in 2021
Everyone is affected by climate change. Reading Climate Action: What Happened and What We Can Do is the perfect introduction not only to the dramatic effects of climate change, but to the solutions. Learn how our behavior and actions have led us to this point, hear from kids around the world dealing with extreme storms, wildfires, and sea level rise, and discover what scientists, youth activists, and ordinary citizens are doing to protect their communities.
To Change a Planet
Published in 2022
"Even though the Earth seems big and unchangeable, humans have altered its climate, creating consequences for all life. By working together, humans can save the planet, and ourselves"-- Provided by publisher.
Rewilding
Bringing Wildlife Back Where It Belongs
Published in 2022
"Discover inspiring stories of wildlife brought back from the brink of extinction in this kids' nonfiction book about animals and the environment"-- Provided by publisher.
Climate Action
The Future is in Our Hands
Published in 2021
"Our planet needs us. And we need our planet. Learn about how climate change is affecting our world, explore the impact that humans have on the planet, and read about innovative ideas for tackling climate breakdown"-- Provided by publisher.
Black Beach
A Community, an Oil Spill, and the Origin of Earth Day
Published in 2023
Based on actual events, this picture book tells the story of the first Earth Day through the eyes of a young girl named Sam.
Lights out
A Movement to Help Migrating Birds
Published in 2024
"Based on the real-life Lights Out movement, this inspirational story shows how people can combat light pollution and make a big difference in helping to save migrating birds by turning lights off at night"-- Provided by publisher.
Nature's Best Hope
How You Can Save the World in Your Own Yard
Published in 2023
"An adaptation of Douglas Tallamy's book Nature's Best Hope, but written for a middle school level readership"-- Provided by publisher.
Ganesha Goes Green
Published in 2023
Concerned about the pollution the Ganesha statues cause when her town celebrates her favorite festival, Ganesha Chaturthi, young Prema comes up with an innovative plan to keep the river clean.
This Book Will (help) Cool the Climate
50 Ways to Cut Pollution and Protect Our Planet!
Published in 2018
Our planet is heating up, and it needs your help! If you want to learn to reduce your carbon footprint and cool the Earth, here are practical tips and projects that make a difference! The bad news is, global warming is a real problem that won't go away on its own. But the good news is, there are lots of easy ways you can get involved and make a difference! From swapping your stuff to assigning your school some eco-homework, helping to save the planet is within your reach. Arm yourself with info about our changing world, become an eco-hero and take control of your future. It's time to do your part to cool the climate!
Team Trash
A Time Traveler's Guide to Sustainability
Published in 2023
After a mechanical mishap, studious environmentalist Charlie and artistic Oliver travel back through time and must gather information on recycling throughout the ages to return to the present day.
Dino-Earth Day
Published in 2024
"What do dinosaurs do on Earth Day? They care for the planet! They ride bikes and scooters, clean up a park, plant an urban garden, visit a recycling center, and more" -- Provided by publisher.
Our House is on Fire
Greta Thunberg's Call to Save the Planet
Published in 2019
Tells the story of Greta Thunberg, a Swedish teenage climate activist who has sparked a worldwide student movement and is demanding action from world leaders who refuse to address climate change.
The Day the River Caught Fire
How the Cuyahoga River Exploded and Ignited the Earth Day Movement
Published in 2022
"The true story of how a 1969 fire in one of the most polluted rivers in America helped foster awareness of water pollution and how the river's fate contributed to the environmental movement"-- Provided by publisher.