25 Earth Day Books for Kids That Will Make Them Care More About Our Planet
We can all agree that Earth Day should be celebrated every day. However, since it has its own day, it’s a great opportunity to inspire children to learn about our planet. And what better way to do that than with engaging Earth Day books for kids
Books on nature, sustainability, and stewardship help students connect with important environmental issues. These books make it easy for kids to understand and engage with the pressing challenges facing our planet.
This article features must-read books that inspire environmental awareness in elementary kids. But before we get started, let’s explore the meaning of Earth Day.
Earth Day Explained
Earth Day is a global event that encourages reflection on preserving our planet. It brings communities together to tackle environmental challenges. This day serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect Earth for future generations.
Each year, Earth Day is a reminder that every small action contributes to a more sustainable future. By introducing Earth Day books for kids and incorporating engaging activities, we can inspire the next generation to care for the planet. These efforts will help them build a healthier, more vibrant world.
Earth Day’s Date is Set in Stone
No need to check the calendar – Earth Day is always April 22nd!
It began in 1970 and has grown into a global movement for protecting the environment. On this day, people all over the world participate in Earth Day activities to show their support for taking care of the planet.
Beyond its significance as a single day of celebration, Earth Day serves as a catalyst for ongoing environmental action and advocacy. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.
25 Earth Day Books for Kids
These books inspire elementary kids to explore Earth Day, fostering environmental awareness and a love for the planet.
1. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
This Dr. Seuss classic remains a timeless Earth Day favorite, teaching kids the impact of environmental destruction and the importance of conservation. The Once-ler’s unchecked greed leads to the loss of the Truffula Trees, serving as a powerful warning about deforestation and pollution. The Lorax speaks for the trees, urging responsibility and care for nature.
Kids in the second plane of development love this book for its colorful illustrations, catchy rhymes, and compelling environmental message. It’s a visually engaging way to spark conversations about sustainability, resource conservation, and the role each person plays in protecting the planet.
2. The Earth Book by Todd Parr
With bright illustrations and simple text, this book highlights small everyday actions kids can take to help the environment. Actions like recycling, using both sides of paper, and turning off lights make a big difference.
Among the Earth Day books for kids, this one stands out for inspiring discussions on sustainability and responsibility. Its positive, kid-friendly tone helps children understand that their actions truly matter.
3. The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
This delightful and well-illustrated book eases young children into environmental conscientiousness through an engaging story set in the Amazon rainforest. Through a beautifully told narrative, children discover the interconnectedness of all living beings within this lush ecosystem.
This book combines storytelling and vivid imagery to entertain and teach kids to appreciate the environment. Its captivating illustrations and heartfelt message inspire children to recognize their responsibility in protecting the natural world.
4. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
This book offers a gentle reminder about the importance of caring for our planet and one another. With simple yet beautiful artwork and heartfelt messages, it encourages young readers to reflect on their place in the universe.
This book is often gifted to new parents as a meaningful read for all ages. It inspires kindness, empathy, and environmental stewardship. Perfect for families or classrooms, it nurtures a love for the world around us.
5. Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug by Ellie Bethel
In the clean town where Michael Recycle lives, Litterbug Doug is making a mess. Michael, the green-caped hero, is ready to step in. He teaches Doug the importance of recycling before it’s too late.
With a fun, spirited story, this book helps elementary kids understand environmental responsibility in an exciting way. Full of action and inspiration, it encourages young readers to make a positive impact on the planet.
6. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
This is one of those Earth Day books for kids that stands out by inspiring readers to care for the planet in their everyday lives. It introduces kids to composting and reducing waste in a fun, easy-to-understand way.
With rhythmic text and lively illustrations, it makes learning about sustainability exciting for young readers. The creative collage-style artwork, made with recycled paper, reinforcing its eco-friendly message.
7. The Water Princess by Susan Verde
This story follows a young girl’s journey to fetch clean water for her African village. Inspired by Georgie Badiel’s childhood, it highlights the global water crisis. Lyrical text and beautiful illustrations make it accessible for young readers.
This book not only educates but also fosters empathy and awareness, encouraging children to appreciate and conserve water.
Whether used in the classroom or at home, this book is perfect for Earth Day discussions. It teaches resilience and hope.
8. What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French
This story offers young readers a comprehensive look at the environmental challenges posed by waste and plastic pollution. It explains how our actions impact the planet and highlights innovative solutions to address these pressing issues.
Filled with fun illustrations and real-life examples, the book encourages kids to take action and be part of the solution.
The author inspires readers to reduce plastic use and work together to protect the planet’s future.
9. The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole
Join Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn about climate change, exploring its causes, effects, and what we can do to help our planet. Through an exciting mix of adventure and science, this is one of the Earth Day books for kids that makes complex topics easy to understand.
