Earth Day is the perfect time to talk to kids about the beauty of our planet, as well as the ways that we can make a difference in protecting it. This list of children’s books for Earth Day is a great way to introduce little ones to the difference that they can make, and the changes that others are making.

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Alba and the Ocean Cleanup

Written by Lara Hawthorne

This vibrant book shows readers the importance of protecting our oceans. The story introduces readers to Alba, a small orange fish who lives on a reef. She loves to collect special items on her birthday every year. But as years go by, Alba finds that the beautiful objects around her reef have been replaced by trash. When she gets trapped in a plastic bottle, it’s up to a young girl on the beach to save her.

The illustrations show the changes that happen on the reef as the trash takes over, while the story inspires young readers to consider what they can do for the ocean. The back of the book offers suggestions on how we can help protect the oceans.

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Solar Story: How One Community Lives Alongside the World’s Biggest Solar Plant

Written by Allan Drummond

This informational story examines life around the largest solar plant in the world. The text follows a young girl named Jasmine as she and her class learn about sustainability and solar power through a class trip to the Noor solar power plant. The text explores the concept of sustainability, as well as the many changes that the power plant has brought to the surrounding community.

There is lots of nonfiction information included in the sidebars on some pages, as well as an author’s note with actual photographs from the plant. Kids will enjoy following the cartoon style illustrations through the book, and the story will encourage them to think about the term “sustainability” in new ways.

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My Green Day: 10 Green Things I Can Do Today

Written by Melanie Walsh

This simple story shows very young kids how they can make small changes to live a greener life. The main text is large and easy to read, following the child in the illustrations as she goes through her day making smart choices.  The illustrations are large and colorful, with smaller, more detailed notes about the main character’s actions on each page. This book is a great way to introduce little ones to the idea of living a greener life, with simple steps that they can use in their own lives.

We are Water Protectors

Written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade

This gorgeously illustrated story follows a young girl as she talks about the importance of water to our bodies and to the Earth. When a “black snake” threatens the water in her village, she’s inspired to rally her people to protect their water. The lyrical text uses a repeating rallying cry, that will inspire kids to want to become water protectors too.

The illustrations are incredibly colorful, highlighting all of the beautiful landscapes, plants and animals that they aim to fight for. This story is inspired by the many similar movements by Native Americans across North America. These are further explored in the notes at the back of the book.

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The Bear’s Garden

Written by Marcie Colleen and illustrated by Alison Oliver

When one little girl finds an empty lot near her home, she sees an opportunity to play and grow. She plants one little sprout, which leads to more. When she has to go away for a while, she leaves her stuffed bear in charge. Soon the neighborhood helps to turn the empty lot into a magical place.

This sweet story was inspired by a real bear in an empty lot,  which is detailed in the Author’s Note at the back of the book. The illustrations are adorable and colorful, highlighting the love that the young girl has for the garden, which spread to those around her. This may just inspire kids to see beauty around their own homes, and create their own magical gardens.

What are your favorite children’s books for Earth Day? Share in the comments below!

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