Earth Day is coming up soon, and while it isn't a major holiday, we're living in an age during which how we choose to engage with the Earth and the daily choices that we make can have a deep impact on our environment. While kids may learn a bit about Earth Day at school, parents can fill in the gaps at home, so that kids can get a deeper understanding about why it's so important to protect our planet.
One of the best tools we have in order to teach kids about what Earth Day means and why it's significant in an age-appropriate way is books. There are tons of amazing picture books that can help kids learn about our planet and what we can do to take care of it. And they feature engaging and approachable text and illustrations that we absolutely love.
'The Earth Book' by Todd Parr
'Thank You, Earth' by April Pulley Sayre
Author April Pulley Sayre's book Thank You, Earth, is the sweetest love letter to the planet. It's actually a photo book that showcases the beauty and diversity of the Earth while discussing topics in science, nature and geography, among others.
To buy: $18, Target
'Ten Things I Can Do To Help My World' by Melanie Walsh
If you're ready to teach your kids some practical ways to protect our planet, the book Ten Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh, is a good place to start, especially if you have toddlers or preschoolers.
To buy: $14, Amazon
'Curious George Plants a Tree' by Margret and H.A. Rey
Curious George is a classic kids' literary character that children absolutely adore, so who better to teach them about taking care of the planet. It's set during "Green Day," and discusses recycling and other important conservation topics.
To buy: $5, Thriftbooks
'My Friend Earth' by Patrician Maclachlan
The book My Friend Earth by Newbery Award winner Patricia Maclachlan features the most amazing illustrations that are sure to captivate children of various ages. It celebrates all of the incredible ways that our planet serves living beings.
To buy: $18, Chronicle Books
'This Is Our Earth' by Laura Lee Benson
This is Our Earth by Laura Lee Benson marries lovely prose with actual scientific facts about planet Earth, and the importance of conservation. The gorgeous watercolor illustrations are the perfect accompaniment.
To buy: $8, Amazon
'What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting Our Planet' by Jess French
DK specializes in informational resources for children and they do a fantastic job. What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting Our Planet by Jess French is about the impacts of our actions on the planet and what we can do to change or reverse the negative effects.
To buy: $13, Amazon
