Earth Day is a fantastic opportunity to teach children about the importance of preserving our planet and its resources. One of the best ways to spark their interest and inspire them to be environmentally conscious is through engaging read-alouds and Earth Day picture books that teach children how to care for the earth. We compiled a list of 25 of the best Earth Day books for kids that we’ve enjoyed over the years.
The History of Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual celebration of the planet and its environment. It’s observed by more than 192 countries on April 22nd each year, with people taking part in local initiatives to help keep the earth clean and healthy.
Reading stories about the environment can provide valuable lessons for children about how their behavior affects the planet. Through read-alouds, children can learn about the importance of protecting endangered species, conserving water and energy, reducing waste, recycling materials, planting trees, and more.
Reading stories together is a great way to foster conversations about environmental issues between adults and children. Taking part in Earth Day activities such as beach cleanups, planting gardens or trees in the community, and participating in outdoor hikes has also been shown to help children become more aware of their impact on the environment.
Earth Day is an important reminder for all of us to appreciate our planet and take action to preserve its beauty and health. Taking part in activities that celebrate Earth Day can help create powerful positive experiences for children around environmentalism, conservation, and regeneration. By engaging children in Earth Day activities, we can all work together to build a better future for the planet!
Must-Read Favorite Earth Day Books for Kids
Along with my kids, we’ve compiled a list of 15 must-read Earth Day books for kids that will not only entertain but also inspire love and respect for our planet. These favorite books, suitable for various elementary school age groups, will surely ignite a passion for preserving the Earth in your little ones.
The Watcher by Jeanette Winter
Age group: 4-8 years
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of Jane Goodall, a woman who has dedicated her life to studying and protecting chimpanzees. The Watcher encourages kids to follow their passions and care for the natural world.
The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
Age group: 4-8 years
This colorful and captivating book tells the story of a man who encounters various rainforest creatures while trying to cut down a giant kapok tree. The animals’ pleas eventually change the man’s mind, teaching children the importance of preserving the Earth’s precious resources.
The Water Princess by Susan Verde
Age group: 5-8 years
Inspired by the childhood experiences of model Georgie Badiel, The Water Princess is a touching story about a young girl’s quest for clean water in her African village. This book raises awareness about water scarcity and the need for sustainable solutions.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Age group: 5-8 years
This heartwarming story follows Miss Rumphius, who dreams of making the world a more beautiful place. She achieves her goal by planting lupine flowers across the countryside, teaching children that even small acts can make a big difference.
The Earth Book by Todd Parr
Age group: 3-6 years
With vibrant illustrations and simple text, The Earth Book introduces young readers to the importance of caring for the environment. It offers practical tips for going green, such as recycling and conserving water.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Age group: 4-8 years
In this inspiring story, a young boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden in a dreary city. Through hard work and determination, he helps the garden flourish, bringing color and life to the urban landscape. The Curious Garden teaches children the importance of nurturing nature, even in the most unexpected places.
We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow
Age group: 4-8 years
This beautifully illustrated book follows two families from different parts of the world as they plant and nurture a tree. We Planted a Tree highlights the many benefits of trees, from providing oxygen to preventing soil erosion, and emphasizes the power of small actions to make a difference.
Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel
Age group: 4-8 years
In this entertaining and educational rhyming story, Michael Recycle, a superhero with a mission to save the planet, teaches a town about the importance of recycling and reducing waste. This book is a great way to introduce young readers to the concept of recycling and environmental stewardship.
One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul
Age group: 5-8 years
This inspiring true story follows Isatou Ceesay, a woman from Gambia who starts a movement to recycle plastic bags, transforming her community and the environment. One Plastic Bag is a powerful reminder that anyone, regardless of age or location, can make a positive impact on planet Earth.
Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard
Age group:Age group: 5-8 years
Earth Day Every Day follows a young girl named Trina, who learns about Earth Day at school and decides to make environmentally-friendly choices every day. This engaging story teaches young children that they can make a difference by adopting eco-friendly habits in their daily lives.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
Age group: 3-7 years
In this classic picture book, Eric Carle tells the story of a tiny seed’s journey, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and the beauty of the natural world. The Tiny Seed is a perfect introduction to the life cycle of plants and the value of nurturing the environment.