Blending fiction with nonfiction, this is one of those educational picture books that seamlessly integrates science, reading, and writing in a fun and meaningful way. It sparks curiosity, encourages hands-on learning, and naturally leads to follow-up projects that inspire young environmental stewards.
10. Why Should I Recycle? by Jen Green
This book answers common questions about recycling in a kid-friendly and understandable way, making it perfect for elementary-aged readers. With clear explanations and lively illustrations, it helps children connect with the importance of reducing waste and making eco-friendly choices.
This Earth Day book inspires kids to see the power of small actions in protecting the planet. It’s a great starting point for discussions about sustainability and environmental responsibility.
11. One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia by Miranda Paul
This inspiring book tells the story of Isatou Ceesay and the women in her village in Gambia. She transformed discarded plastic bags into beautiful, functional change purses. Through their creativity and determination, they found a way to reduce waste and make a positive impact on their community.
This book is great for elementary readers. It has clear writing and vibrant illustrations. The story teaches kids the importance of recycling and being environmentally responsible. It shows how small actions can lead to big change and encourages stewardship of the Earth.
12. The Earth Gives More by Sue Fliess
This beautifully illustrated book takes young readers on a journey through the natural world, highlighting the many gifts the Earth provides. From nourishing food to breathtaking landscapes, it shows how the planet sustains life and the importance of appreciating these resources.
With its eye-catching images snf rhythmic text, the story encourages children to connect with nature and understand the responsibility of protecting it. The book serves as a perfect introduction to the concepts of environmental appreciation and conservation.
13. The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Follow the whimsical tale of a boy who transforms his gray city into a green oasis. What begins as a small garden grows and spreads, bringing life and color to the entire city.
With stunning illustrations, this book beautifully shows how nature can heal and inspire. It’s an excellent read for encouraging young readers to appreciate the environment and take action to care of our home.
14. Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World by Laurie Lawlor
This book explores the life of a pioneering environmentalist who made a groundbreaking impact on the world. Through storytelling and vibrant illustrations, readers are introduced to the journey of a nature lover who grew up to become a scientist and author dedicated to environmental change.
An excellent choice among Earth Day books for kids, this resource teaches children about the importance of environmental awareness. It’s a must-read for young readers, offering valuable lessons on how each of us can contribute to protecting the planet.
15. The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter
This book tells the inspiring story of a young girl who grew up to become a groundbreaking scientist, studying chimpanzees in the wild.
Through her journey, kids will learn about the importance of observing and respecting nature, which makes it a perfect addition to any Earth Day celebration.
As one of the more popular Earth Day books for kids, this story sparks curiosity about wildlife and encourages children to appreciate animals and their habitats. With its engaging narrative and beautiful illustrations, it inspires young readers to care for the environment and take action to protect all living creatures.
16. One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet by Anuradha Rao
This book introduces children to environmental heroes from diverse backgrounds who are making a difference in protecting the planet. Through twenty short biographies, kids will learn about activists from around the world and the important work they’re doing.
Ideal for teachers and parents, this book highlights how people of different ethnicities have contributed to environmental efforts. It’s a great resource for inspiring kids to think about their own role in protecting the Earth and becoming advocates for the environment.
17. Bee & Me by Alison Jay
This wordless picture book beautifully illustrates the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. Through whimsical artwork, children can see how these small creatures contribute to nature and the environment.
Perfect for Earth Day, this book allows young readers to reflect on the importance of bees and how they help our planet thrive. It’s a fantastic resource for sparking conservation and environmental awareness.
18. We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow
Follow the journey of two young families who plant trees in very different parts of the world, showing how a small action can create a positive ripple effect on the planet. Through their efforts, readers see the global importance of trees in sustaining life and the environment.
This Earth Day book for kids uses vibrant illustrations to highlight the diversity of landscapes around the world, making it a visually captivating reminder of the powerful role trees play. This story not only educates kids about nature’s vital resources but also encourages them to think about how they, too, can make a difference.
19. Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter
This inspiring true story follows the journey of Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist who took action to protect the environment in Kenya. As a child, Wangari grew up surrounded by trees, but when she returned to her homeland as an adult, she was shocked to find vast forests being destroyed.
Determined to make a difference, she began by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard, sparking a movement that would grow far beyond what she could have imagined. Through her determination and commitment, Wangari’s story shows that even small actions can ignite global change, encouraging future generations to take responsibility for the environment.
20. Hello, Earth!: Poems to Our Planet by Joyce Sidman
This collection of poems explores a variety of fascinating topics about our planet, including volcanoes, oceans, and much more. Written in a child-like voice, the poems invite readers to ask questions and reflect on the wonders of the Earth.
The stunning illustrations add depth and richness to the poems, creating a perfect balance between text and imagery. Readers of all ages will connect with the beauty and mystery of the planet through this book.
