We found the best kids books on sustainability that will encourage care of the environment and support children’s reading. The theme for World Book Day is “You are a reader”, a proactive theme that we have used to pick books that encourage small actions that will make a big difference. Being eco-friendly and learning to be sustainable is essential for the future of the planet. Check out our list of some of the most vibrant, eloquent and funny books for kids that support reading and the plant.
Table of Contents
Kids Can Save The World: 50 Awesome Ways
This is a fantastic book with lots of great ideas to get kids taking action to support the environment. The book is aimed at kids but there are some interesting facts and figures to engage adults too. The ideas are accessible and achievable for kids. The chapter titles are amusing too.. “don’t be drag, bring a bag”.
It’s also really useful for homework projects on the environment and sustainability.
What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet
This is another great book with an eye-catching design that makes it ideal for kids at primary school. There are plenty of illustrations and it is well written. The book inspires kids to ask questions about the issues that are raised.
This is a book that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. The facts tend to be focussed on the U.S but otherwise, this book is an enjoyable read. The book comes highly recommended by parents and teachers.
As believers in zero waste, we believe this is a fabulous introductory book on the topic.
Tree Full of Wonder: An educational, rhyming book about magic of trees for children
If you are looking for books that explain the importance of trees, then we would recommend this book. It explains why trees are so important to us and gives ideas on how we can protect them. The story of trees is told in rhyme making it an excellent book for primary school classes.
We love this book as it encourages children to go outside and enjoy nature. Trees full of wonder is an inspiring book that explains how magical trees are.
Somebody Swallowed Stanley
The amusing title and brilliant illustrations will make you smile. The story is about a plastic bag called Stanley who is mistaken for a jellyfish.
The book is a clever way to teach young children about littering and the dangers of plastic without being too preachy. The book is enjoyable and covers the topic of plastic waste in a fun and inspiring way.
If Bees Disappeared
If you’re a straight-talking parent then this book is for you. The award-winning author tells us that 250,000 species of bees are in danger of extinction.
The book is informative and the illustrations are engaging despite the foreboding title. It is suitable for and enjoyed by all ages, including adults.
This book is part of a series of books: If sharks disappeared and If elephants disappeared.
How to Make a Better World: For Every Kid Who Wants to Make a Difference
This book is perfect for kids who want to speak up and take action to start making a difference. The book has lots of practical ideas, some of which could link neatly into school projects.
It is well written and has sections that focus on personal actions as well as actions your community can do.
Greta and the Giants: inspired by Greta Thunberg’s stand to save the world
No book list would be complete without a book about Great Thunberg. In this book, Greta lives in a beautiful forest threatened by giants. It is easy to guess who the ‘giants’ are! The key takeaway in this book is Greta’s mantra that ‘no one is too small to make a difference’.
The added bonus for buying this book is you will also make a 3% donation to Greenpeace.
Conclusion:
We have picked what we believe to be the best kids books on sustainability but you might have suggestions to add to the list! We hope this list inspires parents and caregivers too. As with all popular activities, supermarkets will be filled with World Book Day costumes.
We think it’s best to stick to books and avoid the waste (and expense) of buying costumes – you don’t even have to buy the books, you can get them as ebooks or you may be able to borrow them from your local library. If you want eco-friendly costume ideas, check out our Pinterest page for ideas
