Green Reads
As spring arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, we celebrate the 56th Earth Day, trumpeted by birdsong spilling from the trees and sprouts bursting from the dirt.
Every April is jam-packed with stories of our human relationship to the planet we all call home. The relationship between nature and humanity can often be strained, so April reminds us to ground ourselves in the place that makes every part of our lives possible.
This Earth Day, we wanted to honor a curated selection of books that highlight the connections between ourselves and the natural world around us. From nonfiction books that make science engaging to stories that highlight the perspective of the smallest critter to the largest whale, these seven books ground young readers in where we live and how we can help make our world a better place.
Climate Action for Kids, by Ian Hunt (AdventureKEEN / Adventure Publications) — Science / Nature, Environment / Sustainability / Recycling, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, How-to / Interactive, ages 7–9, 9–12.
An Introduction to Climate Change
Begin by learning about the atmosphere, as well as the basics of the carbon cycle and the greenhouse effect. That’s followed by a look at how climate change is measured and how it affects plants, animals, and the environment. A section on causes and solutions introduces different sources of energy, from oil to solar, with suggestions on how improvements can be made in the areas of industry, transportation, and waste.
Thank You, Old Oak, by Britt Crow-Miller; illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford (Barefoot Books) — Science / Nature, Animals, Environment / Sustainability / Recycling, Death / Grief / Loss, ages 3–5, 5–7, 7–9.
A charming story about the lifecycle of a mother tree and the creatures who rely on her.
Just like that, Old Oak’s rooted life came to an end.
Even with her tap root severed, Old Oak would bring new life to the forest.
After 400 years in the forest, it’s time for Old Oak to fall. With a pop, frenzy of snaps, and a flurry of movement, she leans to one side and falls heavily to rest on the forest floor. When news of beloved Old Oak spreads throughout the forest, creatures big and small gather to show their gratitude for all she gave in her rooted life.
The squirrels thank her for the acorns, leaf buds, and catkins. The rabbits remember the cozy burrows her roots provided. Even the weevils scuttle aboveground to acknowledge all she gave them as tiny grubs. But the creatures soon discover Old Oak’s life is actually just beginning, and her legacy will serve the forest for hundreds of years to come.
Mutts Go Green: Earth Friendly Tips and Comic Strips, written & illustrated by Patrick McDonnell (Andrews McMeel Publishing) — Animals, Environment / Sustainability / Recycling, Humor, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, ages 7–9, 9–12, Teen (12+).
Mutts Go Green is a special kids’ collection of the popular comic strip MUTTS, featuring themes of ecology, environmental friendliness, and animal education.
This special collection of MUTTS comics for kids includes eco-friendly lessons on how to keep the environment clean and ways to help create a greener future for our furry friends and future generations. Mutts Go Green draws on Patrick McDonnell’s 25-year career of writing and illustrating heartwarming comics starring Earl the dog, Mooch the cat, and a host of other adorable animal friends.
Sea, written & illustrated by John Canty (Berbay Publishing) — Animals, Environment / Sustainability / Recycling, Places / Travel, Science / Nature, ages 3–5, 5–7, 7–9.
In this beautifully illustrated picture book, acclaimed author-illustrator John Canty invites young readers to explore the wonder and mystery of the ocean. With lyrical text and stunning artwork, this captivating journey reveals the sea’s many moods, habitats, and creatures. Perfect for curious minds and lovers of nature.
The Colors of Nature, by Catherine Barr; illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) — Science / Nature, Animals, Concepts, Facts / Trivia, ages 3–5, 5–7, 7–9.
Boldly illustrated and filled with fun nature facts, this nonfiction picture book invites readers to explore the dazzling colors of our world.
Uncover the wonders of nature with this spectacular exploration of the colors of our world by expert conservation author Catherine Barr and incredible illustrator Chaaya Prabhat.
Did you know that some lizards have poisonous lime green blood and bones? Or that octopuses flush red when angry? Or that tigers actually look green to deer?
With a different color from the rainbow revealed on every page, this gorgeous book is a feast for the eyes! Whether they love brilliant blue, fiery orange, or earthy brown, young readers will delight in this vivid celebration of color.
My Dear Sea, written & illustrated by André Carrilho (Blue Dot Kids Press) — Places / Travel, Science / Nature, Imagination / Play, Animals, ages 3–5, 5–7.
Come on a family beach trip with a girl and her family as she swims in the waves, builds sandcastles, learns to keep the ocean clear of trash—and develops a bond with the sea.
On a family beach trip, an excited young swimmer rushes to the water as her dad cautions her to respect the sea. As she swims in the waves and builds sandcastles onshore, she shares valuable lessons on responsibility that she learned from her best friend, the sea.
As she explores ancient sea caves and glimpses amazing creatures just beyond the waves, she reminds us all that caring for and respecting the sea also means keeping it clear of trash and pollution. As the day closes on another successful beach adventure, she waves farewell to her friend and promises to return tomorrow.
My Dear Sea is a love letter to the sea and all it holds, with pages full of jewel-toned illustrations in pastels depicting beach scenes and marine surprises. Rhyming lines reveal important lessons all beachgoers should know about the ocean’s importance and its conservation, making for a perfect classroom read-aloud and beach-lover’s reading gift.
Our Home, Our Only Home, by Marion Dane Bauer; illustrated by Sophie Diao (Candlewick) — Science / Nature, Social Activism / Equality / Feminism, Environment / Sustainability / Recycling, History, ages 3–5, 5–7, 7–9.
In a sweeping poetic achievement—and a clarion call to action—Newbery Honoree Marion Dane Bauer reckons with humankind’s responsibility for the climate crisis, tracing a storyline from ice age to industrial age.
Born without fangs, claws, or wings, naked of fur or feathers, humans are the most vulnerable of Earth’s creatures. Our strength rests in our knowing. Early on, we put our big brains to work to tame fire, and over eons, our discoveries helped us grow. Just two centuries ago, we began using coal, oil, and gas—remnants of long-ago life hidden deep within a generous Earth—to fuel fire, light up our nights, and run machines. Fertilizers let us reuse the soil. Pesticides killed the competition. We even dreamed up a synthetic “wonder” material called plastic. But our big brains tuned out the devastating effects of these actions. Can our knowing unravel the greatest crisis we’ll ever face? Stunning artwork evokes the climate emergency to scale in a third epic fusion of poetry and science from the author of We, the Curious Ones and The Stuff of Stars. Packed with hopeful action points, this portrait of a planet in peril is a plea to reconnect with our home, the source of all life, and a rallying cry for a generation coming of age just in time to turn things around.
