Earth Day is right around the corner! We’re preparing by educating ourselves on the state of the world’s climate and by taking action in our individual communities.
The following picture book recommendations will help young readers learn about our planet AND motivate them to get involved in saving it.
Front cover for A Sky That Sings by Anita Sanchez; George Steele and Emily Mendoza
A SKY THAT SINGS

by Anita Sanchez & George Steele, illustrated by Emily Mendoza

"Ideal for any educator teaching listening skills or the science of birding, this book is also an inclusive tool perfect for a variety of content connections, including science and ELA."
—School Library Journal

Listen to the WBUR interview with author Anita Sanchez!

Front cover for Roses for Isabella by Diana Cohn and Amy Córdova Boone
ROSES FOR ISABELLA

by Diana Cohn, illustrated by Amy Córdova Boone

"The strength of award-winning Córdova's illustrations is in her use of vivid, beautiful colors and expression. . . Exposing children to this kind of book encourages a global awareness that can only serve them as they grow up in a world where issues such as Fair Trade become increasingly important." —Foreword Reviews

Also available in Spanish!

Front cover for Nibi's Water Song by Sunshine Tenasco and Chief Lady Bird
NIBI'S WATER SONG

by Sunshine Tenasco, illustrated by Chief Lady Bird

2022 COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES

"Nibi's arc educates readers about the lack of potable water in many Indigenous communities while encouraging children to speak out about conservation issues." —Publishers Weekly

Download the teacher's guide!

Front cover for The Mangrove Tree by Susan L. Roth; Cindy Trumbore and Susan L. Roth
THE MANGROVE TREE

by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore

⭐TWO STARRED REVIEWS⭐
NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NONFICTION HONOR

⭐"In poignant text that alternates between cumulative verse and prose, Roth and Trumbore describe how Dr. Gordon Sato, a Japanese-American cell biologist, helped to relieve poverty and famine by planting mangrove trees in salt water. . . .A winning volume for many age groups." —School Library Journal, starred review

Also available in Spanish!

Download the teacher's guide!

Front cover for If I Were a Tree by Andrea Zimmerman and Jing Jing Tsong
IF I WERE A TREE

by Andrea Zimmerman, illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong

2022 COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES

⭐"Readers will delight in the breathtaking illustrations. Double-page spreads are rich and vibrant, Tsong using the colors of nature to evoke a warm and inviting environment. . . .Young readers will want to experience this book over and over again." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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Front cover for Parrots Over Puerto Rico by Susan L. Roth; Cindy Trumbore and Susan L. Roth
PARROTS OVER PUERTO RICO

by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore

⭐FIVE STARRED REVIEWS⭐
ROBERT F. SIBERT INFORMATIONAL BOOK AWARD

⭐"Few nonfiction picture books attempt this level of ambition, and even fewer succeed. . . . Roth's stunning artwork—fluttery, textural collages of fabric and paper with a three-dimensional quality—compliment the high-interest narrative and are arranged vertically across dual pages to make the most of the tall trees and the related human actions taking place below. A triumphant reminder of the inescapable connection between people's actions and the animals in the wild." —Booklist, starred review

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Front cover for Where Wonder Grows by Xelena GonzƔlez and Adriana M. Garcia
WHERE WONDER GROWS

by Xelena GonzƔlez, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

⭐TWO STARRED REVIEWS⭐
PURA BELPRƉ ILLUSTRATOR AWARD WINNER

⭐"Lyrical words by GonzÔlez (a member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan Nation) emphasize the intergenerational ties that bind the characters and show Indigenous knowledge in the process of being passed down. Garcia's portraits center affectionate familial gestures alongside mural-like views of sunset skies and evocative representations of fire, earth, air, and water."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Also available in Spanish!

Download the teacher's guide!

Front cover for All Around Us by Xelena GonzƔlez and Adriana M. Garcia
ALL AROUND US

by Xelena GonzƔlez, illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia

PURA BELPRƉ ILLUSTRATOR AWARD HONOR
AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD HONOR

"A girl and her grandfather contemplate circles, both physical and metaphorical, in this thought-provoking tale of family, community, and interconnection."
—Publishers Weekly

Also available in Spanish!

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Front cover for Rainbow Weaver / Tejedora del arcoĆ­ris by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Elisa Chavarri
RAINBOW WEAVER / TEJEDORA DEL ARCOƍRƍS

by Linda Elovitz Marshall, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

AMƉRICAS AWARD COMMENDED TITLE
2017 COOPERATIVE CHILDREN'S BOOK CENTER (CCBC) CHOICES

"Chavarri’s illustrations bring the story to life, incorporating vibrant colors and intricate patterns into the characters’ clothes and weavings in a way that allows young readers to see how the amazing tradition of weaving is passed on from generation to generation. A cheerful tale of innovation with strong multicultural ties." –Booklist

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Front cover for Butterfly for a King by Cindy Trumbore; Susan L. Roth and Susan L. Roth
BUTTERFLY FOR A KING

by Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore

⭐TWO STARRED REVIEWS⭐
NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING NONFICTION RECOMMENDED

⭐"Conservation, citizen science, and a perennially popular juvenile nonfiction topic come together in this beautifully illustrated title about Hawaiā€˜i’s Kamehameha butterflies. . . .A triumph; highly recommended for all libraries." —School Library Journal, starred review

Download the teacher's guide!