10 Amazing Children's Books for Earth Day

Earth Day is just around the corner and it's the perfect time to celebrate our beautiful planet and learn more about ways we can protect it. And what better way to do that than by reading some amazing children's books on the subject? 

An annual event that started back in 1970 and takes place on April 22nd, it is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet. Earth Day has now become a global movement which inspires millions  to take action towards building a more sustainable future. 

It is important that children and adult folks alike learn the importance of celebrating Earth Day. There is no better way to remind us of our responsibility towards our planet than an awareness day which is celebrated globally. With challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution, Earth Day is an opportunity to reflect the impact of our actions on the Earth and how we can steps and actions to reduce our carbon footprint. 

So without further ado, here are 10 fantastic books for children that focus on Earth Day and climate change.

1. "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry - An American children's picture book about rainforest conservation. Beautifully illustrated, this book tells the story of a man who goes into the rainforest to cut down a giant kapok tree but falls asleep under its branches and has a dream that changes his mind. You know a book is worth a read when its a Teacher's Pick

  2. "One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia"   by Miranda Paul -  A Teacher's Pick ideal for children 5-9, this inspiring true story is about a woman in Gambia who turns trash into treasure by creating purses from discarded plastic bags.

3. "The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps" by acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter. Ideal for children 4-8, this biography of Jane Goodall, one of the world's most famous primatologists, tells the story of her work studying chimpanzees in Tanzania and her efforts to protect them and their habitat. In this book, Jane Goodall, the great observer of chimpanzees is followed from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates who are now in danger of extinction, and their habitat. Young animal lovers and Winter's many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life. 

4. "Hello Mr World" by Michael Foreman is our Little Literates Book of the Month!. Perfect for 3-6's and a few years beyond, it is a fantastic addition to your little one's library or to the school library to teach them about climate change, this topical picture book, Michael Foreman – twice winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and described as "the greatest illustrator-storyteller of his time" by Michael Morpurgo – brilliantly shows what climate change is doing to our world and inspires us all to make a difference. Mr World doesn’t feel well. He’s hot and sweaty and finding it hard to breathe. What will the doctors find when they examine their poor patient? A very moving read! One for every young bookworm. 

5. "Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth" by Mary McKenna Siddals. A fun and educational book which provides an A to Z guide to composting and teaches kids about the importance of reducing waste. This beautiful book will teach kids to compost and help them develop life-long habits to protect and sustain 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 about the environment and climate change. Not only is composting becoming more common in households and residential gardens, but many school gardens feature compost piles, too. But how do you start a compost pile? What's safe to include? Perfect for an Earth Day focus or year-round reference, this inviting book provides all the answers for kids and families looking for simple, child-friendly ways to help the planet.

6. The EARTH Book by Todd Parr - This colorful book teaches children about the importance of taking care of the planet and offers simple tips for things they can do to help. In a playful and sensitive way, Todd Parr explores this important and relevant subject of environmental protection and conservation. There are so many easy to follow tips in this book for young ones to follow, whether it's planting a tree, reusing old things or saving paper. Best of all, the book includes tips/reminders on how kids can "go green" everyday. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, this sweet homage to our beautiful planet is sure to inspire readers of all ages to do their part in keeping the Earth happy and health

7. "Elliot's Artic Surprise" by Catherine Barr. Meet our second book for Aril 2023 Little Literates Box. A perfect book for children 4-8 to get to know more about the environment, its importance and how we can preserve it. A great picture story book with an environmental message, developed in conversation with Greenpeace UK. When one little boy discovers a message from Father Christmas asking for help to save his home from the oil drillers, he hitches a lift from a kind old sailor and together with children from around the world, they set sail to confront the oil men. Elliot desperately wants to save the Arctic and stop Christmas being cancelled, but will the oil drillers back down and what is the old sailor’ s big surprise… ? 

8. "The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story About Recycling" by Alison Inches - This book follows the journey of a plastic bottle as it is recycled into a new product.  Children will learn about recycling from a new perspective! This is the fun and humorous diary account of a plastic bottle as it goes on a journey from the refinery plant, to the manufacturing line, to the store shelf, to a garbage can, and finally to a recycling plant where it emerges into it's new life...as a fleece jacket! Told from the point of view of a free-spirited plastic bottle, kids can share in the daily experiences and inner thoughts of the bottle through his personal journal all the while sharing the ecological significance behind each product and the resources used to make it. Readers will never look at a plastic bottle the same way again!

9. "Michael Recycle" by Ellie Bethel was published just in time for Earth Day 2022. In fun and engaging story, a superhero named Michael Recycle whose power allows him to teach the people of his town about the importance of recycling and helps them clean up their community.  After cleaning up a town, the people declare: "To Michael Recycle! The green-caped crusader, our super-green hero, the planet's new savior!"

10. "The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge" by Joanna Cole - In this installment of the beloved Magic School Bus series, Ms. Frizzle and her class learn about the causes and effects of climate change and what they can do to help.  Like it or not, global warming is a hot topic, and it will affect the younger generation the most. So why not turn to the teacher kids like the most, Ms. Frizzle! Only the Friz can boil all the hoopla down to the scientific facts in a fun and informative way. Kids already love the Magic School Bus, and they love to do what's right by the planet. At last, a way to teach the curriculum and make an impact!

These books are just a few of the many great options available to help kids learn about Earth Day and climate change. Reading them with your children or pupils is not only a great way to spend quality time together, but it also helps raise awareness and understanding of these important issues. 

There is still time to subscribe to receive our Earthcellent Easter box for April 2023. If you would like a book bundle with books on the Earth Day topic and to teach about climate change, then why not grab one a non-fiction bundle here. If at the time of reading this blog, you have missed our April Box, don't worry. you can email us to check for stock and buy a one-off or subscribe to receive the equally amazing May box. Remember, you get the 1st Box FREE on 6 or 12 month plans!

So let's celebrate Earth Day by reading and learning together!