Pre-K

Growing Reader

Books for a Better Planet!
18 Earth-Friendly Reads for Kids

by Melissa Taylor

Illustration: Elizabeth Graeber

Kids appreciate our planet and her precious resources when they can feel, touch, and see the natural world. When they’re 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’s books that facilitate a love and stewardship of planet Earth.

Saving American Beach

Saving American Beach

by Heidi Tyline King, illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Available from:

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’ gorgeous illustrations, this book shows us that we can all make an impact on the world around us.

Also available from:

The Ocean Gardener

The Ocean Gardener

by Clara Anganuzzi

Available from:

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.

Also available from:

We Planted a Tree

We Planted a Tree

by Diane Muldrow, illustrated by Bob Staake

Available from:

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’s whimsical illustrations, this must-read will leave you eager to get planting.

Also available from:

Wonder Walkers

Wonder Walkers

by Micha Archer

Available from:

In this stunning book, Micha Archer combines poetic language and gorgeous collage illustrations to encourage readers to explore all of nature’s many mysteries. After reading, kids (and parents too) will want to get outside and embark on their own wonder walk!

Also available from:

Linh's Rooftop Garden

Linh's Rooftop Garden

by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Samara Hardy

Available from:

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.

Also available from:

Compost Stew

Compost Stew

by Mary McKenna Siddals, illustrated by Ashley Wolff

Available from:

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 — good for the Earth and good for us too!

Also available from:

Don’t Let Them Disappear

Don’t Let Them Disappear

by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Gianna Marino

Available from:

Following her bestselling picture book, She Persisted, Chelsea Clinton turns a keen and thoughtful eye to the plight of endangered animals across the planet — and what we can do to keep them from disappearing. Full of endearing facts about beloved creatures, it’s an eye-opening read for animal-lovers everywhere.

Also available from:

Eco Baby Where Are You Koala?

Eco Baby Where Are You Koala?

by DK

Available from:

Where could koala be? Take your toddler on an adventure to the land down under in the newest book in the Eco Baby series. As your explorer navigates this plastic-free and completely recyclable board book, they’ll meet new and exciting animals like kangaroos, crocodiles, and so much more. Good for little adventurers and the environment too!

Also available from:

The Water Princess

The Water Princess

by Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Available from:

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’s understanding of a crucial environmental issue.

Also available from:

The Amazing Planet Earth (StoryBots)

The Amazing Planet Earth (StoryBots)

by StoryBots

Available from:

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.

Also available from:

Ducks Overboard!: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans

Ducks Overboard!: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans

by Markus Motum

Available from:

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 — 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.

Also available from:

Kate, Who Tamed the Wind

Kate, Who Tamed the Wind

by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Lee White

Available from:

Children learn early that trees are important for the oxygen cycle, but young Kate knows there’s 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 — involving a wheelbarrow of adolescent trees — to help her neighbor (and the Earth, too!).

Also available from:

Here We Are

Here We Are

by Oliver Jeffers

Available from:

Created as a literary welcome to the world for Jeffers’s newborn son, Here We Are 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 — 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’re all on this planet together and it’s all we have.

Also available from:

The Lorax

The Lorax

by Dr. Seuss

Available from:

Featuring one Dr. Seuss’s most iconic characters, this beloved picture book about preserving the planet’s natural beauty will inspire young readers to do their part in protecting the environment.

Also available from:

The Bee Book

The Bee Book

by Charlotte Milner

Available from:

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.

Also available from:

The Magic and Mystery of Trees

The Magic and Mystery of Trees

by Jen Green, illustrated by Claire McElfatrick

Available from:

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 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’s amazing capabilities.

Also available from:

What a Waste

What a Waste

by Jess French

Available from:

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.

Also available from:

Zonia's Rain Forest

Zonia's Rain Forest

by Juana Martinez-Neal

Available from:

In this wonderfully inviting book, Zonia takes kids into the Amazon rain forest and into the Asháninka community. Through Zonia’s 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.

Also available from:

More Books to Explore

Wilderness: Earth's Amazing Habitats

Wilderness: Earth's Amazing Habitats

by Mia Cassany, illustrated by Marcos Navarro

Also available from:

Noah Builds an Ark

Noah Builds an Ark

by Kate Banks, illustrated by John Rocco

Also available from:

Poetree

Poetree

by Shauna LaVoy Reynolds, illustrated by Shahrzad Maydani

Also available from:

The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth

The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth

by Rachel Ignotofsky

Also available from:

Here Comes the Garbage Barge!

Here Comes the Garbage Barge!

by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Red Nose Studio

Also available from:

I am Jane Goodall

I am Jane Goodall

by Brad Meltzer, illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Also available from:

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2021.