7 Great Children’s Books About Green Living

What a waste.

 

WHAT A WASTE.

 

My toddler said that over and over again after we read Jess French’s What a Waste.

 

But more importantly than that phrase was the 72 pages of brimming information that saturated my littles’ minds and set them on the path to becoming what they call “eco-warriors.”

 

Since that book, we’ve picked up many others in hopes to find another movingly impactful book about the planet and eco-living. Today I’m rounding up the 7 favorites we have found so far! (Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make purchases, I will make a commission.)

 

 

7 Great Children’s Books About Green Living

 

 

 

 

What a Waste by Jess French

 

What a Waste by Jess French gets the first slot on this list simply because of it’s informative and expansive subject matter. I appreciate the subject variety, with topics ranging from electronic waste to ocean pollutants. This book is perfect as an introduction to green living for kids because it has such a “big picture” view. It’s the perfect starting point, but it’s not so basic that a more seasoned greenie would be bored. It’s hands-down our very, very favorite.

 

This definitely focuses on the production and disposal side of green living, which of course is just one (but extremely important) facet of sustainability. It doesn’t deal with animals (endangerment, extinction) in the way Jess French’s other books do, but my kids love it just the same.

 

 

 

 

 

If Elephants Disappeared by Lily Williams

 

If Animals Disappeared is a great series by author (and illustrator!) Lily Williams. We checked out If Elephants Disappeared at our local library and loved the author’s kid-friendly explanation of biodiversity. Other titles in the series include If Polar Bears Disappeared, If Sharks Disappeared, and If Bees Disappeared.

 

This is solid series on biodiversity, which doesn’t specifically instruct on green living, but advocates for conservation instead. If your child is prone to eco-anxiety, this book does focus more on the issue rather than the solution. However, since the over-arching message is a positive one (protect biodiversity) I still think the heavy concept is presented in a completely child-appropriate way.

 

Plus, Lily Williams illustrated her own book. We love to see it!

 

 

 

Forests by Jess French

 

Another amazing book by Jess French. Forests is part of her Let’s Save Our Planet series. This book gives a fantastic, extremely in-depth look at the planet’s precious resource: forests.  Explanations as to how different types of forests thrive, as well as a peek into the eco-system of each forests, lays excellent ground-work for the following pages advocating for forest conservation.

 

I appreciate books like these because they don’t just spell out problems and offer solutions (nothing wrong with that and we need those books too!) They help your child love the planet. And we won’t save what we don’t love! Learning the ins and outs of the ocean, forests, and the living things that fill them is one of the best ways to instill a love of conservation and green living in your family.

 

Similar great children’s books about green living (eco-appreciation especially!) by Jess French are: Earth’s Incredible Oceans, The Book of Brilliant Bugs, and It’s a Wonderful World (coming March 2022!!)

 

 

 

Green City by Allan Drummond

 

 

I like Green City because it shows the community aspect to green living (plus it’s a true story). While children are often most interested by what they can do, it’s a good reminder to children that all the pressure to save the planet isn’t resting on their own little shoulders, but on the community as a whole. That’s definitely an important message in and of itself.

 

On top of that, seeing that a community needed to be “set up” for success is a useful reminder that often our community isn’t “equipped” to be as green as we would like to live individually. This will be useful for your child’s overall concept of green living and infrastructure responsibility, whether or not it stands out to them in the story.

 

This author has similar titles like: Solar Story and Energy Island.

 

 

 

How to Help the Earth by the Lorax

 

If you love Dr. Seuss, this one is definitely for you. How to Help the Earth by the Lorax is a super sweet and fun book (less scholarly than some of the others). The amount of topics this book covers is fantastic, with very little “stats and facts” if you’re dealing with toddlers. The fact that it’s an I-Can-Read book also makes it extremely accessible for young readers. For me, this one is a non-negotiable in our library!

 

The Lorax series has many titles, including: Would You, Could You Plant a Tree?, 101 Ways to Help the Earth (releases next month!) Would You, Could You Save the Sea? and of course the original The Lorax.

 

 

 

 

Not For Me, Please! I Choose to Act Green by Maria Godsey

 

Not For Me, Please! I Choose to Act Green gives children an excellent albeit short illustration of autonomy. It’s hugely important for children to realize at a young age that they are independent people with their own conscience and ability to make decisions. Again, this is a very important message for children, regardless of the story matter!

 

There is a fine balance between helping children realize they can make a difference without somehow inferring that all eco-responsibility lies on their (or the consumer’s) shoulders. This book doesn’t eco-shame, by having the main character choose to do these sustainable actions. However, a follow-up conversation with your child (something like: “Did he make any choices that you would make?”) is a great addition to the material in this book. Or any green book!

 

 

 

101 Small Ways to Change the World by Aubre Andrus

 

101 Small Ways to Change the World is definitely geared towards older children (6 and up!) but there is nothing in it objectionable for someone younger. The best part about this book is the mantra “think big and start small” which is a huge tool for children to use in green living. This book has categories for focused on “You,” “Others,” and the “Planet.”

 

While this book is not strictly a green living guide, it has enough material on sustainability to give children a good understanding of age-appropriate actions they can take. For someone looking for a small subtle take on green living (like as a gift for a child’s friend) this is a good place to start.

 

If you like this book, consider: The Plastic Problem by the same author!

 

 

BONUS TITLE

TO 7 GREAT CHILDREN’S BOOKS ABOUT GREEN LIVING:

 

Consider keeping a “Green Living” journal with your children. Section the book into categories like: problems we see, solutions we have tried, nature we love, etc.  A book that leaves room for both pictures and words would be ideal. Maybe even a crayon rubbing or glued leaf?

 

Spend time with your child filling the book with observations you make together, and then entrust them with the book. Hands on learning and ownership are great tools for children to truly absorb an experience. Allow them to finish the book themselves, updating it periodically (even if prompted by you). Out of all the books here, this one will be your very favorite. And theirs. <3

 

 

 

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7 Great Children’s Books About Green Living

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