Earth Day is right around the corner! We’re preparing by educating ourselves on the state of the world’s climate and by taking action in our individual communities.
The following picture book recommendations will help young readers learn about our planet AND motivate them to get involved in saving it.
by Anita Sanchez & George Steele, illustrated by Emily Mendoza
"Ideal for any educator teaching listening skills or the science of birding, this book is also an inclusive tool perfect for a variety of content connections, including science and ELA."
âSchool Library Journal
by Diana Cohn, illustrated by Amy CĂłrdova Boone
"The strength of award-winning CĂłrdova's illustrations is in her use of vivid, beautiful colors and expression. . . Exposing children to this kind of book encourages a global awareness that can only serve them as they grow up in a world where issues such as Fair Trade become increasingly important." âForeword Reviews
by Sunshine Tenasco, illustrated by Chief Lady Bird
2022 COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES
"Nibi's arc educates readers about the lack of potable water in many Indigenous communities while encouraging children to speak out about conservation issues." âPublishers Weekly
by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore
âTWO STARRED REVIEWSâ
NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NONFICTION HONOR
â"In poignant text that alternates between cumulative verse and prose, Roth and Trumbore describe how Dr. Gordon Sato, a Japanese-American cell biologist, helped to relieve poverty and famine by planting mangrove trees in salt water. . . .A winning volume for many age groups." âSchool Library Journal, starred review
by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong
2022 COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES
â"Readers will delight in the breathtaking illustrations. Double-page spreads are rich and vibrant, Tsong using the colors of nature to evoke a warm and inviting environment. . . .Young readers will want to experience this book over and over again." âKirkus Reviews, starred review
by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore
âFIVE STARRED REVIEWSâ
ROBERT F. SIBERT INFORMATIONAL BOOK AWARD
â"Few nonfiction picture books attempt this level of ambition, and even fewer succeed. . . . Roth's stunning artworkâfluttery, textural collages of fabric and paper with a three-dimensional qualityâcompliment the high-interest narrative and are arranged vertically across dual pages to make the most of the tall trees and the related human actions taking place below. A triumphant reminder of the inescapable connection between people's actions and the animals in the wild." âBooklist, starred review
by Xelena GonzĂĄlez, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia
âTWO STARRED REVIEWSâ
PURA BELPRĂ ILLUSTRATOR AWARD WINNER
â"Lyrical words by GonzĂĄlez (a member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation) emphasize the intergenerational ties that bind the characters and show Indigenous knowledge in the process of being passed down. Garcia's portraits center affectionate familial gestures alongside mural-like views of sunset skies and evocative representations of fire, earth, air, and water."
âPublishers Weekly, starred review
by Xelena GonzĂĄlez, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia
PURA BELPRĂ ILLUSTRATOR AWARD HONOR
AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD HONOR
"A girl and her grandfather contemplate circles, both physical and metaphorical, in this thought-provoking tale of family, community, and interconnection."
âPublishers Weekly
by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri
AMĂRICAS AWARD COMMENDED TITLE
2017 COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES
"Chavarriâs illustrations bring the story to life, incorporating vibrant colors and intricate patterns into the charactersâ clothes and weavings in a way that allows young readers to see how the amazing tradition of weaving is passed on from generation to generation. A cheerful tale of innovation with strong multicultural ties." âBooklist
by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore
âTWO STARRED REVIEWSâ
NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NONFICTION RECOMMENDED
â"Conservation, citizen science, and a perennially popular juvenile nonfiction topic come together in this beautifully illustrated title about Hawaiâiâs Kamehameha butterflies. . . .A triumph; highly recommended for all libraries." âSchool Library Journal, starred review
