20 family-friendly books about the environment for kids

“I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference,” writes Todd Parr in his book, The EARTH Book, that teaches sustainability for kids. Children help us see the beauty and wonder in the little things. A walk through the neighborhood becomes an exploration in ants, newly fallen leaves, ladybugs, and yes, even a tiny drop of water on a blade of grass. Support your child’s early literacy development and learn about the little (and big!) ways your family can “go green,” such as recycling activities for kids, by reading books about the environment for kids. Here are 20 to get you started!

20 children’s books that show the importance of sustainability for kids

1. The EARTH Book by Todd Parr
2. Biscuit’s Earth Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
3. It’s Earth Day by Mercer Mayer
4. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
5. Big Earth, Little Me by Thom Wiley
6. The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
7. Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Odland
8. The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
9. Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals
10. Listen, Listen by Phyllis Gershator
11. Emeraldalicious by Victoria Kahn
12. The Berenstain Bears Go Green by Jan & Mike Berenstain
13. The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales by Dawn Casey
14. Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell
15. A Leaf Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas
16. Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant by April Pulley Sayre
17. Life in the Ocean: The Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola
18. And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano
19. Step Gently Out by Helen Frost
20. Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies

Become a Super Hero for the environment (and early literacy development)

Pretending to be a favorite character in a book helps children understand the parts of a story, build sequencing skills, boost vocabulary skills, and even supports creativity and comprehension. So, go ahead, be the Lorax in full costume found here, or Mama Bear, or even a leaf floating down from a tree in fall. Your child will love this pretend play and you will love supporting your child’s early literacy development while also learning more about the importance of sustainability for kids.