We asked our friends at the Arlington Public Library to recommend children’s books from their collection that explore themes related to the natural world, just like our exhibition One Point Five Degrees. What an awesome list they created! We hope it provides literary inspiration for you and your kids, too. Also, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this page to download three fun coloring pages, created by the AMA Education Center.
Juvenile Fiction
Maybe You Might, Imogen Foxell
A young girl makes a choice to plant a seed by a long dead riverbed. Little does she know that from this single, small act, a vibrant ecosystem will grow. This inspiring poem — bursting with hope for a greener would — is a love letter to our ailing planet. It shows us that even when the future appears most bleak, each one of us can make a difference. A positive and optimistic story full of hope that it is not too late to mitigate climate change, gorgeously illustrated by the artist behind A Story About Afiya and Anita and the Dragons.
We are Better Together, Bill McKibben
From environmentalist and bestselling author Bill McKibben comes a hopeful, inspiring picture book celebrating the power of human cooperation and the beauty of life on Earth, beautifully illustrated by artist Stevie Lewis.
Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet, April Pulley Sayre
April Pulley Sayre, award-winning photographer and acclaimed author of more than sixty-five books, introduces concepts of science, nature, and language arts through stunning photographs and a poetic text structured as a simple thank-you note. Touching on subjects from life cycles to weather, colors, shapes, and patterns, this is an ideal resource for science and language art curriculums and a terrific book for bedtime sharing. Thank You, Earth is a great choice for Earth Day celebrations, as well as family and group read-alouds.
Global: One Fragile World. An Epic Fight for Survival, Eoin Colfer & Andrew Donkin
Told in alternating voices, twelve-year-old Sami, from a village along the Bay of Bengal, and fourteen-year-old Yuki, from Northern Canada, strive to protect their homes from the encroaching damage brought on by climate change.
Willodeen, Katherine Applegate
When the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, dwindles and no one knows why, Willodeen, armed with a magical birthday gift, speaks up for the animals she loves and vows to uncover this mystery.
Juvenile Non-Fiction
Old Enough to Save the Planet, Loll Kirby
Meet 12 young activists from around the world who are speaking out and taking action against climate change. Learn about the work they do and the challenges they face, and discover how the future of our planet starts with each and every one of us.
It’s a Wonderful World, Jess French
Veterinarian, author, and TV host Jess French guides kids through taking care of our planet, from living a sustainable lifestyle to using their voice in politics. Discover how to reduce your carbon footprint, understand the importance of preserving our forests, oceans, and endangered animals, and learn the best ways to stand up for what you believe in.
Climate Change, The Choice Is Ours: The Facts, Our Future, and Why There’s Hope!, David Miles
With colorful illustrations, simple text, and research from trusted sources like NASA, NOAA, and the United Nations, Climate Change, The Choice is Ours is the interactive book that outlines the causes of climate change and gently explores its consequences like rising sea levels, more extreme weather, and more.
Climate Change, John Woodward
Eyewitness Climate Change explains why human activities are making the planet heat up–and how we know for sure that this is the case. The book explores the effects of the changing climate, from more frequent hurricanes and wildfires to melting ice caps and rising sea levels. It shows how scientists predict how the climate will change in the future and what actions we can all take to combat climate change.
Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth, Stacy McAnulty
Meet Earth. Planet Awesome! And your awesome home! Actually, Earth is home to all the plants and all the animals in the solar system, including nearly eight billion people. Humans have accidentally moved Earth’s climate change into the fast lane, and she needs your help to put on the brakes. Earthlings need Earth, and Earth needs Earthlings, so let’s save Earth together!
Coral Reefs in Danger, Samantha Brooke
The world’s most famous coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef, is so big that astronauts can see it from outer space! Independent readers will love learning fun facts about coral reefs, the beautiful fish who make it their home, and why these amazing habitats are in danger.
The Big Book of Nature Art, Yuval Zommer
Drawing on Zommer’s years of experience running art workshops for children, The Big Book of Nature Art includes his tips for stress-free ways to get creative with kids. Each nature art activity requires no more than five minutes set-up and five minutes clean-up, making them easy to achieve and fun for everyone involved.
Bonus! Coloring pages from the AMA Education Center
Click here to download three coloring pages, created just for you by the AMA.
