What could be more important for our young people than a healthy planet? Recently, I’ve loved seeing students engaged in environmental actions and protests. Even my 6 year old is savvy about things like why we try not to use plastic straws and avoid buying things we don’t need – certainly more aware than I was at that age!
Picture Books for Earth Day
On this Earth Day, I wanted to round up a few picture books that we have loved, which have beautiful messages about sustainability, development, being good stewards, and the wonders of our natural world. I think making plenty of books like these part of the family reading repertoire is important for sharing the messages of Earth Day with even our littlest citizens all year around. When you’re choosing books at the library or purchasing new ones for your home library, be sure to add some with a positive environmental message!
One Plastic Bag
by Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
Based on the true story of Gambian woman Isatou Ceesay, One Plastic Bag tells the story of what one citizen decided to do about the increasing plastic pollution in her village. When plastic bags began causing ugliness, disease, and the death of animals who ate them, Isatou learned how to make something with them them by weaving them into reusable bags, and selling them. It’s an excellent lesson in the impact of single use plastic, and also a reminder that we don’t have to accept the status quo. Regular people with a good idea can make the world a better place. (Millbrook Press)
The Unexpected Visitor
by J. Courtney-Tickle
A little fisherman “lived all alone on a rocky island in the middle of a big blue sea.” Each day he would go out fishing and catch as many as he could, cooking them just in case company came. They never did, so he put the uneaten fish in bin every day. When a friend – a whale – finally comes to his cove, he finds that there are no fish left. The whale tells him about over-fishing and councils him to not take more than he needs. It’s a beautifully illustrated allegory that we can apply to everything we consume. (Egmont)
Butterfly Park
by Elly Mackay
When a young girl moves from the country to the city, she is excited to find Butterfly Park next to her new house. But, she quickly finds out that no butterflies want to stay in the barren park. She and her neighbors follow the butterflies and realize that they love flowers, prompting them to revitalize Butterfly Park. They bring flowers and community to create a beautiful, lush space for butterflies and people. (Running Press Kids)
A Walk in the Bush
by Gwyn Perkins
A simple story about a man and his little friend who go out for a walk in the bush. They encounter Australian wildlife and flora, taking the time to appreciate them and enjoy each other’s company. The illustrations present a landscape that will be familiar to Australian children, and the message about enjoying nature with our loved ones is something that both children and parents can take something from. (Affirm Press)
Window
by Jeannie Baker
This picture book may not have words, but it speaks volumes. It begins with an image of a mother holding a baby, looking out her window at a lush country landscape. On each page, the child ages, as the view out the window becomes ever more populated. There’s a twist at the end that will really pull at your heart. It’s a comment on the impact of development. It’s also just a beautiful work of art. Jeannie Baker’s collages are intricate wonders that you and your kids will love looking at many, many times. (Walker Books)
Circle
by Jeannie Baker
Another gorgeous collage-illustrated book by Jeannie Baker on a slightly different theme, still related to the environment. The book follows a godwit bird and its offspring on their amazing migratory journey. While not overt in its environmental message, there are many hints that human expansion impacts the birds’ natural patterns. It also just shows how incredible the instincts and lives of animals are. (We were given a review copy of Circle by Walker Books).
The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life With the Chimps
by Jeanette Winter
The Watcher tells the story of Jane Goodall in a child-friendly way, with illustrations that take us from her childhood love of animals through to her work studying chimpanzes, and her eventual worldwide activism on behalf of her beloved animals. It highlights that Goodall learned as much as she did by having patience and being “a watcher.” This is another tale that highlights how remarkable animals are, and our part in protecting them. (Schwartz and Wade Books)
Patterns of Australia
by Bronwyn Bancroft
Bronwyn Bancroft is one of Australia’s most renowned illustrators, sharing Aboriginal culture with her readers. Patterns of Australia is a book of stunningly beautiful illustrations of different Australian ecosystems, like the bush, the desert, wetlands, the Reef, and so forth. Each page is also a treasure hunt with native animals cleverly hidden within each pattern. It’s a love letter to the beauty and complexity of Australia’s natural world. (Little Hare)
Desert Lake
by Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli
On the topic of the remarkable complexity of Australia’s environment, Desert Lake tells the story of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, an area that spends much of the time as dry land, but which when full (every decade or so), becomes the largest lake in Australia – a salt lake with an incredibly rich ecosystem. Desert Lake tells about the frogs, prawns, fish, lizards and other animals who make their homes in this fascinating area. One of the most interesting facts is that pelicans come from thousands of kilometres away when the lake floods, though scientists don’t know how the birds know to come. The illustrations bring this landscape to life, and it shows how resilient this incredible part of our country is. (We were gifted a review copy of Desert Lake by Walker Books).
No Dodos
by Amanda Wallwork
On one hand, No Dodos is a simple counting book, so a nice choice for even very young children. It is also an environmental book, as every animal pictured is a threatened species. From whales to penguins to parrots, turtles and more, my 6 year old was very surprised to learn that many of these animals are endangered. The final number – 0 – tells us “but no dodos,” a clear reminder of an animal who went extinct entirely at the hands of humans. On the last page, there is information about each animal and why their numbers are threatened. It’s a clear, informative message, but not too confronting for kids. *This is an older release, so you may have to find this one previously loved. (Periscope Press)
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