Book Lists

Go Green With These Picture Books

Eco-Friendly Stories for Young Readers

These engaging, informative picture books are perfect for introducing conversations with young readers about the environment, conservation, climate, and how we can all work together to care for the world around us.

Dream for the Land

Dream for the Land

Laekan Zea Kemp

In this lyrical picture book about the importance of caring for our Earth, a child and her father wish for a brighter, greener future for the parched land around their home.

★ “Kemp’s pensive, elegiac tale unpacks the hard-earned minutiae of a farming family’s everyday lives, as well as the encroaching consequences of human-fueled climate change, told from a young girl’s compelling, vivid perspective….Tender, expressive, and important.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ “Laekan Zea Kemp tells a tenderhearted story that depicts the hardships of tending a drought-stricken land yet maintains hope.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

“A book that motivates young readers to learn more about tending the land, growing food, and the impact of human overdevelopment on the environment.” —School Library Journal

“An illuminating, galvanizing choice, particularly for agricultural areas disrupted by climate change.” —Booklist

“[A] contemplative look at the real effect of a changing climate across three generations.” —Publishers Weekly

“The thoughtful text has a lyrical, meditative quality to it, and the statement from the girl’s father about the drought being caused by humans is notable for a picture book.” —The Bulletin

Dream for the Land

Activities
A Gift of Dust

A Gift of Dust

Martha Brockenbrough

From two award-winning creators comes a picture book that reveals the hidden wonders of how Saharan Dust impacts the world: from slowing a hurricane to nourishing a rainforest.

★ “This illuminating book brings an often-overlooked natural phenomenon to life….A beautiful blend of text and drawings shows the cycle of life through dust.” —School Library Journal, starred review

★ “Light, airy illustrations dotted with golden specks float across the pages, lending a near-magical atmosphere….providing clear and fascinating scientific explanations of Saharan dust along the way.” —The Horn Book, starred review

“Brockenbrough lays out a thorough, informative story….Caldecott honoree Martinez-Neal’s art is a showstopper….A natural wonder, brought to vivid life.” —Kirkus Reviews

Daisy Rewilds

Daisy Rewilds

Margaret McNamara

A young, curious, science-loving environmentalist named Daisy proves to her community the importance of conservation in this whimsical and hopeful story.

★ “[A]n engaging entry point into conversations about rewilding and biodiversity…. A botanical wonder indeed.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Illustrations by Kerascoët exude sunny abundance and playful grace, showing Daisy fully embracing her “rewilding” as an expression of both budding autonomy and green principles.” —Publishers Weekly

Daisy Rewilds

Activities
Alfred Blooms

Alfred Blooms

Carrie Kruck

Shy Alfred wants to befriend the girl whose yard is filled with other kids and flowers but he doesn’t know how.

“Readers will empathize with Alfred’s plight in this multilayered storyand cheer him on as he grows from floundering to flourishing.” —Booklist

Over in the Garden

Over in the Garden

Janna Matthies

Gardening fans will swoon over this bright and gorgeous counting picture book based on the folk song “Over in the Meadow” — packed full of colorful plants and the most adorable gardeners.

“A garden of utter delights.”—Kirkus

The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes

Barb Rosenstock

A stunning picture book about the five largest lakes in North America – how they formed, the importance of their abundant freshwater, and how they’ve become a national treasure – in the latest book from the author of Caldecott Honor book The Noisy Paint Box.

★ “[A]n accessible and absorbing story….the closing details on the role of the lakes in Anishinaabe culture and a generous source list make this a must-buy for schools and public libraries.” —Booklist, starred review

★ “A richly detailed picture book….Readers young and old will learn something new and be inspired to protect these precious resources.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“A fervent tribute to a treasured natural resource.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This clever nonfiction book takes readers on a journey with the Great Lakes through time and physical space.” —The Bulletin

“Informative moments abound in Rosenstock’s profile….digitally combined drawings and watercolor paintings prove a ready companion to the illuminating text.” —Publishers Weekly

The World Is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child

The World Is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child

Mary Annaïse Heglar

This hopeful picture book–written in the style of a letter–gives kids an honest take on climate change and urges them to band together to help the planet.

“An honest and hopeful call for climate caretaking.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A gentle introduction to climate advocacy that emphasizes learning and care.” —Publishers Weekly

One Turtle's Last Straw

One Turtle's Last Straw

Elisa Boxer

The inspiring true story of how one small turtle and kids all over the country sparked an environmental movement. Based on the viral video that created awareness of the harm caused by plastic straws, this heart-wrenching story is a perfect tool for teaching children about sustainability.

More Books About Conservation and the Environment

You Are a Wildlife Warrior!: Saving Animals & the Planet

Bindi Irwin, with Smriti Prasadam-Halls; illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki

Heatwave

Lauren Redniss

Tate's Wild Rescue

Jenny Turnbull; illustrated by Izzy Burton

Girls Who Green the World

Diana Kapp; illustrated by Ana Jarén

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