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With the Washington Post reporting that DC's climate is going to match that of Mississippi's 60 years from now, it can feel like building environmental stewardship in the next generation is critical and urgent. Fortunately, it can also be fun! Try these books for your budding environmentalist to encourage a sense of gratitude and responsibility for our planet.
Younger Children (birth to 2nd grade)
Thank you, Bees by Toni Yuly
Yuly's cheery collage illustrations and approachable text help young children understand why we are thankful for our natural resources.
The Earth Book by Todd Parr
How do we protect the earth and why? Todd Parr's colorful pictures adorn this educational and fun read. This book is also available in a board book format.
Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
Lola and her parents live in the city, but Lola wants to plant a garden. This book is a natural pairing for a family trip to visit a local community garden.
OK go by Carin Berger
Everyone is zooming around in cars! Every one is going and going! Suddenly, there is too much smoke. How else can people get places? Find out in this whimsical work from Carin Berger.
Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter
When Wangari returned home after being away at school she learned all of the beautiful trees of her homeland had been cut down. She worked hard with other women to bring trees back to her home. This picture book biography follows the life of environmentalist Wangari Maathai.
Older Children (3rd-6th grade)
Who was Rachel Carson? by Sarah Fabini
Part of the extremely popular Who Was series, this book explores the life and work of biologist Rachel Carson, whose writings inspired world wide environmental movements.
Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
When Roy moves to Florida, everything seems miserable except for one mysterious kid he saw running away from the school bus and who seems to be releasing reptiles into a local construction site. Join Roy as he tries to figure out what is going on and what he can do to help.
Forest World by Margarita Engle
When Edver's mom ships him off to Cuba over his school break to meet his dad, he doesn't expect to enjoy it. He also doesn't expect to meet a sister that he never knew he had. Together Edver and his sister overcome their differences and work hard to save the Cuban landscape that they grow to love.
Mission--Save the Planet : Things you can do to help fight global warming by Sally Ride
Astronaut Sally Ride presents this no nonsense guide with easy steps kids can take to help protect the Earth and reduce the effects and speed of global warming. This approachable guide is an excellent family read.
Save the Earth Science Experiments by Elizabeth Snoke Harris
Whether you are prepping for an upcoming science fair or just need some fun activities for spring break, this enjoyable and educational book has great experiments for you! With more than 20 projects, you can learn about the ozone, windmills, alternative fuel, solar buildings and so much more. This is a great hands-on way to learn about caring for the earth.
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Author: Mierka W.