6 Books to Share With Your Kids About the Environment

As climate change continues to be a hot topic for discussion, parents are understandably concerned with teaching their children to care for the environment and earth. One simple yet powerful approach is through books.

These kid-friendly stories explore environmentalism and specific topics that relate — like changing seasons, honeybees and appreciating nature.

Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth

By Oliver Jeffers

Earth is the place where we live: it's full of wonderful creatures, depths and heights. Then there are people, who have bodies, which are pretty amazing things. People act, look and sound different. There are lots of different animals, too, and there's so much to do. The most important thing is to be kind.

Written as a manual to life on Earth from new dad Oliver Jeffers to his baby son, this simple, life-affirming picture book is both an overview of Earth and a guide to living well, with kindness, tolerance, and environmental responsibility. – Booktrust.org.uk

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: click here!

The Snail and the Whale

Written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler

The Snail and the Whale follows the amazing journey of a tiny snail who longs to see the world and hitches a ride on the tail of a friendly humpback whale. A joyous, empowering story about the natural wonders of the world and discovering that no matter how small you are, you can make a difference - Wikipedia

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: click here!

We are Water Protectors

Written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade

Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all . . . When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth And poison her people's water, one young water protector Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, this bold and lyrical picture book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguarding the Earth’s water from harm and corruption. – Carolelindstrom.com

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: click here!

Tap the Magic Tree

By Christie Matheson

Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that’s interactive—and magical!

It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze… Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season—and every story time! – Goodreads

If you enjoy this one, Christie Matheson has similar interactive books including ‘Plant the Tiny Seed’ that follows the seed through its entire life cycle, as it grows into a zinnia in a garden full of bussing bees, curious hummingbirds, and colorful butterflies.

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: click here!

The Hike

By Alison Farrell

The Hike is a plucky and sweet adventure story about three intrepid young female explorers who set out to conquer the outdoors in their local forest. This spirited picture book is filled with lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world, coupled with a fun narrative. • Features a glossary and scientific backmatter • Includes a sketchbook by one of the characters that highlights discoveries the girls make along the trail • Abundant labels throughout for learning about various plants and animals The Hike celebrates how fun and rewarding it is to explore nature in your own backyard! – Chronicle Books

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: click here!

The Honeybee

Written by Kirsten Hall and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Buzz from flower to flower with a sweet honeybee in this timely, clever, and breathtakingly gorgeous picture book from critically acclaimed author Kirsten Hall and award-winning illustrator Isabelle Arsenault. Bzzz…What’s that? Do you hear it? You’re near it. It’s closer, it’s coming, it’s buzzing, it’s humming…

A BEE! With zooming, vibrant verse, this celebration of the critically important honeybee is a honey-sweet treasure of a picture book. – Goodreads

Borrow it from the Calgary Public Library: click here!