Books to Read on World Environment Day

Books to Read on World Environment Day

World Environment Day is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. Since it began in 1974, the event has grown and become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.

The theme for World Environment Day 2020 is, ‘Time for Nature,’ with a focus on its role in providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on Earth and human development.

There are so many wonderful books for children that focus on nature and the environment, so to mark this very important day we’ve put together some highlights for you to share with the little people in your life.

Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker

Colourful collages with an environmental theme from an award-winning artist.

“Each time the reader opens the book, there is something new and delightful to catch the eye.” New Scientist When a young boy visits a tropical rain forest, he pretends it is a long time ago and that extinct and rare animals live in the forest, and aboriginal children play there. But how much longer will the rainforest remain, he wonders?

A Walk in the Bush by Gwyn Perkins

Little Iggy doesn’t want to leave the house, but Grandad insists – they always have fun together. What follows is a wonderful journey in the great Australian outdoors with singing birds, wallaby surprises, secret caterpillar messages and oodles of grandad humour. Here is a story about the wonders of nature, the funny side of life and spending time with the ones we love.

The Wonder of Trees by Nicola Davies and Lorna Scobie

Did you know that there are over 60,000 tree species? This stunning book explores the extraordinary diversity of trees and forests – the lungs of our earth.

A glorious celebration of trees by non-fiction specialist Nicola Davies, illustrated by rising star Lorna Scobie, creators of the beautiful The Variety of Life.

There is something wonderful on every page with fascinating facts and figures. This exquisite book will encourage children to treasure the world’s biodiversity and help to stop it slipping away.

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Unearth the true story of green-thumbed pioneer and activist Kate Sessions, who helped San Diego grow from a dry desert town into a lush, leafy city known for its gorgeous parks and gardens.

Katherine Olivia Sessions never thought she’d live in a place without trees. After all, Kate grew up among the towering pines and redwoods of Northern California. But after becoming the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she took a job as a teacher far south in the dry desert town of San Diego. Where there were almost no trees.

Kate decided that San Diego needed trees more than anything else. So this trailblazing young woman singlehandedly started a massive movement that transformed the town into the green, garden-filled oasis it is today. Now, more than 100 years after Kate first arrived in San Diego, her gorgeous gardens and parks can be found all over the city.

Part fascinating biography, part inspirational story, this is a moving picture book about following your dreams, using your talents, and staying strong in the face of adversity.

One Tree by Christopher Cheng, illustrated by Bruce Whatley

One tall tree on the mountain once marked Grandfather’s farm. Now there is a busy city and Grandfather lives with us in our apartment.

Once he told stories but now, he stays silent. Until one day, in the city market, I find something precious . . . something that brings Grandfather’s memories alive again.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

First published in 1964 this has been a profound favourite for children and adults, sparking much conversation about the meaning and intent of the strong messages in this book. And isn’t that what we want? Conversation helps us clarify our thoughts, explore our feelings and understand the world around us. Never shying away from the emotional connection we have with nature, Silverstein’s illustrations and words are very powerful. This book makes a lovely gift for any age and is perfect to read together.

 

 

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