Every year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day to show support for protecting and preserving our planet. Today we’re sharing some of our favorite books for young readers that help show just how beautiful Earth is and why it’s so important to keep it safe.
One Little Bag by Henry Cole
From a tall tree growing in the forest — to the checkout counter at the grocery store — one little bag finds its way into the hands of a young boy on the eve of his first day of school.
And so begins an incredible journey of one little bag that is used and reused and reused again.
In a three-generation family, the bag is transporter of objects and keeper of memories. And when Grandfather comes to the end of his life, the family finds a meaningful new way for the battered, but much-loved little bag to continue its journey in the circle of life.
River by Elisha Cooper
In Cooper's flowing prose and stunning watercolor scenes, readers can follow along the trek as the woman and her canoe explore the wildlife, flora and fauna, and urban landscape at the river's edge. Through perilous weather and river rushes, the canoe and her captain survive and maneuver their way down the river back home.
We’ve Got the Whole World in Our Hands by Rafael López
Award-winning illustrator Rafael López brings new life with his adaptation of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" saluting the lives of all young people. The rhythmic verse and repetitive emphasis on "we" and "our" encourages inclusive communities and the celebration of unity and diverse friendships all around the world.
Big Cats by Nic Bishop
With breathtaking full-page images, Sibert Medal-winning photographer Nic Bishop introduces readers to a variety of beautiful and stealthy big cats. The simple, engaging text presents both basic information and captivating details about the appearance, habits, and remarkable abilities of these amazing felines. An index and glossary are included, along with an author's note detailing his research and the fun stories behind the photographs.
The Magic School Bus Series by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen
Join Ms. Frizzle on the Magic School Bus as she teaches her students and readers about different animals, the oceans, our solar system, and more!
The Sunlight Series by Molly Bang & Penny Chisholm
Using simple language and breathtaking paintings, Bang and Chisholm present a clear, concise explanation of the fossil-fuel energy cycle, the ever changing oceans, and geological cycles.
Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King
Obe Devlin has problems. His family's farmland has been taken over by developers. His best friend Tommy abandoned him for the development kids. And he keeps getting nosebleeds, because of that thing he doesn't like to talk about. So Obe hangs out at the creek by his house, in the last wild patch left, picking up litter and looking for animal tracks.
One day, he sees a creature that looks kind of like a large dog, or maybe a small boar. And as he watches it, he realizes it eats plastic. Only plastic. Water bottles, shopping bags... No one has ever seen a creature like this before, because there's never been a creature like this before. The animal, Marvin Gardens, soon becomes Obe's best friend and biggest secret. But to keep him safe from the developers and Tommy and his friends, Obe must make a decision that might change everything.
The Beekeepers by Dana L. Church
The Beekeepers is an expertly researched overview of bumble bees — from hive hierarchies to how their brains work — and the passionate humans and scientists who are fighting for their survival. With a thoughtful and accessible voice, researcher Dana Church introduces readers to the fascinating world of bumble bees, how and why some are thriving while others are floundering, and how both experts and regular citizens are working to ensure their future. Equal parts endearing, frustrating, and hopeful, this scientific narrative is essential for readers looking to understand and make an impact on our changing world.
Project Go Green by Alyssa Milano, Debbie Rigaud, & Eric S. Keyes
In the fourth book in Alyssa Milano’s funny and relatable middle-grade series, Hope Roberts is determined to save the world — literally. Hope has already gotten her school to add more recycling bins and coordinate a carpooling program. But it’s not enough. Hope wants to do more to protect the environment before it’s too late. But will Hope’s plans to help the planet backfire?
Hope's relatability, kindness, empathy, and can-do attitude will inspire a generation of do-gooders. This series is a response to the very palpable feeling that not only can young people save the world — they will!
One Small Hop by Madelyn Rosenberg (On Sale May 18)
When Ahab and his friends find a bullfrog in their town — a real, live bullfrog, possibly the last bullfrog in North America — they have several options:
A. Report it to the Environmental Police Force. Too bad everyone knows they're a joke.
B. Leave it be. They're just a bunch of kids — what if they hurt it by moving it?
C. Find another real, live bullfrog on the black market. Convince their parents to let them bike to Canada. Introduce the two frogs. Save all of frogkind.
Ahab convinces the rest of the group that C is their only real option. Because if they don't save this frog, who will? Their quest, which will involve fake ice cream, real frog spawn, and some very close calls, teaches Ahab that hope is always the logical choice, and science is always better with friends.
