Hands Up to Help the Planet: 10 Ecological Children’s Books

World Environment Day takes place every year on 5 June. It is the United Nations’ flagship day for promoting worldwide awareness and action for the environment. First held in 1974 it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach and is celebrated by millions of people around the world.

The world in which we live is paramount to all young, curious minds, and books can be a great source of knowledge for those wondering how to treat it best. See below for a list of books to help kids learn about sustainability, conservation, animal endangerment, and all things ecological!

How To Save the Whole Stinking’ Planet by Lee Constable and James Hart

Embark on a garbological adventure! Dive into the rubbish bin and learn to be a waste warrior as you complete activities, conduct eco-experiments, and undertake DIY projects. Follow the chain of waste from your kitchen to the recycling, composting and landfilling conclusions. This book could inspire the whole family to be more proactive and encourages kids to take the lead.

Readers aged 10+

Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers

Exquisitely illustrated and amazingly thought-provoking, this book guides young readers through the bewildering immensity of our world, and the small things that make a difference. Explore land and sky, people and time, with notes to help you on the journey and messages of positivity and kindness.

Readers aged 6+

World Without Fish by Mark Kurlansky

This non-fiction/graphic novel hybrid is an entertaining and important insight into the destruction of the world’s most precious resource: its oceans. Mark Kurlansky is the acclaimed author of books like ‘Cod’ and ‘The Big Oyster,’ and his 2011 book, ‘World Without Fish,’ not only explains the problems but tells them what they can do about it.

Readers aged 10+

The Why Should I? series by Jen Green on Energy, Water and Recycling

Jen Green’s wonderful ‘Why Should I?’ series is the perfect introduction to conservation for your young ones. Titles like Why Should I Save Water? Why Should I Save Energy? And Why Should I Recycle? answer some of the most common questions kids ask about their ever-changing environment, through brief but exciting short stories. The stories help children realise not only the importance of conserving natural resources, but shows them all the little things that they can do to help. Each with a different message, every one of these books is worth reading to the most curious of kids.

Readers aged 6+

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Not many names inspire wonder in young minds like that of the beloved Dr. Seuss. The story of The Lorax, with its lyrical rhymes and valuable message that never fades, is adored by all—the young and the old. Suess emphasises the importance of conservation and the threat of greed in what is one of the most valuable lessons about the environment, ever.

Readers aged 5+

One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul

The award-winning story of Isatou Ceesay is one of perseverance and hope. It has a simple, vital message, showing children that change begins with them. The problem of plastic waste in Gambia accumulated over the years, hurting animals and the ecosystem around them. This inspirational true story of Isatou’s community change shows how one person’s actions really can make a difference.

Readers aged 5+

I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer’s I Am Jane Goodall is a tribute to the chimpanzee researcher’s love of science and environmentalism. A picture book, it offers an endearing biography of Jane Goodall with vivid illustrations of her famous zoological subjects, as well as some real photos and quotes from the scientist herself. I Am Jane Goodall is the story of an ordinary person achieving extraordinary things for the good of others and the environment. The children are lucky to have such a hero.

Readers aged 6+

Can We Save The Tiger? by Martin Jenkins

Kids love animals, and Martin Jenkins knows this. Can We Save The Tiger? appeals especially to kids who love their furry friends, with each page filled to the brim with endangered species and why it is so important we help save them. With stunning illustrations and memorable facts, this non-fiction book is as thought-provoking as it is fascinating.

Readers aged 5+