Earth Day Reads
Find the perfect Earth Day booklists for your classroom or library!
The Wonderful Wisdom of Ants By Philip Bunting
Take a peek under the rock, and discover what we can learn from the world of the ant, in this delightful blend of nonfiction and inspirational humor by author-illustrator Philip Bunting!
There are ten quadrillion ants in the world, and yet I bet you never thought they could teach you anything. But these tiny creatures can do big things when they work together--just like people!
With his signature humor and graphic illustrations, Philip Bunting delivers facts, laughs, and heart all in this special book that teaches that the answers to many of life’s biggest questions can be found in your own back yard (once you’re ready to look).
I Am the Lorax By Courtney Carbone; illustrated by Tom Brannon
A board book based on The Lorax for Dr. Seuss's youngest fans—perfect for encouraging a love of nature!
The Lorax shares his love of animals and plants and need to "speak for the trees" in this simple, sturdy board book about caring for the environment. Printed on recycled board and written in rhymed verse, it's an ideal introduction to the story for toddlers and preschoolers too young for the classic picture book. Now everyone in the family—even pre-readers—can take pleasure in the frolics of the Brown Bar-ba-loots, Swomee-Swans, and Humming-Fish and embrace Dr. Seuss's timely message about protecting the planet!
The World Is Ours to Cherish: A Letter to a Child By Mary Annaïse Heglar; illustrated by Vivian Mineker
This hopeful picture book--written in the style of a letter--gives kids an honest take on climate change and urges them to band together to help the planet.
The world is a big, beautiful place full of natural wonders--everything from bees to rainfall can seem magical.
The world is also changing. Climate change has already had a devastating effect on the planet.
But it's not too late! If we work together and show a little more care, both for the environment and each other, we can keep this world beautiful.
This moving debut from climate writer Mary Annaïse Heglar is perfect for budding environmentalists and anyone in need of a little hope for the future of our planet.
Once Upon a Forest By Pam Fong
This gorgeous picture book follows a helpful marmot working to save a forest recovering after a wildfire. Perfect for teaching children to practice kindness while developing an appreciation for animals and the earth.
After a fire leaves the forest smoldering, a determined marmot and her resourceful bird friend set off on a rescue mission in this beautifully illustrated, wordless story.
They clear away fallen branches and scorched bushes. They rake and dig and plant new seedlings in the earth. With determination and ingenuity, as the seasons pass, they care for the little trees by making sure they have enough water, protect their branches from the wind and snow, and keep away hungry creatures, until the trees can thrive on their own.
With a little time, care, and hope we all can help the earth.
When Forests Burn By Albert Marrin
A fascinating look at the most destructive wildfires in American history, the impact of climate change, and what we're doing right and wrong to manage forest fire, from a National Book Award finalist. Perfect for young fans of disaster stories and national history.
Wildfires have been part of the American landscape for thousands of years. Forests need fire--it's as necessary to their well-being as soil and sunlight. But some fires burn out of control, destroying everything and everyone in their path.
In this book, you'll find out about:
Chock full of dramatic stories, fascinating facts, and compelling photos, When Forests Burn teaches us about the past--and shows a better way forward in the future.
Time of the Turtle King By Mary Pope Osborne; illustrated by AG Ford
The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away across the world with Jack and Annie--this time as World Turtle Experts in the Galapagos Islands!!
It's just a regular day when ordinary kids Jack and Annie are whisked away in the magic tree house to the Galapagos islands, where they must save a giant tortoise from an erupting volcano! But what do Jack and Annie know about saving turtles?! Plenty, thanks to some magic that makes them experts. A helicopter ride, rushing lava, and a whole lot of determination make this one adventure Jack and Annie will never forget!
Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid?
Magic Tree House: Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books
Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader
Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures
Graphic Novels: Relive the original adventures brought to life with art by Kelly & Nichole Matthews
If you're looking for Merlin Mission #38: Monday with a Mad Genius, it was renumbered as Merlin Mission #10 when the series was rebranded in 2017.
The Uninhabitable Earth (Adapted for Young Adults) By David Wallace-Wells
An exploration of the devastating effects of global warming—current and future—adapted for young adults from the #1 New York Times bestseller. This is not only an assessment on how the future will look to those living through it, but also a dire overview and an impassioned and hopeful call to action to change the trajectory while there is still time.
The climate crisis that our nation currently faces, from rising temperatures, unfathomable drought, devastating floods, unprecedented fires, just to name a few, are alarming precursors to what awaits us if we continue on our current path. In this adaptation for young adults from the #1 New York Times bestseller, journalist David Wallace-Wells tells it like it is, and it is much worse than anyone might think. Global warming is effecting the world, if left unchecked, it promises to transform global politics, the meaning of technology and the trajectory of human progress.
In sobering detail, Wallace-Wells lays out the mistakes and inaction of past and current generations that we see negatively affecting all lives today and more importantly how they will inevitably affect the future. But readers will also hear—loud and clear—his impassioned call to action, as he appeals to current and future generations, especially young people. As he states: “the solutions, when we dare to imagine them . . . are indeed motivating, if there is to be any chance of preserving even the hope for a happier future—relatively livable, relatively fulfilling, relatively prosperous, and perhaps more than only relatively just.”
Hidden Systems By Dan Nott
We use water, electricity, and the internet every day--but how do they actually work? And what’s the plan to keep them running for years to come? This nonfiction science graphic novel takes readers on a journey from how the most essential systems were developed to how they are implemented in our world today and how they will be used in the future.
What was the first message sent over the internet? How much water does a single person use every day? How was the electric light invented?
For every utility we use each day, there’s a hidden history--a story of intrigue, drama, humor, and inequity. This graphic novel provides a guided tour through the science of the past--and reveals how the decisions people made while inventing and constructing early technology still affect the way people use it today.
Full of art, maps, and diagrams, Hidden Systems is a thoughtful, humorous exploration of the history of science and what needs to be done now to change the future.
