Kids appreciate our planet and her precious resources when they can feel, touch, and see the natural world. When they\u2019re not outside, kids can still expand their understanding of nature through books that celebrate the wonders of the world around them. Whether for Earth Day or every day, here are some great children\u2019s books that facilitate a love and stewardship of planet Earth.<\/p>\n
no no 9780593428115 You Are a Wildlife Warrior!<\/i> by Bindi Irwin, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki with Smriti Prasadam-Halls <\/p>\n
Written by Bindi Irwin, renowned conservationist and daughter of the famous Crocodile Hunter, this beautiful picture book is a colorful tour through the Australia Zoo. It’s packed with fun facts about animals, giving young readers a close look at creatures like kangaroos, crocodiles, and more. Bindi encourages everyone to learn about animals and how we can all help save their homes, inspiring kids to become champions for our planet and its wildlife.<\/p>\n
9781101996294 Saving American Beach<\/i> by Heidi Tyline King, illustrated by Ekua Holmes <\/p>\n
This beautiful story is about an opera singer turned environmentalist who saved a beach. When MaVynee was a girl, most of the beaches were for white people only. So her grandfather bought American Beach and turned it into a place where African Americans could enjoy its sunny shores. When the beach falls into disrepair, MaVynee works to preserve this important piece of her history. Combined with Holmes\u2019 gorgeous illustrations, this book shows us that we can all make an impact on the world around us. <\/p>\n
9781664300279 The Ocean Gardener <\/i> by Clara Anganuzzi <\/p>\n
Ayla loves swimming through the coral reef that surrounds her island and is shocked to find a section of coral has turned pale and the fish have left. Can she and her mom save this precious underwater habitat? A beautifully written and vibrantly illustrated story about love and stewardship for our environment. Backmatter includes information on reef restoration and the marine biologist who inspired the story. <\/p>\n
9780553539035 We Planted a Tree<\/i> by Diane Muldrow, illustrated by Bob Staake <\/p>\n
A simple poem that packs a powerful punch reminds kids of all ages that trees have to offer: clean air, shelter for animals, fruit to eat, and so much more. Combined with Staake\u2019s whimsical illustrations, this must-read will leave you eager to get planting.<\/p>\n
9780593109649 Wonder Walkers<\/i> by Micha Archer <\/p>\n
In this stunning book, Micha Archer combines poetic language and gorgeous collage illustrations to encourage readers to explore all of nature\u2019s many mysteries. After reading, kids (and parents too) will want to get outside and embark on their own wonder walk! <\/p>\n
9781682631683 Linh’s Rooftop Garden<\/i> by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Samara Hardy <\/p>\n
Join Linh on her journey to find blueberries in her rooftop garden! This story is perfect for young readers with budding green thumbs and a passion for gardening! They’ll learn valuable lessons along the way.<\/p>\n
9781582463162 Compost Stew<\/i> by Mary McKenna Siddals, illustrated by Ashley Wolff <\/p>\n
Filled with collage illustrations and rhythmic text, this book is a delightful introduction to composting for kids. From apple cores to zinnia flowers and everything in between, get to know the ingredients for a wonderful compost stew \u2014 good for the Earth and good for us too!<\/p>\n
9780525514329 Don\u2019t Let Them Disappear<\/i> by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Gianna Marino <\/p>\n
Following her bestselling picture book, She Persisted<\/a><\/i>, Chelsea Clinton turns a keen and thoughtful eye to the plight of endangered animals across the planet \u2014 and what we can do to keep them from disappearing. Full of endearing facts about beloved creatures, it\u2019s an eye-opening read for animal-lovers everywhere. <\/p>\n 9780744027594 Eco Baby Where Are You Koala?