21. The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins
This inspiring story is about the power of following your dreams, even when they don’t align with society’s expectations. It centers around a remarkable woman who, against the odds, made a lasting impact on her city by nurturing a love of nature and promoting the importance of trees.
With charming illustrations that include historical details, this book not only celebrates female empowerment but also encourages a deep appreciation for the environment. It highlights the story of the first woman to graduate from UC with a degree in science, showing how one person’s dedication can truly change the world.
22. The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics by Susan Hood
This book tackles the urgent issue of plastic pollution in a way that’s both engaging and empowering for young readers. Through vivid illustrations and accessible language, it illustrates how the growing problem of plastic waste impacts the planet and its creatures, while offering ideas for how kids can make a difference.
The narrative encourages kids to think critically about their environmental impact and to take action, whether it’s by reducing plastic use or advocating for change.
23. Nature’s Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forestas by Gail Gibbons
This informative and beautifully illustrated book explores the vital role of tropical rainforests in our world. It provides readers with an in-depth look at the layers of the rainforest, the animals that inhabit them, and how these ecosystems support life on Earth.
Through simple, clear language and vibrant visuals, the book emphasizes the importance of protecting rainforests and the species that depend on them. It’s an excellent resource for young readers to understand the wonders of nature and the environmental challenges these lush ecosystems face.
24. The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs by Kate Messner
This inspiring story follows the journey of a scientist dedicated to restoring the world’s coral reefs. Through determination and innovation, the scientist’s efforts highlight how human action can help heal and protect these vital underwater ecosystems.
With a message of hope, the book brings attention to the environmental challenges faced by coral reefs and the potential for recovery through care and conservation. It’s a powerful tale about the importance of preserving our oceans and the life within them for future generations.
25. The Story of Seeds: Our Food Is in Crisis. What Will You Do to Protect It? by Nancy Castaldo
This book explores the critical role seeds play in our food system and the threats they face in today’s changing world. The story highlights the importance of biodiversity, the decline of seed varieties, and the impact of climate change on our food supply.
Through compelling facts and real-world examples, the book calls on readers to take action in protecting seeds and preserving food sources for the future. It’s a powerful and urgent message about sustainability, conservation, and the responsibility we all share in safeguarding the planet’s resources.
Extend the Earth Day Fun
Our products are designed to inspire and educate, making it easy to bring more eco-friendly activities into your classroom or home.
Our Earth Day Coloring Pages
These fun and eco-themed pages feature inspiring Earth Day quotes and adorable illustrations that encourage kids to think about sustainability while they color.
Our A to Z Scavenger Hunt Template
A fun and interactive way to spark curiosity about the environment! Whether used for outdoor adventures, classroom activities, or family fun, this engaging hunt encourages kids to think green while exploring the world around them.
Get your hands on these fun, eco-friendly printables by visiting Teachers Pay Teachers or Etsy. Let the adventure begin!
The Importance of Celebrating Earth Day with Elementary-Aged Kids
Earth Day offers a wonderful chance to guide elementary-aged kids in developing a respect for nature and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.
Through hands-on activities like tree planting, recycling projects, reading earth day books for kids, and engaging with Earth Day coloring pages, children learn that their actions can make a difference.
Additionally, Earth Day provides an opportunity to integrate cross-curricular learning, incorporating science, literacy, and math lessons, while also sparking discussions about social justice and equity. It’s also a perfect time to introduce Earth Day quotes to elementary students, encouraging them to think deeply about our planet and their role in protecting it.
Celebrating earth day with elementary-aged children empowers them to become stewards of the environment and inspire a lifelong commitment to sustainability.
The Wrap-Up: 25 Earth Day Books for Kids
With these 25 captivating books, children can celebrate Earth Day by learning about the wonders of our planet and the importance of caring for the environment. From inspiring stories of activism to educational resources on recycling and conservation, these books offer valuable insights and ignite a passion for protecting our Earth.
While these Earth Day books for kids are perfect for welcoming the spring season and celebrating Earth Day, they’re also great to use year-round to keep the environmental conversation going.
Get kids excited about taking care of the Earth with these books, and help them become the environmental champions our world needs.
📌 Pin this awesome resource for later reference!
If you enjoyed this book list, you’ll want to check out these blogs:
This is the Best Picture Book to Teach Vocabulary And I’ll Tell You Why
25 Best Picture Books with Rich Vocabulary
35 Money Books for Kids that Teach Financial Literacy
31 Picture Books for 5th Graders with Expert Tips for Selection
27 Cat Picture Books for Kids Who Love Cats
Benefits of Picture Books for Older Readers with 15 Great Examples
Discover 9 Incredible Benefits of Audiobooks in the Classroom
