You’re never too young to help the Earth! My toddler son knows to throw his garbage in the trash can, and my five-year-old daughter has learned how to sort items for recycling. We also try to reuse items whenever possible, especially for craft projects. (Hello, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, and paper scraps!
This book list has suggestions for reducing, reusing, recycling, and plain old Earth appreciation. Check out the last few for some fun ways to upcycle in your craft projects!
Picture Books
Don’t Throw That Away!
by Lara Bergen
This adorable lift-the-flap board book inspires kids to upcycle cans, plastic jugs, and glass jars into new, fun objects. Bonus: the book is actually made from recycled materials.
The Earth Book
by Todd Parr
Parr’s bright illustrations and easy to understand text will engage young readers. He gives suggestions for small things kids can do to help the Earth, like using both sides of the paper, and also explains why in kid-friendly scenarios. (“I remember to turn off the lights and shut the refrigerator to save energy because I love the polar bears and I want the snowmen to stay cool.”)
Recycle Every Day!
by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
This is a cute story of a bunny named Minna, who seeks inspiration to win a recycling poster contest for school. Her family helps her by performing a different green task every day: composting, donating unused books, etc. When you finish the story, there is a recycling board game you can play together!
10 Things I Can Do to Help My World
by Melanie Walsh
Simple text and bold, die-cut pages bring the suggestions in this book to life. The subtext on each page explains why each activity is helpful.
Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet
by April Pulley Sayre
This book is a photographic celebration of the beauty of nature, from animals and landscapes to shapes and sounds. At the end of the book, there is a list of ways students can turn their gratitude into action.
One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
by Miranda Paul
Set in Africa, this story tells the tale of how Isatou’s homeland became overrun by plastic bags. Instead of bemoaning the litter, she decides to take a chance and transform the piled up plastic into braided purses, thus saving the environment while generating additional income.
Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day
by Jane O’Connor
It wouldn’t be a Joyous Roar book list without Eliana’s favorite Fancy Nancy. After learning about Earth Day in school, Nancy gets a little too enthusiastic about monitoring her family’s energy use in her quest to protect the Earth.
We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers
by Bridget Hurst and Lauren Child
While cleaning her room, Lola plans to throw out a pile of junk, but her older sister Charlie teaches her to recycle it instead. Lola then gets her whole school involved in a contest to collect 300 recyclable items so that they can win their very own real tree to plant.
Why Are the Ice Caps Melting: The Dangers of Global Warming
by Anne F. Rockwell
This science-based book explains why plants and animals on Earth need certain conditions to survive and what happens when nature gets out of balance. The text-heavy pages use lots of scientific vocabulary and diagrams, making this book suitable for older elementary readers.
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
by Oliver Jeffers
This is a sweet introduction to the world by a boy to his baby sibling. It is more of an overview of what the world is like and does not touch on conservation issues, but the sweet simplicity is darling.
Craft Books
Earth-Friendly Crafts From Recycled Stuff in 5 Easy Steps
by Anna Llimos Plomer
Easy Cardboard Crafts in 5 Steps
by Anna Llimos Plomer
Super Simple Pinecone Projects: Fun and Easy Crafts Inspired by Nature
by Kelly Doudna
Paper Artist: Creations Kids Can Fold, Tear, Wear, or Share
by Gail Green
What ways do you like to celebrate Earth Day with your family?
Here’s a super simple craft you can make using upcycled egg cartons.
