March 2, 2021
Marley Flueger
Children’s books are more than just bedtime tales. The right stories teach kids how to think about, experience, and interact with the world around them.
Unfortunately – today’s young people are inheriting a world in crisis.
This list of children’s books about climate change and the environment will help kids of all ages understand what’s happening, get curious, and take action.
Joanne Robertson
Best for Children Ages 1 – 4
This delightful board book introduces children to the many ways we experience nibi, which means water in Anishinaabemowin, the language of the Ojibwe people, a native american group who live in what is now Canada and North America.
Nibi gives us many things: we swim in it, we watch it fall as rain, we drink it up and get refreshed. In return, we should respect it, love it, and care for it. Because nibi is water – and water is life.
Written by Joanne Robertson, an Anishinaabe water protector, this dual-language book contains words in Anishinaabemowin and English, with a pronunciation guide for new learners.
Jen Cullerton Johnson
Best for Children Ages 2 – 6
This vibrant picture book follows the life of scientist Wangari Maathi – who, in 2004, became the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace prize.
Wangari was raised in Kenya, where she grew a deep love for nature. Although most girls in Kenya didn’t go to school, curious Wangari was allowed to get an education – and her mind sprouted like a seed.
After studying abroad as a young woman, Wangari returned to Kenya. There, she advocated for women’s rights and founded the Green Belt Movement, which has planted millions of trees throughout the country.
The Tantrum that Saved the World
Megan Herbert and Dr. Michael E. Mann
Best for Children Ages 4 - 8
If you inherited a humongous problem caused by grownups, you’d throw a tantrum too. And then maybe, just maybe – you’d save the world.
This children’s book about climate change is broken into three parts: first, a story about the tantrum that saved the world; second, a kid-friendly explanation of what’s causing our planet to change; and third, an action plan for making a difference in our own stories.
The Tantrum that Saved the World is printed on 100% recycled materials, using soy ink and renewable energy, zero landfill waste, and carbon offset shipping.
Linda Elovitz Marshall
Young Ixchel wants to learn the ancient art of weaving Guatemalan textiles from her mother. But she’s too little and there’s no spare thread for her to practice.
So, Ixchel decides to collect the colorful plastic bags scattered throughout her village and turn them into thread for her loom.
Ixchel’s story is told Spanish and English, with colorful illustrations and real photographs of Mayan textiles. A portion of proceeds benefit the Mayan weaving cooperatives that inspired and informed the book.
Maria Godsey
Best for Children Ages 4 - 8
How can we act green? This children’s book about climate change teaches us about the little choices that make a world of difference.
Join Luke on his mission to Recycle, Reduce, and Reuse and help change the world with a simple phrase: “Not for me, please!”
After reading, kids and parents can reflect on what they’ve learned with dialogue prompts about sustainability, zero-waste, and the environment.
Janice N. Harrington
Best for Children Ages 7 – 10
Buzzing with Questions tells the story of an inquisitive scientist who never stopped wondering – even in the face of racial prejudice.
The book follows a young Charles Henry Turner as he reads, explores, and experiments his way to becoming the first Black entomologist. (That’s someone who studies bugs!)
Jam-packed with research and information, Buzzing with Questions will inspire kids to get curious and use science to make sense of the world.
S. Terrell French
Best for Children Ages 8 – 12
“Sibley Carter is a moron and a world-class jerk!”
After stumbling upon an angry email, Julian Carter-Li and his friends band together to stop his mean uncle Sibley from logging an ancient Redwood grove in California.
Operation Redwood shows kids how determined people – of any age! – can stand up against injustice and protect the environment.
Loll Kirby
Best for Children Ages 8 – 12
Kids didn’t cause the climate crisis. But if recent global protests have shown us anything, they’re not afraid to speak up and help solve it.
This children’s book about climate change shares the stories of young people around the world who are working to raise awareness and make a difference.
Because, it doesn’t matter how old you are: you’re old enough to change the planet.
Sally Ride and Tam O'Shaughnessy
Best for Children Ages 10 - 15
Co-authored by Sally Ride, the first American woman to visit outer space, this climate change book teaches kids about how our planet’s atmosphere and ecosystems function.
Through an astronaut’s point of view, young readers will discover how climate change and human activity threaten Earth’s delicate systems – and practical steps they can take to make a difference.
Anuradha Rao
Best for Children Ages 12 - 17
Who can defend the environment? Do they look like you, or me?
One Earth shares the stories of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who are protecting our planet. Packed with environmental role models, this book follows 20 individuals from all backgrounds as they grow from curious kids into community leaders.
Michael Pollan
Best for Children Ages 10 - 17
Michael Pollan’s famous book taught adults about the serious health and global impacts of their food choices. Now, kids can learn too!
This young reader edition takes a look at different food systems around the world and encourages tweens and teens to think deeper about the decisions they make at meal time.
Sarah Marks – Earth Rangers
Podcast for Tweens & Teens
Teen podcaster Sarah Marks invites climate and environmental experts to talk to young people about climate change. In the first episode, Climatology Professor Simon Donnor breaks down the basics.
Jaheim Birch Gentles, Jamar Thompson, Joshua Bovell, Brianna Johnson, Kamari Murdock, Isaiah Dupuy, music by Ieszan McKinney
Podcast for Teens
Winner of NPR’s 2020 Student Cast Challenge, this podcast unpacks climate change and environmental racism, as told by six Brooklynn, NY highschoolers. The winning episode focuses on how pollution and climate change can impact communities differently, even within a single neighborhood.
Guy Raz & Mindy Thomas
Podcast for Kids
Wow in the World is a podcast about science, tech, and innovation for kids and their grownups – this episode teaches us how to be cool to a planet that’s heating up.
More WOW: A Sunbrella for the Planet
As individuals, our biggest impact comes from the choices we make at home and in our everyday lives. Joro’s carbon footprint tracking, climate challenges, and in-app resources help make climate action a family affair.
A climate action practice is the daily exercise of bringing awareness and intention to reduce the carbon emissions within your control.
Grow your practice with exclusive tips and advice.
