34 Wonderful Earth Day Books for Kids to Read

Change Starts with Us by Sophie Beer

This charming board book introduces little readers to simple ways they can help care for the planet. From planting trees to recycling, it highlights small, meaningful changes in a gentle, engaging way. It’s a sweet, sturdy addition to any Earth Day book collection!

I Love the Earth by Todd Parr

I can’t resist a book by Todd Parr—especially when it focuses on Earth Day. I Love the Earth is a bright, playful introduction to caring for our planet. With his signature colourful illustrations and simple language, the book shares easy, kid-friendly ways to help the Earth. It’s a perfect Earth Day board book for toddlers.

This Little Environmentalist by Joan Holub

This Little Environmentalist is a wonderful addition to your Earth Day board book collection. Little readers are introduced to ten inspiring activists in a simple, engaging way. It’s a sweet and empowering read that shows even the youngest learners can make a difference.

Alba and the Ocean Cleanup by Lara Hawthorne

Set beneath the sea, this sweet picture book follows Alba, a little fish who loves collecting treasure from the ocean floor—until trash begins to take over her home. As she wonders whether it’s too late to make a difference, readers are gently introduced to the importance of protecting our oceans. It’s a charming and thoughtful Earth Day read that raises awareness in an age-appropriate way.

Black Beach: A Community, an Oil Spill and the Origin of Earth Day by Shaunna and John Stith

While we should have important conversations all year, Earth Day is the perfect time to remind kids how they can help protect our planet. Black Beach is an engaging non-fiction read that introduces readers to the origins of Earth Day and the movement behind it. It encourages young readers to stand up for the Earth and make meaningful changes while we still can.

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals

Compost Stew is a fun, engaging story that introduces kids to composting while reinforcing their alphabet skills. With playful language and lively illustrations, it makes learning about reducing waste both accessible and exciting. Readers will finish this book ready to start their own garden and put their composting knowledge to work!

Dear Earth … From Your Friends in Room 5 by Erin Dealey

When a group of students write a letter to the Earth asking how they can help, they’re surprised to receive a reply. What follows is a heartfelt, empowering story about caring for our planet. With beautiful illustrations and a meaningful message, it’s a perfect addition to any home or classroom library.

Don’t Let Them Disappear by Chelsea Clinton

Our planet is important—and so are the incredible animals that call it home. In this nonfiction read, Chelsea Clinton highlights endangered species and explains why they matter and how we can help protect them. It’s an empowering and informative Earth Day read for young animal lovers!

Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty

The Our Universe series is always a favourite, and this book is no exception. Readers journey through Earth’s story—from her beginnings 4.54 billion years ago to today, discovering fascinating facts along the way. It’s an informative read that helps kids appreciate how incredible our planet truly is.

Earth Day Every Day by Lisa Bullard

Follow a determined little girl on Earth Day as she discovers simple yet meaningful ways to help the planet. From planting trees to starting an Earth Day club with her friends, her actions show how small ideas can spark big change. It’s an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to become everyday environmentalists.

Earth Friend Forever by Molly Bloom, Marc Sanchez and Sanden Totten

Written by the creators of the Brain On! podcast, this humorous and informative story explores the impact of plastic on our planet. Kids will learn about the harmful effects of plastic—and discover simple, everyday changes they can make to help.

Greta and the Giants by Zoë Tucker

Inspired by Greta Thunberg, this powerful picture book follows a young girl who loves the forest and the animals who call it home. When she notices trees disappearing and habitats being destroyed, one small act of protest grows into a global movement. An inspiring and hopeful Earth Day read you won’t want to miss.

Happy Earth Day! by Deborah Hopkins

You can’t go wrong with a Little Golden Book! Happy Earth Day offers a simple, engaging introduction to the holiday, highlighting both the importance of protecting our planet and its history. With fun, family-friendly activities like growing baby carrots and building a bug hotel, it’s a sweet and practical addition to your Earth Day reading list.

Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers

Inspired by the birth of his son, Oliver Jeffers shares a heartfelt message about his hopes for our world. With his signature illustrations and thoughtful, lyrical text, this beautiful picture book is a meaningful choice for Earth Day—and a reminder to care for our planet every day.

How the Crayons Saved the Earth by Monica Sweeney

When pollution begins to harm the planet, the crayons band together to make a difference. With their quirky personalities and playful humour, they show readers how teamwork can create positive change for the environment. It’s a fun and endearing Earth Day story that kids will love.

I Hear You, Forest by Kallie George

I Hear You, Forest is a gentle, calming picture book that invites readers to slow down and truly listen to the natural world around them. As a child steps into the forest and begins to notice its quiet, magical sounds, readers are encouraged to practise mindfulness and deepen their connection with nature. It’s a beautiful choice for outdoor education or for nurturing empathy for our planet in young readers.

I Love the Earth with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Celebrate the Earth with The Very Hungry Caterpillar! Featuring Eric Carle’s signature illustrations, this sweet book highlights the beauty of nature in a simple, accessible way for young readers. A lovely choice for building early appreciation for our planet.

