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!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 BookThe 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!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 World10 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 GambiaOne 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 DayFancy 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 RecyclersWe 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 WarmingWhy 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 EarthHere 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 StepsEarth-Friendly Crafts From Recycled Stuff in 5 Easy Steps

by Anna Llimos Plomer

 

 

Easy Cardboard Crafts in 5 StepsEasy Cardboard Crafts in 5 Steps

by Anna Llimos Plomer

 

 

Super Simple Pinecone Projects_Fun and Easy Crafts Inspired by NatureSuper Simple Pinecone Projects: Fun and Easy Crafts Inspired by Nature

by Kelly Doudna

 

 

Paper Artist: Creations Kids Can Fold, Tear, Wear, or SharePaper 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.

Upcycled Egg Carton Flower Craft

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