The best children’s books about the environment

Children recyling

by Hannah James |
Updated on

In the current environmental crisis, we find ourselves in it is more important than ever to teach our children about the importance of taking care of our environment. You may feel your child is a little too young, but as we have seen in Greta Thunberg, anyone can make a difference, regardless of age. Adding some books about the environment to your little one's bookshelf will help them to learn about the importance of taking care of our planet.

As a parent, it can be hard to tackle difficult subject matters. But children's books are a fantastic way to open up conversations. When you are reading to your child, it is great to find a quiet space where questions can naturally arise. We recommend diversifying your child's book self by including some LGBTQIA+ children's books as well as books that teach your child about diversity.

Research shows exposing your child to world problems and actively being involved in creating a better world has significant benefits for young people's mental health. They are also more likely to make better decisions as they grow into adults. However, it is important to approach all issues in an age-appropriate way.

If you’re wanting to teach your tots more about the planet and the small ways that they can make a difference, we’ve rounded up some fun, informative and educational books for your and your little one to read together.

What can children do to be my environmentally friendly:

Although your child may be a little too young to completely understand pollution, waste disposal and climate change there are plenty of little changes they can make to help save our planet. Here are a few things you and your little one can do:

  • Turn off the water whilst you are brushing your teeth

  • Shut doors to prevent the heating or air conditioning from escaping

  • Plant something in your garden or communal space

  • Avoid using disposable nappies and opt for reusable and eco nappies

  • Buy sustainable toys

  • Try to fix or make toys from things you would usually throw away

Best books about the environment 2023:

Best book for children aged 6+

World In Danger: Tomorrow could be a very different day by Frankie Morland and Zoe Barnish

Rrp: £7.99

Price: £7.35
Alternative retailers
Waterstones£7.99View offer

Description

Written by eight-year-old environmentalist, Frankie Morland, this book is all about why you're

Most colourful book

What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French

Rrp: £9.99

Price: £9.19
Alternative retailers
Waterstones£9.99View offer

Description

Do your tots constantly put their litter in the wrong bin? This book will teach your children all

Best story about animal endangerment

Donu0026#039;t Let Them Disappear by Chelsea Clinton

Rrp: £12.99

Price: £11.75

Description

Introduce your children to the world's endangered species and help them learn about what makes

Best book with flaps

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World by Melanie Walsh

Rrp: £8.99

Price: £8.27
Alternative retailers
Waterstones£8.99View offer

Description

From turning the tap off when we brush our teeth to making sure we use both sides of the paper

Amazon's Teachers pick

Greta and the Giants: inspired by Greta Thunbergu0026#039;s stand to save the world by Zoe Tucker

Rrp: £8.99

Price: £7.50
Alternative retailers
Waterstones£8.99View offer

Description

Inspired by the amazing Greta Thunberg, this book helps youngsters learn all about Greta and her

Best book about children from different countries

The Water Princess by Georgie Badiel

Rrp: £12.99

Price: £11.75
Alternative retailers
Waterstones£12.99View offer

Description

This book will help your child learn all about the importance of clean drinking water and why some

Best book for younger children

We Planted A Tree by Diane Muldrow
Price: £7.35

Description

This poetic picture book tells the story of two young families from two very different parts of

Best picture book

Bee and Me by Alison Jay

Rrp: £7.99

Price: £7.35
Alternative retailers
Waterstones£7.99View offer

Description

This wordless picture book follows the beautiful story of a little girl and her bee friend and

Best story about war

The Last Garden
Price: £6.99
Alternative retailers
Waterstones£6.99View offer

Description

Packed with gorgeous illustrations, this tender story is inspired by true events in Syria and war

Description

The Little Miss Waste Less story features a line-up of familiar Mr. Men Little Miss characters as

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