The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean by Deborah Diesen
Age group: 3-6 years
In this rhyming adventure, the Pout-Pout Fish and his friends discover a huge mess in their ocean home. They work together to clean up pollution, teaching children about the importance of teamwork and taking care of the environment.
Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals
Age group: 3-7 years
This fun and informative book teaches children about composting through a catchy, alphabetical recipe. Compost Stew not only introduces kids to the concept of composting but also encourages them to participate in this earth-friendly activity.
Biscuit’s Earth Day Celebration by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Age group: 4-8 years
In this charming story, Biscuit the dog learns about Earth Day and discovers various ways to help protect the planet. This easy-to-read book is perfect for young readers who are just starting to learn about environmental responsibility.
Follow the Moon Home: A Tale of One Idea, Twenty Kids, and a Hundred Sea Turtles by Philippe Cousteau and Deborah Hopkinson
Age group: 5-8 years
Inspired by true events, this beautifully illustrated book follows a group of children who work together to save baby sea turtles. Follow the Moon Home teaches young readers about the importance of conservation and the power of teamwork in protecting the environment.
The Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
Age group: 6-10 years
This great book, inspired by the indigenous-led movement to protect water resources, tells the powerful story of a young girl who stands up against a black snake threatening the Earth’s water. The Water Protectors features bold illustrations and is a love letter to the Earth and the importance of standing up for what is right.
Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan
Age group: 4-8 years
In this beautifully illustrated book, Newbery Medal winner Patricia MacLachlan creates a lovely picture book celebrating our friend Earth. With charming text and delightful illustrations, children learn about the many ways they can take care of the Earth and appreciate its wonders.
The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins
Age group: 5-10 years
This beautiful story is a biography of Kate Sessions, the woman responsible for transforming San Diego into a lush, green paradise. The Tree Lady is a testament to the power of persistence and the impact one person can have on the environment.
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
Age group: 3-7 years
This lovely picture book by renowned author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers is a heartwarming guide to life on Earth for young readers. With engaging illustrations and simple text, this book covers a range of topics, from appreciating our planet’s diversity to understanding our place in the solar system.
The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole
Age group: 7-10 years
In this fun and educational chapter book, the iconic Magic School Bus takes readers on an adventure to learn about climate change and global warming. The story presents complex topics in a kid-friendly way, making it an excellent choice for elementary-aged students.
One Earth by Eileen Spinelli
Age group: 4-8 years
The book celebrates the beauty and diversity of our planet while also emphasizing the importance of taking care of it. Through simple yet lyrical language, Spinelli highlights the wonders of nature, from the tallest mountains to the smallest creatures, and encourages young readers to appreciate and protect the world we live in. Coelho’s vibrant illustrations bring the text to life with rich colors and playful details. One Earth is a timely and inspiring reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and our responsibility to preserve the planet for future generations.
Earth Matters: An Encyclopedia of Ecology by Dr. Jen Green
Age group: 8-12 years
This comprehensive nonfiction book provides young readers with an in-depth look at ecology and environmental issues. Earth Matters is filled with fun facts, engaging illustrations, and valuable information, making it an excellent reference book for elementary students.
Thank You Earth by April Pulley Sayre
Age group: 5-8 years
Thank You, Earth is a stunningly illustrated children’s book written by April Pulley Sayre that invites young readers to appreciate and celebrate the beauty and wonder of our planet. The book is a heartfelt tribute to the Earth and all its natural wonders, from the oceans and the mountains to the forests and the deserts. Sayre’s poetic language is paired with breathtaking photographs of the natural world, capturing the vibrancy and diversity of our planet’s ecosystems. Through her words and images, Sayre encourages children to cherish and care for the Earth, inspiring a sense of awe and gratitude for the planet that sustains us all. Thank You, Earth is a captivating and inspiring book that will encourage young readers to become stewards of the natural world.
The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle by Alison Inches
Age group: 4-8 years
This fun and informative book tells the story of a plastic water bottle from its creation to its ultimate transformation into a fleece jacket. With engaging illustrations and a unique first-person perspective, The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle teaches children about recycling and the importance of reducing waste.
Reading these captivating Earth Day books with your children will not only provide them with valuable lessons about the importance of caring for our planet but also inspire a lifelong love for the environment. Celebrate Earth Day every day by incorporating these eco-conscious stories into your child’s reading list and encouraging them to take action in preserving our beautiful Earth.
