Eco-Consciousness
There are so many great ways to teach our little ones to take care of the Earth. One of the best ways is reading books about eco-consciousness and climate change. The books below help children understand concepts such as pollution, littering, water insecurity, and climate change. They also offer insights into being more eco-conscious and green.
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Girl Who Spoke to the Moon- if the moon could speak, what would it say? Follow Sofia as she takes a trip to the moon and learns about what the Earth looks like from space. This story is a great read because it has elements of adventure, messages about taking care of our planet, and inviting illustrations.
What Does It Mean To Be Green - The newly-remastered edition of this book has everything you need to kick your green game up a notch! Does being “green” mean eating your veggies or being good with plants? No! it means caring for our Earth by turning off lights and conserving water, eating locally-produced food, and reusing and recycling as much as we can. I love this adorable book because it approaches eco-consciousness in ways that children can understand.
The Mess That We Made - This beautiful book will pull at the strings of your heart and leave you wanting to help reduce ocean pollution. Told in the style of “the-house-that-jack-built,” this story traces the impact of pollution from people to sea life and back. This book is powerful because it reminds us of the huge impact that we have on our ecosystem, and how small changes to our habits can make a world of difference.
What if Everybody Did That - If you love doing dramatic readings to your kids or class, this book is for you! This book challenges readers to think of the impact that our choices make on our environment. For example, it may not seem like a big deal to throw a bit of trash on the ground, but what if EVERYBODY did that?
The Water Princess - From Bookshop.org “Inspired by the childhood of African-born model Georgie Badiel, acclaimed author Susan Verde and award-winning author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds have come together to tell this moving story. As a child in Burkina Faso, Georgie and the other girls in her village had to walk for miles each day to collect water. This vibrant, engaging picture book sheds light on this struggle that continues all over the world today, instilling hope for a future when all children will have access to clean drinking water.”
Touch The Earth - This interactive book teaches readers about water insecurity and eco-consciousness. Hop in the White Feather Flier and go on a journey around the world to bring clean water to people in need. Move the book up, down and around to make the airplane fly. I love the way this story engages children and inspires them to think globally.
One Little Bag: An Amazing Jouney - We came across this book at the library and were immediately drawn in. In stunning detail, the opening illustrations show the process by which trees are turned into paper bags. Follow this paper bag as it’s used and re-used again and again. This wordless picture book will inspire conversations and curiosity!
It’s Only One! - What’s wrong with throwing just one piece of trash on the ground? If I pick just one flower, is it really a big deal? What would happen if everyone littered just once? Follow these animal friends as they discover their impact on the environment and their town. I love this book because it teaches children about the big impact of a small action.
Climate Change - This book is equal parts informational and inspirational! Using data from NASA, the NOAA, and the U.N., this interactive book provides clear explanations and engaging illustrations. I love the way each page offers readers a choice, challenging them to do nothing or make a change. Although learning about phenomena such as global warming, extreme weather, and rising sea levels can be difficult, the final pages offer hope and practical ways that readers can advocate for change
Gardens Are For Growing “Sunshine is for soaking up, and seeds are meant for sowing.
Raindrops give small sprouts a drink, and gardens are for growing.” I’m in love with this sweet and heart-warming book. The bond between this adorable daddy-daughter pair grows, as they work on their garden through the years. Following this family, as the little girl grows from toddler, to teen, and eventually into a mother gave me ALL the feels.
Quick Tips:
Preview the book before reading with your child. This will help you decide if the length and wording are appropriate for him/her. It'll also help prepare you for questions and topics that may come up as you read.
Choose a time when you can read the book slowly with your child, let her/him look at the pictures and take in the words.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Remember- you don't need to have all the answers. Just acknowledging your child's questions and feelings goes a long way.
Here are some ideas for when you don't know what to say:
I'm glad we talked about this
How did talking about this make you feel?
Would you like to read more books like this?
Find more ideas and further reading in this article from Motherly.com
