From the tiniest mushrooms to expansive cloud formations, our earth is full of beauty and wonder. Feeding that wonder helps us not only connect with our children, but it also draws us closer to the incredible world around us. From activism to appreciation, environmental picture books celebrate our natural world in so many beautiful—and important— ways. Check out some of our favorites here!
A Planet Like Ours by Frank Murphy & Charnaie Gordon, illustrated by Kayla Harren
There is no other planet like Earth, which means it’s up to us to protect it. If not us, then who? Colorful illustrations and simple text remind readers that the air, animals, water, and people, among other elements, not only belong to our earth, but to us, too. And each one of us can make a difference when it comes to keeping our planet clean and inviting for all its creatures.
One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey by Henry Cole
In this wordless picture book, gorgeous illustrations follow the life of a little boy and a paper bag. The bag begins its journey as a tree, transforms to a lunch sack, then shifts over time as it’s used in various ways: as a bag for collecting seashells, for holding rose petals in the boy’s wedding ceremony, for eating popcorn as a newlywed, and even for spinning in a mobile above a new baby’s crib. This beautiful book helps us appreciate the many ways in which humans incorporate the natural world into daily life.
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
As a boy and his mother paddle a boat through a lake, they marvel at the activity taking place over and under the pond. A moose eats waterlilies, turtles plop into the water, and a dragonfly lands on the boy’s knee. Under the pond, dragonfly larvae catch minnows, beavers swim, and tadpoles transform into frogs. With beautiful imagery, illustrations, and gentle repetition, this story is a celebration of the natural life that teems before our eyes and just beyond our vision. The backmatter also includes descriptions of each creature mentioned in the story!
Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds
Amara loves bats, but when she moves to a new town, a park ranger tells her that bats have stopped coming to the local park. So Amara and her new friends get to work to bring the bats back. They hold a bake sale to raise money for bat houses and spread the word about the loss of bats in the park. They enlist community help to create a bat-friendly habitat. When their work is complete, it’s time to wait and see if all their efforts will pay off! This is a great story about the difference even one person can make to help our world.
My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, illustrated by Francesca Sanna
With gorgeous cutout illustrations, this book follows “my friend Earth” as she guides each element and creature on our planet, from baby zebras and parrot fish to rains, rivers, and autumn winds. She sees moles beneath the soil, oversees the tundra with its polar bears and reindeer, and sprinkles snow that protects even more creatures. With its simple, lyrical imagery and engaging illustrations, this story offers a beautiful introduction to a respect for the beauty of the earth, its seasons, and its creatures.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Even though he lives in a city with no greenery, Liam loves to go outside and explore. When he unexpectedly finds flowers that need tending on the railroad bridge, he realizes that his new garden is just as curious as he is! Together, Liam and his garden explore the city, and as they do, greenery spreads everywhere! Intricate illustrations accompany this wonderful story.
Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up by Sean Taylor & Alex Morss, illustrated by Cinyee Chiu
When Dad wears his sweater with the hole in it, the narrator and her little sister know that it’s time to work in the garden! They follow Dad to the pond, the compost heap, and finally the garden, making spring discoveries—and having plenty of fun!— all along the way. This fun story is a perfect way to welcome in spring!
The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord, illustrated by Julia Blattman
This cumulative story begins with an illustration of the mess that humans have made in our oceans. Each element builds on that mess—seals caught in nets, turtles in plastic, and a growing landfill that spills into the bay, until we’re ultimately reminded that there are things we can do to help. No matter what’s been done in the past, we still have power to clean our messes and save the day!
Thank You Earth, A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
In a love letter written to Earth, the narrator uses poetic language to thank Earth for its growing things, its patterns, its struggles, beauty, and creatures. Beautiful photographs highlight each phrase, illustrating our gratitude for everything from expansive sunsets to the intricate patterns of overlapping ferns. This book provides a meaningful way to express thanks for the natural world in which we live.
We Are Water Protectors by Carol Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
With lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations, this story introduces the ancient legend of the black snake, now the Dakota Access pipeline, which will eventually destroy water in the traditional lands of the Dakotas region. The narrator vows to fight for her people as she defends the land, the water, and the many creatures without voices to speak up.