21 Environment Books for Earth Day and Beyond

Earth Day on April 22 is a great opportunity to teach your children about the environment and how human activities have degraded the health of the planet we call home. This is a special day to celebrate the Earth and reflect on how we can heal the planet.

Reading children’s books about Earth Day will help your children understand the importance of saving the environment and give them hope. They will expand your child’s imagination and encourage him to think about creative solutions.

Teaching children to care for the environment is a big step forward in preserving Mother Earth. Take the time to participate in meaningful Earth Day activities for kids. Read to your children about the planet and why it needs special love and attention.

Most importantly, these inspiring reads will allow them to believe in themselves and how their actions, however small, can make a difference. They will also encourage children to engage in active recreation in the fresh air, which is very necessary these days!

Earth Day and nature books for children

1. The Lorax

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is a classic book in this category that explores the theme of environmental destruction in a playful manner. The story ends on a note of hope and gives a clear message about how every child can make a difference.

Printed on recycled paper, The Lorax is the quintessential book in its category. This book, loved by children and adults, was even adapted into an equally wonderful animated film for children.

2. I can save the Earth!

Join Max, a cute furry green monster, who learns a lesson about saving the environment and, in turn, teaches children how to be saviors of the planet themselves.

A perfect read for ages 4 and up, I Can Save the Earth will teach important lessons about the 3Rs and help your kids see the bigger picture.

Quick Tip: Be sure to throw in some Earth Day jokes to add some humor to your reading routine!

3. Miss Fox’s class turns green

What a great book to teach how small actions can have a BIG impact on the health of our planet! This book tackles serious issues like pollution, water conservation, and protecting the planet in a light, kid-friendly way with a touch of humor.

Beautiful illustrations and an easy-to-follow plot make this Earth Day Kindergarten book a worthy read for ages 4 and up.

4. Earth Day every day

“Earth Day every day” informs young children about sustainability and preservation of the environment. As the name suggests, it teaches children simple actions that, if taken every day, can contribute to the well-being of our planet. At least it inspires them to take up gardening.

Quick Tip: Watch these Earth Day videos for a better understanding.

5. Thank you, Earth – A love letter to our planet

This is a beautifully written book filled with equally stunning photographs that will help children appreciate the bounties and gifts of nature.

Winner of the Green Award for Environmental Literature, Thank You Earth – A Love Letter to Our Planet explores concepts of science, nature, geography, biology, poetry, and community to make it an engaging read for children ages 4 and up.

6. What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet

This is an informative book about Earth Day for children who are ready to delve deeply into the issue of environmental protection. Packed with facts and information, it will amaze your kids (and you!) and bring awareness to how our small actions affect the planet.

Suitable for ages 7 and up, this book will bring the awareness you need to help save the environment.

7. Not for me, please! I choose to act ecologically

This engaging Earth Day children’s book explores recycling in a smart, kid-friendly way. Luke, an ordinary boy, like most children his age, does not pay attention to the preservation of the environment until he is surrounded by garbage.

Stunned, he decides to act responsibly and becomes a warrior of the planet. A cute story that is sure to inspire your children and help them do their bit for the planet, this picture book will appeal to children aged 6 and up.

8. Window

This wordless book for preschoolers about Earth Day will take your children on a journey through time and learn about the impact of human activities that a child observes through the window.

This picture book for children will encourage them to think about the human impact on the environment.

9. The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever

This children’s biography follows the life of Katherine Olivia Sessions, the American botanist who transformed the dry desert town of San Diego into the lush green city we know today.

This is an inspiring children’s nonfiction book that will help your children see the power of dreams and encourage them to strive. Suitable for children from 6 years old.

10. Captain Green and the plastic stage

This light-hearted Earth Day children’s book is fun, yet poignant, about plastic pollution in the oceans.

Captain Green aims to save marine animals from plastic pollution, and along the way inspires children to become superheroes themselves. Recommended for children aged 4 and over.

11. What does it mean to be green?

This book won a Gold Mom’s Choice Award for Children’s Picture Book and a Santa Monica Public Library Green Award for Environmental Literature.

This is a great read that will help kids understand what it really means to be green and how they protect and conserve natural resources. Suitable for children from 5 years old.

12. A cool drink of water

This educational book combines National Geographic photos with poetry to bring the theme of water conservation to life.

The book explores different cultures around the world and their struggle to preserve this vital resource. Recommended for children from 5 years old.

13. You wouldn’t want to live without clean water!

This is another Earth Day children’s book that addresses the issue of clean water and its scarcity. It’s an informative read that won’t bore readers.

Her comic book style illustrations combined with a touch of humor make this a fun read for ages 8 and up.

14. Compost stew

Wondering how to introduce your kids to composting? This book is a good start and is aimed at an audience of 4 years and up. Easy-to-understand text with bright, colorful illustrations will delight your children with this Earth Day book.

15. One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and The Recycling Women of the Gambia

This is a gem of a book that brings to life the inspiring true story of Isatu Sisi – the woman who changed the way plastic bags ended up – in the garbage heap.

This beautifully illustrated book is sure to touch children and inspire them to do better for their planet.

16. Heal the Earth

The moving book “Heal the Earth” contains a powerful message to care for the planet and for other people.

This beautifully illustrated book is full of adventure, love for the planet and respect for each other. A real treasure for children from 3 years old.

17. Compost: A Family Guide to Building Soil from Leftovers

After reading this book, you will never look at kitchen and garden waste the same way again. Packed with information and stickers, this is a really great book for kids.

It provides practical information about composting and creating your own compost bin. Highly recommend!

18. Be careful with energy

A great book about energy and its not-so-good aspects, this Earth Day children’s book will help your child see the dirty picture of energy production for a good reason – to conserve it! Suitable for children from 5 years old.

19. Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Persian Gulf

This is a powerful book that is sure to inspire your children. A story about a little girl who suffered from an oil spill in the Persian Gulf. But what set her apart was her willingness to help and take action.

A great book to teach the power of our actions, Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf is a must read.

20. My friend Earth

This is an impressive book and an incredible feast for the eyes! It celebrates the beauty of the natural world and has a profound message. The poetic and fascinating book “My Friend Earth” will surely captivate your little reader.

21. 101 small ways to change the world

This book contains 101 actionable and practical ideas on how to change the world and inspire children to be change makers. Aimed at turning thoughts into action, this book outlines the many ways your child (and you!) can make a difference in the world.

From caring for the planet to caring for others and caring for yourself, this book is a kid-friendly guide to thinking big and changing the world with small, intentional actions.

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Source: 21 Environment Books for Earth Day and Beyond