Teaching children about the importance of environmentalism is crucial in a world where environmental disasters are a common occurrence. Children are not only the ones who will be left with our planet when the older generations are gone; they will also face the daunting task of trying to solve the myriad environmental issues we’ve caused. Of course, that’s not to suggest that plenty of people haven’t been putting in the work for decades, but this is a problem that will not have immediate solutions.
That said, any children’s book about environmentalism needs to be equal parts information and hope. They don’t only need to know about the scope of the issue: they should also learn how to move forward, even while coping with everything that’s already been lost. And they should also know about the wonder and whimsy that still exist in nature—even in something as mundane as a fruit and vegetable garden, or a compost pile.
Information, hope, and wonder are three things that these nine books have in spades: from a picture book about deforestation to a middle grade novel about a girl fighting to preserve the bayou after an oil leak, these books will inspire your budding environmentalist to love nature and stand up for it.
Forest by Brendan KearneyDeforestation is a major problem of our times. Kearney tackles it in this wonderful picture book, making it an ideal entry point for young environmentalists. Fisherman Finn and his dog Skip embark upon a journey through the rainforests of Central America, learning about the effects of cutting down and burning down trees along the way. |
Linh’s Rooftop Garden by JaNay Brown Wood and Samara HardyLinh is hosting a rooftop picnic for her friends, but she can’t find the blueberries she wants to offer. This delightful picture book will teach children about different vegetables and fruits through a tour of Linh’s rooftop garden. After all, the first step towards saving the environment is learning about the environment. |
Composting for Community by Michael Martinez and Hannah AbboMateo’s dad is a composter, which has always seemed to him an ordinary job. But when his career day presentation elicits nothing but silence from the class, Mateo sets out to learn what, exactly, composting is. What follows is an introduction to environmentalism, heritage, and community. It’s a wonderful first foray into the topic. |
Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-NealYoung Zonia, a member of the Asháninka community, lives in the Amazon rainforest. Every morning, she hears its call, one that she is only too happy to answer. But one day, the call is mournful, beckoning Zonia into a path where adventure and lessons abound. |
Rise Up and Write It: With Real Mail, Posters, and More! by Nandini Ahuja and Anoosha SyedDoes the budding environmentalist in your life wonder how they can get involved? Then be sure to give them a copy of this book, where a girl attempts to bring butterflies back to her neighborhood. Farah realizes that butterflies are likely gone because there are no longer enough flowers to lure them. Isn’t it fortunate, then, that there’s an empty lot right there? But her plans to turn it into a community garden are endangered when she learns that she’s not the only one with a plan for that spot. The solution? Turn to her community for help. |
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, Francesca Sanna, and David DíazNobody is ever too young to appreciate everything that the Earth does. So help the young reader in your life discover its wonders with this book about a young girl (Earth?) waking up and going through each season, seeing what makes each one special. |
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela GoadeThe narrator’s Ojibwe community has a prophecy: a black snake will one day come to poison their water. She believes that the snake has already arrived, in the form of an oil pipeline. Recalling her grandmother’s teachings about the sanctity of water, the narrator sets out to protect their water supply with the help of her community. |
Bayou Magic by Jewell Parker RhodesIn this middle grade novel, when Maddy spends her first summer in the bayou with her grand-mère, she falls in love with it. But when an oil leak puts the bayou in jeopardy, she knows she has to rise to the occasion. Add in the gift of magic, and Maddy might be in for the summer of her life. |
A Cloud Called Bhura: Climate Champions to the Rescue by Bijal VachharajaniA dark cloud has taken over the sky in Mumbai. The cloud, called Bhura Cloudus by the media, comes with all sorts of dangerous environmental consequences, such as noxious gases and scalding rain. So what can be done? Amni and her friends Mithil, Tammy, and Andrew set out to find out. |
If you’d like more inspiring books for children, take a look at these Children’s Books for Earth Day and Books for the Budding Young Naturalist in Your Life.