Little Turtle and the Changing Sea by Becky Davies

This charming picture book explores two important environmental issues: plastic pollution and its effects on marine life. When a little turtle notices plastic taking over her ocean home, it sparks meaningful conversations about protecting our seas. With beautiful illustrations and a heartfelt message, it’s sure to become a new favourite.

My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan

This fantastic picture book explores all the amazing things the Earth does for us in a fun, interactive way. With witty illustrations and engaging pages, it helps readers understand why our planet deserves care and kindness in return. An inspiring read that encourages kids to be good friends to the Earth.

Ocean! Waves for All by Stacy McAnulty

It’s no surprise that another book by Stacy McAnulty made this list—her books are always a hit! Ocean! Waves for All is an entertaining and educational nonfiction read that tells the story of our oceans with humour and fascinating facts. It’s a fun and informative choice for Earth Day.

One Earth by Eileen Spinelli

This charming counting book weaves environmental awareness into every page. From one sky to ten fields, readers celebrate our planet’s beauty while being reminded that we have only one Earth. One Earth is a sweet and meaningful addition to your Earth Day reading list.

Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty

One more book by Stacy McAnulty on this list—this time introducing readers to our planet and its story. Readers learn about Earth’s past, present, and future while being encouraged to take action on climate change. Another standout in the Our Universe series, perfect for both home and classroom libraries.

One World: 24 Hours on Planet Earth by Nicola Davies

Our planet is an incredible place, and young readers will see that firsthand as they journey around the world in 24 hours. One World is a stunning tribute to Earth that celebrates its beauty while gently reminding us to care for it. A meaningful read for Earth Day and every day.

Rocket Says Clean Up! by Nathan Bryon

Follow Rocket as she visits the beach and discovers it’s covered in trash. Determined to make a difference, she inspires those around her to help clean up and protect the shoreline. With charming illustrations and an empowering message, it’s a wonderful Earth Day read.

The Crayons Love Our Planet by Drew Daywalt

The beloved crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit are back and ready to celebrate our planet! In this playful story, each crayon proudly shares its contribution to the Earth, from blue oceans to green trees and even beige wheat. A humorous and heartwarming reminder that our world is beautiful—and that we all have a role in caring for it.

The Earth Gives More by Sue Fliess

With lively rhyming text, this engaging picture book celebrates the many ways we can appreciate the Earth and the simple actions we can take to protect it. Bright, cheerful illustrations bring the message to life and spark meaningful conversations about caring for our planet.

The Night Before Earth Day by Natasha Wing

In this sweet Earth Day story, a neighbourhood comes together to make their community a little greener. From planting trees to starting a garden and preparing for a butterfly release, their teamwork shows how small actions can make a big difference. Told in the playful rhyme of the classic Night Before style, it’s a fun and festive Earth Day read.

The Ocean Gardener by Clara Anganuzzi

When Ayla notices the once-vibrant coral reef near her island home turning pale, she and her marine-biologist mom set out to help. This hopeful, educational picture book introduces young readers to coral bleaching and reef restoration in an age-appropriate way. An inspiring Earth Day read that shows kids how science and determination can make a difference.

The Tantrum that Saved the World by Megan Herbert and Michael E. Mann

Tantrums can be silly—but sometimes they spark real change. In this empowering story, a young girl learns to use her voice and stand up for the planet. Inspiring and powerful, it’s a memorable Earth Day read for kids of all ages.

The Water Princess by Susan Verde

Protecting our water supply is just as important as addressing climate change. In The Water Princess, young readers follow Princess Gie Gie as she travels a long distance each day to collect clean water for her family. An inspiring and eye-opening story that encourages kids to care about global water access and to make a difference, based on a true story.

Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon and Bart Davis

In this interactive adventure, readers hop aboard the White Feather Flier to help tackle environmental challenges. From providing clean water to cleaning up the ocean, this humorous and engaging story empowers kids to be part of the solution. It’s also available in board book format, making it a great choice for younger readers. Once you’re finished reading, you’ll want to pick up the rest of the books in the series!

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

This powerful, beautifully told story follows a young girl determined to protect a vital natural resource—water. With a strong call to action and breathtaking illustrations, it inspires readers of all ages to stand up for the planet. It’s no surprise this remarkable book won the Caldecott Medal.

You Are a Wildlife Warrior: Saving Animals & the Planet by Bindi Irwin and Smriti Prasadam-Halls

World-renowned conservationist Bindi Irwin invites young animal lovers to discover their inner wildlife warrior. Packed with vibrant photos, fun animal facts, and inspiration from the Irwin family, this engaging picture book teaches kids about habitats and how to help protect them. This one is not to be missed!

Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal

Follow Zonia, a young girl who loves the rainforest and soon realizes it needs her help. With gentle text and stunning illustrations, this powerful story opens the door to important conversations about deforestation and the protection of the Amazon. Thoughtful back matter offers more information about the rainforest and how we can help the wildlife that call it home.