Recommended Reading for Environmentally Conscious Kids

This beautiful cento poem from two award-winning creators about experiencing a forest with all of your senses will make the perfect read-aloud for nature lovers and curious explorers of all ages.

An NCTE Notable Children’s Poetry Book

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.

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

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

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

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.

Join the Lorax—Dr. Seuss’s beloved icon of environmentalism—as he introduces 15 amazing national parks in this rhymed easy-reader with fun illustrations, beautiful photographs, and helpful hints on visiting the parks in person AND online!

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 SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL AND BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

This fact-filled Little Golden Book is about Earth Day—what it is and why it’s important—and offers suggestions for actions kids can take to help protect and heal our planet.

A picture book from an award-winning artist that uses vibrant reds and blues to stunningly evoke the intensity of a heatwave and the refreshing relief that comes with an unexpected downpour of a cooling rain.

A NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR • A KIRKUS REVIEWS, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, AND HORN BOOK BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Celebrate Earth Day with Dr. Seuss and the Lorax in this classic picture book about sustainability and protecting the environment!

I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.

In this picture book celebrating the power that even the smallest of us have to protect the natural world, a kid saves the most important tree in the forest from being chopped down.

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.

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, adorable gardeners, and the numbers one to ten.

From award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith comes Stickler, a woodland creature who reminds us to appreciate the everyday wonders we often ignore. In a picture book that’s both silly and sweet, readers will find Stickler’s enthusiasm irresistible and see the world anew.

A Junior Library Guild selection • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY People Magazine • Kirkus Reviews • The Boston Globe • The Evanston Public Library

A sweet, funny picture book about an animal-loving girl who invites wild animals to live in her house and be her best friend—with mixed results! A tale told through letters that is perfect for all animal enthusiasts!

Learn all about eggs, nests, and birds with this nonfiction picture book from the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science!

Want to learn more about the bird that chirps outside your window? Rachel Ignotofsky crafts a perfect read out loud with a touch of humor and compassion for our friends with wings in the sky!

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.

World-renowned conservationist Bindi Irwin has a message for animal-loving kids: You can help protect the planet and all who call it home! Featuring exclusive Irwin family photos and animal fun facts.

This uplifting book inspires the next generation to step up and make the world a better place. In keeping with the Nat Geo Kids mission, it is full of practical, positive, and powerful ideas that every kid can consider, from simple acts of kindness to creative adventures to good-for-the-planet projects.

A guide to tackling the climate crisis from a prominent activist working on the front lines! Mikaela Loach’s approach is one of HOPE and big-hearted optimism, inspiring kids and making them feel truly empowered to change the world.

A BOOKLIST BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Myths! Lies! Recycling scams? Discover the real story behind the first Earth Day celebration and some of the biggest US climate catastrophes–and their solutions! Don’t miss the award-winning History Smashers series as they get to the truth on the biggest environmental fibs!

This Newbery Honor winner and #1 New York Times bestseller is a beloved modern classic. Hoot features a new kid and his new bully, alligators, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes.

A PARADE BEST KIDS BOOK OF ALL TIME

Jam-packed with surprising information about plastic’s effect on the environment, plus loads of practical ways kids can cut down on their plastic footprint, this is the kids guide to being part of the pollution solution!

Birds of a feather solve crime together in this exciting middle grade mystery! When eight endangered macaws are stolen from a bird sanctuary in the Mayan ruins of Copán, four sleuthing cousins must find out who took them—and why.

USA TODAY BESTSELLER • A poignant and heartwarming coming-of-age novel that captures the moment of learning to spread your wings in a way you’ll never forget—from the award-winning author of Song for a Whale.

The award-winning and USA Today bestselling story of a deaf girl’s connection to a whale whose song can’t be heard by his species, and the journey she takes to help him.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the bestselling author of Song for a Whale comes a deeply moving story about a boy, an octopus, and the extraordinary bond that changes their lives forever.

When poachers threaten the island they love, two girls team up to save the turtles—and each other. An eco-mystery with an unforgettable friendship story at its heart from a fresh new voice in middle grade.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Three middle school students embark on a quest to find a book that may just save their lives in this spectacular novel about fate and friendship–from the Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger.

The true story of how a massive catastrophic eruption plunged the world into darkness, altering the global climate and inspiring the likes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein—from the award-winning author of The Mona Lisa Vanishes and featuring black-and-white illustrations throughout.

An electrifying dystopian novel packed with a tantalizing love triangle, gripping political intrigue, and a Bachelor-style competition from the critically acclaimed author of The Dividing Sky, Jill Tew.

Serpent & Dove meets Arcane in this dystopian romance debut that follows a cunning memory merchant who deals a little extra happiness on the side and the handsome rookie officer on her tail!

Part biography, part guidebook to the contemporary environmental movement, this book is the perfect gift for future and current activists and changemakers! Girls Who Green the World features the inspiring stories of 34 revolutionaries fighting for our future!

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two teen girls fall in love and fight for survival in an abandoned bookstore as they prepare for the end of the world in “the snarky sapphic dystopian of our dreams” (Jennifer Dugan, author of Some Girls Do).

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The groundbreaking Korean phenomenon that Entertainment Weekly called “The Hunger Games meets Squid Game”—now in English for the first time!

A COSMOPOLITAN BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE YEAR • A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

The groundbreaking Korean phenomenon that Entertainment Weekly called “The Hunger Games meets Squid Game” continues with even more dark secrets and shocking surprises. The temperature is rising and the truth at the center of Chobahm’s frozen world will be revealed in the final installment of this epic dystopian saga.

This young adult adaptation of acclaimed geochemist and geobiologist Hope Jahren’s highly respected nonfiction work is the perfect book for those interested in learning about climate change and how they can contribute to creating a more sustainable future.

An exploration of the devastating effects of global warming—current and future—adapted for young adults from the #1 New York Times bestseller. This is not only an assessment on how the future will look to those living through it, but also a dire overview and an impassioned and hopeful call to action to change the trajectory while there is still time.