<\/i> by DK <\/p>\n Where could koala be? Take your toddler on an adventure to the land down under in the newest book in the Eco Baby<\/i> series<\/a>. As your explorer navigates this plastic-free and completely recyclable board book, they\u2019ll meet new and exciting animals like kangaroos, crocodiles, and so much more. Good for little adventurers and the environment too! <\/p>\n 9780399172588 The Water Princess<\/i> by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds <\/p>\n Before she was a supermodel and activist, Georgie Badiel walked miles every day with a heavy pot perched on her head to bring home drinking water for her family. Badiel grew up in Burkina Faso, one of many places across the world that lacks access to clean drinking water. In striking illustrations and spirited prose, this book will deepen children\u2019s understanding of a crucial environmental issue. <\/p>\n 9781524718572 The Amazing Planet Earth (StoryBots)<\/i> by StoryBots <\/p>\n Your favorite wacky robots are back with a new book that is perfect for kids eager to start reading! Filled with vivid illustrations and rhythmic text, this book takes your child to the tallest mountains and deepest oceans of our beautiful planet. <\/p>\n 9781536217728 Ducks Overboard!: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans<\/i> by Markus Motum <\/p>\n Narrated by a rubber ducky, this nonfiction picture book tells the true story of how 28,000 ducks ended up in the middle of the ocean. The little duck travels the ocean’s currents, encountering sea creatures and garbage before passing through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch \u2014 a mass of trash about twice the size of Texas. The book has fabulous illustrations and lots of facts about the dangers of plastics and how children can help.<\/p>\n 9781101934791 Kate, Who Tamed the Wind<\/i> by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Lee White <\/p>\n Children learn early that trees are important for the oxygen cycle, but young Kate knows there\u2019s another reason they make our lives better. Atop a steep hill, a voracious wind wrecks everything for the man who lives alone there. Kate comes up with a plan \u2014 involving a wheelbarrow of adolescent trees \u2014 to help her neighbor (and the Earth, too!). <\/p>\n 9780399167898 Here We Are<\/i> by Oliver Jeffers <\/p>\n Created as a literary welcome to the world for Jeffers\u2019s newborn son, Here We Are<\/i> is a beautifully illustrated guide to living on Earth and being a good person. Jeffers walks little ones through the infinite wonders of our world \u2014 from the land, sea, and sky to people and animals of all shapes and sizes. He ends his tour with a gentle reminder to look after Earth, as we\u2019re all on this planet together and it\u2019s all we have.<\/p>\n 9781465465535 The Bee Book<\/i> by Charlotte Milner <\/p>\n This educational book from Charlotte Milner teaches young readers all about the wonderful world of bees and why they are so important. Follow the bees on their adventure from flower to flower, go inside the hive, and learn how we can help them survive. Your child will be buzzing about this dazzling celebration of bees. <\/p>\n 9781465479365 The Magic and Mystery of Trees<\/i> by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick <\/p>\n Did you know that trees take care of each other and that the whole forest is connected? Before I read this book, I didn’t either. The Magic and Mystery of Trees<\/i> takes children on a fascinating journey of exploration, showing them just how special these mighty organisms are. This gorgeously illustrated book gave me a new appreciation for a tree\u2019s amazing capabilities.<\/p>\n 9781465481412 What a Waste<\/i> by Jess French <\/p>\n This visually stunning information book from DK teaches young ecologists about our effect on the planet and it’s current environmental concerns. It also shows how people are developing solutions to our waste and plastic problems, giving hope for the future. How can you do your part to save the planet? Author Jess French encourages kids to speak up, be a plastic-free family, and make positive changes.<\/p>\n 9781536208450 Zonia’s Rain Forest<\/i> by Juana Martinez-Neal <\/p>\n In this wonderfully inviting book, Zonia takes kids into the Amazon rain forest and into the Ash\u00e1ninka community. Through Zonia\u2019s outdoor adventures, readers are introduced to all the diversity the rain forest offers. But when Zonia comes across a section of clear-cut forest, her determination to save her home will inspire your young environmentalist to take action. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2025.<\/small><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whether for Earth Day or every day, here are some great children\u2019s books that encourage a love and stewardship of planet Earth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":114282,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[59,88,95,102,954],"coauthors":[13],"class_list":["post-1593","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-picture-books","tag-nonfiction","tag-nature","tag-social-issues","tag-educators","ages_stages-pre-k","ages_stages-growing-reader"],"yoast_head":"\nYou might also like:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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