Books Greener Living

50 “Green” Children’s Books for Earth Day or Any Day

16. Earth Day, Birthday! by Maureen Wright

It’s April 22, and Lion and his friends want to plant trees, recycle bottles, and have fun on Earth Day. But not Monkey. He wants to celebrate his birthday. Can he convince the other animals that it really is his birthday? Violet Kim’s humorous artwork, rendered in paper, photographs, and colored pencil, highlight the sunny, friendly world of the animals.

17. Miss Fox’s Class Goes Green by Eileen Spinelli

When Miss Fox shows up at school riding her bicycle, Mouse asks, “Do you have a flat tire?” “No,” Miss Fox tells her students. “I am going green!” Soon everyone in the class is working to keep the earth healthy. Mouse takes shorter showers (and does her singing after!); Bunny brings a cloth bag to the supermarket; and Possum turns the lights off when he goes out. And Miss Fox’s simple act has ripples even beyond her own students… the principal starts riding his bike, too, and soon the whole school is going green!

18. We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow

In this poetic picture book with environmental themes, illustrated by award-winning artist Bob Staake, two young families in two very different parts of the world each plant a tree. As the trees flourish, so do the families . . . while trees all over the world help clean the air, enrich the soil, and give fruit and shade.

 

19. Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

Michael Recycle tells the adventures of a young superhero whose power allows him to teach people about recycling. After cleaning up a town, the people declare: “To Michael Recycle! The green-caped crusader, our super-green hero, the planet’s new savior!”

20. Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug by Ellie Bethel

Litterbug Doug is lazy. He is wasteful. He is messy. But worst of all, he hates recycling! The clean and green town where he lives is in danger from his lazy ways, not to mention suffering from the stench released by the mountains of garbage that Doug leaves wherever he goes! So strong is its stink that even the army of rats that follow Doug around are rethinking their friendship with him. It’s up to Michael Recycle, planet Earth’s green-caped crusader, to show dastardly Doug the error of his ways…before it’s too late!

21. One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul

Plastic bags are cheap and easy to use. But what happens when a bag breaks or is no longer needed? In Njau, Gambia, people simply dropped the bags and went on their way. One plastic bag became two. Then ten. Then a hundred. The bags accumulated in ugly heaps alongside roads. Water pooled in them, bringing mosquitoes and disease. Some bags were burned, leaving behind a terrible smell. Some were buried, but they strangled gardens. They killed livestock that tried to eat them. Something had to change.

Isatou Ceesay was that change. She found a way to recycle the bags and transform her community. This inspirational true story shows how one person’s actions really can make a difference in our world.

 

22. Gabby & Grandma Go Green by Monica Wellington

When Gabby and Grandma get together, “Green Day” means “Fun Day.” From sewing their own cloth bags and buying vegetables at the Farmers’ Market to recycling their bottles, these two know how to have a good time while doing good things for the earth.

23. The Berenstain Bears Go Green by Jan and Mike Berenstain

The Berenstain Bears live in a wonderful place filled with green grass, blue skies, and lots of furry friends. But on a fishing trip at the creek, the Bear family discovers that the town dump is overflowing. It’s spilling garbage into the water! Can the Berenstain Bears find a pollution solution before their beloved county is filled with garbage?

24. Stuff!: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Steven Kroll

Pinch is a packrat. He collects lots of stuff. When his friends decide to hold a tag sale, Pinch is horrified. The last thing he wants to do is recycle his things. But then he realizes that he can make money at a tag sale—enough money to buy more stuff!

How Pinch changes and finds a way to beautify his town will reinforce the benefits of practicing the three R’s— reduce, reuse, and recycle!

 

25. It’s Earth Day! by Mercer Mayer

Little Critter is on a mission! After watching a film about climate changes at school, Little Critter decides to do his part to slow down global warming. With the help of his family and friends, Little Critter begins to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Together they learn about the importance of not wasting water or energy. Join Little Critter as he plants a tree, makes a climate control machine, and helps the polar bears.

26. Our House Is Round: A Kid’s Book About Why Protecting Our Earth Matters by Yolanda Kondonassis

Our House Is Round gently guides young readers through a smartly narrated conversation illuminating the concept of global connection and environmental cause and effect. This book teaches the “whys” behind earth conservation in a colorful, positive way that encourages maturity, responsibility, and problem-solving discussion. Author Yolanda Kondonassis encourages children to answer questions about their planet and discusses the issues of global warming, recycling, energy conservation, planting trees, and more.

27. The Wartville Wizard by Don Madden

Wartville is being buried in trash! There are soda bottles under the flowers, juice cans by the mailbox, and newspapers along the road. Every day the piles grow higher and higher. Then one tidy old man realizes he has the power to get rid of all the trash forever. Wartville will finally be cleaned up once and for all!

 

28. 10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh

Do you remember to turn off the tap while you brush your teeth? How about using both sides of the paper when writing and drawing? Or planting seeds and nurturing the new plants as they grow? Bold, child-friendly illustrations and die-cut pages will draw even the youngest listeners to this gentle reminder of the easy, everyday ways we can be kinder to the earth.

29. Earth Day by Emma Carlson Berne

Earth Day is a celebration of our beautiful planet. On this holiday, people come together to clean up land and water, plant trees, and enjoy nature. Sing along as you explore Holidays in Rhythm and Rhyme! Book includes online music access.

30. Make Every Day Earth Day!: Caring for our Planet by Vita Jimenez

Earth Day is officially April 22nd. It’s a special day on which we plant trees and clean up litter. But we should do that every day! In this catchy song paired with colorful illustrations, children learn how to care for our planet. Hardcover comes with CD and online music access.

 

31. Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard

On Earth Day we find ways to help the Earth. Trina plants trees with her class. She forms an Earth Day club with her friends. What can you do to make every day Earth Day? Do your part to be a planet protector!

32. Look Out for Litter by Lisa Bullard

Earth has a litter problem. How can you help? Join Trina to learn how little pieces of trash can become big problems. Find out safe ways to take care of litter.

33. Watch Over Our Water by Lisa Bullard

Earth has a water problem. People need water to live. But only a little of Earth’s water is usable. How can you help? Join Trina to find out how to care for Earth’s water.

 

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