Do you want to learn more about climate change? It can be quite difficult to find information about it that’s easy to understand; after all, it’s quite a complicated topic! If you want to read more about how to protect the environment in a fun and informative way, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of 8 of the best books about climate change for children. —
A classic Dr. Seuss story about taking the Earth and its natural resources for granted through the eyes of Once-ler and the Lorax. The Lorax is a small creature who speaks on behalf of the trees and warns Once-ler not to make thneeds, a knitted object that resembles a sweater, with the Truffula trees. Throughout this story, readers explore the concepts of greed and deforestation and learn an important message about respecting nature and practicing sustainability.
Take an adventure with Ms. Frizzle’s class on the Magic School Bus to learn about global warming, greenhouse gases and alternative energy. This comic-style book explains and shows some of the impacts of climate change in different parts of the world and encourages young students to take action and help the climate challenge.
A simple but powerful picture book inspired by Greta Thunberg, a popular teenage climate activist. Explore how Greta learned about the climate change crisis, what she has done to take action and how she tells the world that children, like her, can help change the world.
What is Climate Change? Is an informative and easy-to-understand book by Gail Herman. The author looks at this topic not just as an environmental issue, but also from a social and political perspective. Herman breaks down what climate change is and shows both sides of the debate, whether it is actually caused by humans or just the Earth’s natural process, so young readers can form a well-rounded idea of the issue. Learn about the different roles that humans and the environment play in the climate crisis and what the future could look like if we were all more conscious of our actions.
This book is an empowering and inspirational message to kids around the world as it shares an important message about how young people can get involved in the fight against global warming. A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids contains fascinating scientific facts, hands-on activities and guides for kids, families and schools to get involved in in initiatives within their community. Julie Hall firmly believes in raising awareness of global warming among young readers, instead of protecting or hiding them from the truth, to ensure that they have the opportunity to make appropriate lifestyle changes.
Under the Weather is a collection of short stories that showcase the various effects of climate change, from rising sea levels to changes in animal lifestyles. The stories take place in different cities and countries, from Canada to the Philippines, Australia and everywhere else in between, to show how climate change affects everyone around the world.
In this storybook about plastic pollution, Neal Layton creatively explains where plastic comes from and why it can be dangerous for animals and humans. This book shows how dependent humans are on plastic but at the same time it shares inspiring ways to recycle and replace plastic with better materials! A Planet Full of Plastic reminds us that our world is drowning in plastic but it also offers us hope by teaching us many ways in which we can make a change.
This lively educational book for young readers explores everything to do with waste, from trash and leftover food to factory gases and old electronics. Readers can learn about how our actions affect the planet and become more conscious about waste management. The best part is that the book teaches you what people around the world are doing to keep our beautiful planet clean and it also gives ideas as to how to get involved with recycling.
This picture book is a nautical trip to the Arctic. It follows Dr Morley and her crew as they navigate remote and icy waters, on the hunt for the giant Arctic jellyfish. We see life under and above deck, and are introduced to some incredible creatures along the way, but will the giant jellyfish remain elusive? This reminds readers that, sometimes, the most wonderful things are the hardest to pin down.
A treasury of good news stories about the natural world. This is an antidote to reports of climate and biodiversity collapse, which can be so hard for young children to manage. Every story has rewilding principles at its heart, from the return of the wolves to Yellowstone Park, to the amazing restoration of the forests of Costa Rica. Incredible and heartwarming artwork throughout.
The tale of a young girl’s friendship with a polar bear. An other-worldly landscape and one of the wildest creatures of all, brought up close and personal, in this thrilling, kind story, with more than a touch of magic. Will have readers roaring for action for the plight of the polar bears, and considering what changes they can make in their own lives, to make a difference. The sequel Finding Bear is available for anyone wishing to continue with April and Bear’s adventures.
Thirteen-year-old Juniper is forced to escape a brutal, nature-deprived city, after her blood is shown to be the key to treating the disease that has kept nature separate all this time. She leads her little brother Bear out into the Wild, but will they ever be safe from the ruthless grip of the city’s authorities? This novel for 9+ explores our connections with the natural world. What becomes of a society when it loses its natural resources? And what would a landscape really look like, if we could remove humans and the damage they cause?
This article was written in collaboration with Nicola Penfold.
If you enjoyed this list of climate change books for kids, make sure to check this out next: 10 Inspiring Environmental Books For Kids
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