Book list · Earth Day is April 22
The best Earth Day books for kids
Earth Day read-alouds for preschool to grade 3, picked by Ken Yeung, author of The Rummage Crew. Mix one story, one true story and one "how it works" book for a full Earth Day.
For preschool, try The Earth Book (Todd Parr). Kindergarten, The Curious Garden (Peter Brown). Grades 1–3, We Are Water Protectors (Carole Lindstrom). About fixing and reusing, The Secret of the Squeaky Wagon (ours).
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Our bookThe Secret of the Squeaky Wagon
Six kids fix a rusty wagon and use it to give away outgrown toys. It is about fixing and sharing what you already have, which most Earth Day books leave out.
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The Earth Book
Bright, simple pages on small ways to care for the planet. The easiest Earth Day read-aloud for preschool and pre-K.
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We Are Water Protectors
An Ojibwe girl stands up to protect the water. Winner of the 2021 Caldecott Medal.
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The Curious Garden
A boy tends a few struggling plants on an old railway until a whole grey city turns green. Gentle and hopeful.
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Miss Rumphius
A classic about doing one thing to make the world more beautiful. Miss Rumphius scatters lupine seeds everywhere she walks.
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The Lorax
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot..." The rhyming classic about the last Truffula seed.
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Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa
The true story of Wangari Maathai, who started planting trees in Kenya and inspired millions more. Short and clear for young listeners.
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One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
A true story of turning plastic waste into purses. Pairs well with a recycling lesson.
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Michael Recycle
A rhyming recycling superhero cleans up a messy town. Reads aloud well to a whole class.
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Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth
An alphabet "recipe" of what goes into a compost pile. Great before starting a classroom compost bin.
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Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years
Earth tells its own life story, with humour and real science. Told in the planet's own voice.
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The Tree Lady
The true story of Kate Sessions, who helped turn dry San Diego green with trees.
Looking for more? See our recycling books for kids and Earth Day activities.
Earth Day books: questions
What is a good Earth Day book for preschool?
The Earth Book by Todd Parr is short and bright, with simple things kids can do. It is the one we would start with for preschool.
What is a good Earth Day book for kindergarten?
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown, Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel and The Secret of the Squeaky Wagon from The Rummage Crew all work well as kindergarten Earth Day read-alouds.
What Earth Day books are good for grades 1 to 3?
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul and The Tree Lady by H. Joseph Hopkins work well for grades 1 to 3.
When is Earth Day 2027?
Earth Day 2027 is Thursday, April 22. Earth Day is on April 22 every year.
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