The best children’s books to educate and inspire kids about the environment

Dawn Wynne Author Of Midnight Mission: An Eco Avengers Series
By Dawn Wynne

Who am I?

I have been an educator for over 20 years teaching elementary-aged children. The environment is a passion of mine. After reading the book Plastic Ocean and meeting the author Charles Moore, I realized that the issues facing our environment are going to be best solved by the upcoming generation of children. They understand how important it is to preserve our planet. Combining my love of writing with my education background, I started writing books to teach children about the environment and inspire them to make lasting changes. I love recommending books that have the same mission. Small actions equal great changes! 

I wrote...

Midnight Mission: An Eco Avengers Series

By Dawn Wynne,

Book cover of Midnight Mission: An Eco Avengers Series

What is my book about?

When Mindy, Frankie, and Jagger discover a baby sea turtle far from the ocean they rush against time to return it back to sea. However, when they arrive at the beach, they stumble upon a startling discovery that may hinder the turtle's survival. Will the turtle be stranded on land forever? And what does the future hold for the rest of the sea turtles?

A fun, engaging book that will entertain children while also educating them about endangered sea turtles. 

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The books I picked & why

Children of the Earth... Remember

By Schim Schimmel,

Book cover of Children of the Earth... Remember

Why did I love this book?

This book is breathtakingly beautiful and illustrates the need for us to take care of our planet. The message is simple yet impactful. A great book to introduce young children to caring for our environment. Parents and teachers can initiate conversations without having to delve deeply into complicated issues. It’s one of my all-time favorite books even as an adult. 

Children of the Earth... Remember

By Schim Schimmel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Children of the Earth... Remember as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Children of the Earth Remember is a tender lesson of sharing and protecting the Earth, enhanced with stunning artwork.

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Hoot

By Carl Hiaasen,

Book cover of Hoot

Why did I love this book?

Carl has a way of infusing humor even into the most serious of situations. The book centers around endangered owls but he tackles the issue with fun and humor that any young child can relate to. It’s a great book for reluctant readers and a great book to educate kids in a subtle way that is entertaining. 

Hoot

By Carl Hiaasen,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Hoot as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This Newbery Honor winner and #1 New York Times bestseller is a beloved modern classic. Hoot features a new kid and his new bully, alligators, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes.

Everybody loves Mother Paula's pancakes. Everybody, that is, except the colony of cute but endangered owls that live on the building site of the new restaurant. Can the awkward new kid and his feral friend prank the pancake people out of town? Or is the owls' fate cemented in pancake batter?

Welcome to Carl Hiaasen's Florida—where the creatures are wild and the people are…

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Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean

By Patricia Newman, Annie Crawley (photographer),

Book cover of Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean

Why did I love this book?

I love this book as a supplement for the classroom or household library. It is filled with lovely photographs and depicts what is happening to our oceans. There is a nice ratio of text to pictures so as not to be overwhelming. It includes maps, vocabulary words, and a glossary to bring in the educational component without feeling like a textbook. 

Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean

By Patricia Newman, Annie Crawley (photographer),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Planet Ocean as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Books like this one help lead the way to a better climate future for all inhabitants of Mother Earth. We are all in this together!" ― Jeff Bridges, Academy Award winner and environmentalist

A little more than 70 percent of Planet Earth is ocean. So wouldn’t a better name for our global home be Planet Ocean?

You may be surprised at just how closely YOU are connected to the ocean. Regardless of where you live, every breath you take and every drop of water you drink links you to the ocean. And because of this connection, the ocean’s health affects…

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Be the Difference: 40+ ideas for kids to create positive change using empathy, kindness, equality and environmental awareness

By Jayneen Sanders, Cherie Zamazing (illustrator),

Book cover of Be the Difference: 40+ ideas for kids to create positive change using empathy, kindness, equality and environmental awareness

Why did I love this book?

We’re all looking for ways to teach our children to care for each other as well as our planet. This is a wonderful way to engage kids and get them thinking about the greater good. Filled with fun ideas, children are empowered to make a difference. I love the discussion questions to prompt thinking and the place for children to write down their own ideas. 

Be the Difference: 40+ ideas for kids to create positive change using empathy, kindness, equality and environmental awareness

By Jayneen Sanders, Cherie Zamazing (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Be the Difference as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This engaging book provides over 40 powerful ideas on how kids and the people who love them can make a difference. Using kid-friendly text and beautiful illustrations, the focus is on three key areas: empathy and kindness, racial and gender equality, and caring for the environment. We know from research that ‘doing good is good for you’. The participant benefits both mentally and physically. Encouraging a mindset of giving and being part of positive change when a child is young, benefits both the child and their future. The aim of this book is to introduce kids to the many positive…

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  • Coming soon!

Tall Tall Tree

By Anthony D. Fredericks, Chad Wallace (illustrator),

Book cover of Tall Tall Tree

Why did I love this book?

This book is so beautiful you could just admire it for the illustrations. It is written in rhyme which flows well with the images. All about the California Redwoods, it educates children about the animal creatures that call this place home. It pulls in educational components such as counting and also offers some STEAM activities. Great for teachers and parents. 

Tall Tall Tree

By Anthony D. Fredericks, Chad Wallace (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Tall Tall Tree as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

There's a magical, wild world happening in the tallest of tall trees - a world teeming with life that very few people ever see! Come take a peek at the animals that make their home in a tall, tall redwood tree. Children will love the rhymes and count the creatures from one to ten. Look out for the hidden animals, too! Lots of fun and lots of interesting science - including STEM activity suggestions.

Ages 4-9

Also available in hardback 9781584696018 GBP16.99

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Interested in protecting the environment, seas, and empathy?

9,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about protecting the environment, seas, and empathy.

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