Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Today, Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and create global, national and local policy changes. You can learn more about the history of Earth Day at earthday.org.
In honor of Earth Day, here are some books to encourage kids’ love of exploring and learning about nature. We’ve also included titles about climate and the environment.
Click on any book cover to go to the catalog and place a hold. Happy reading!
Scroll to the bottom to find more resources to explore.
Books For Younger Readers and Listeners
Shares striking photographs of nature from around the world and introduces science concepts, such as, water, air, and light.
Wonder Walkers by Micah Archer
Two curious children go for a walk, asking imaginative questions about the natural beauty that surrounds them.
Look What I found in the Woods by Moira Butterfield
A fact-filled guide to the natural world depicts a fun-filled hike and treasure hunt in the wilderness.
We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom; illustrated by Michaela Goade
Inspired by indigenous-led movements across North America, this book calls upon us to protect and respect our earth and water.
Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq
On Fatima’s first camping trip, she helps set up a tent, build a fire, and settles down to sleep surrounded by the sounds of the forest.
How to Find a Fox by Kate Gardner; photographs by Ossi Saarinen
Explore different landscapes and seasons in search of the graceful and elusive red fox.
Where Wonder Grows by Xelena González
A grandmother explores her special garden with her granddaughters and shares the treasures she’s brought to that magical place–the rocks, the shells, the crystals, the meteorites — how they came to be, how they were formed, how they each have a story to tell.
The Last Straw: Kids vs. Plastics by Susan Hood
Learn about the growing plastic problem and meet young activists who are standing up and speaking out for change.
Books For Older Readers and Listeners
Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby; illustrated by Adelina Lirius
Let’s Save our Planet: Forests by Jess French; illustrated by Alexander Mostov
Explore different forest types around the world, and learn about the causes, effects and solutions to deforestation.
Outdoor Scientist: The Wonder Of Observing the Natural World by Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner.
From renowned scientist and autism spokesperson, comes a book about exploring the world around us, asking questions, and making sense of what we see.
Beetles for Breakfast by Madeleine Finlay and Jiu Choi
Discover all sorts weird and wonderful inventions to save the planet.
Curious Kids Nature Guide: Explore the Amazing Outdoors of the Pacific Northwest by Fiona Cohen; illustrated by Marni Fylling
Organized by habitat–forest, beach, fresh water, and backyards and urban parks–this book identifies and describes some of the most intriguing flora, fauna, and natural phenomena of the region while also sharing ecological lessons.
Can you hear the trees talking?: Discovering the Hidden Life of the Forest by Peter Wohlleben
A Young reader’s edition of the The Hidden Life of Trees, shares thought-provoking questions about tree and hands-on science activities.
Climate Action: What Happened and What We Can Do by Seymour Simon
Learn how our behavior and actions have led us to this point, hear from kids around the world dealing with extreme storms, wildfires, and sea level rise, and discover what scientists, youth activists, and ordinary citizens are doing to protect their communities.
How to Change Everything: The Young Human’s Guide to Protecting the Planet and each other by Naomi Klein with Rebecca Stefoff
Klein presents an empowering guide for understanding and tackling climate change.
More to Explore on our Blog
Let’s learn about Climate Change
Between ice storms, wildfires, and heat waves, Oregon has had its fair share of wild weather! Kids will encounter information about the environment and climate change in school, in the news, and at home. This big and complex topic can feel like a lot to explore with your kiddos, so this post provides some suggested resources for navigating the conversation.
Checkout this book list of our recent favorites that explore the science of the earth, the solar system, the human body, and feats of endurance and ingenuity.