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April 21, 2016

8 children's books to celebrate Earth Day

Earth Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate nature’s gifts. There are many children’s books that can teach young readers about the abundance of nature, the importance of taking care of our environment, and how valuable it is to understand how the world around us works. These are just a few of many terrific titles to help celebrate Earth Day through literature.

A Cool Drink of Water by Barbara Kerley
Grades K-2

This collaboration between Barbara Kerley and the National Geographic Society illustrates the many different ways that people around the world gather, chill, and drink water. No matter where you live or how you collect water, it is undeniable that our need for water unifies us as humans. Young readers will walk away having a strong understanding of the value of this indispensable natural resource.

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddal
Grades K-2

61XhjC8HuxL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_Compost Stew is a catchy, rhythmic picture book that teaches its readers how to compost. The author’s note at the beginning of the book explains the benefits of returning materials to the Earth to become part of the soil. As readers make their way through the alphabet, they will learn about different materials that can be composted and the steps of the composting process.

Where does the Garbage Go? by Paul Showers
Grades K-3

51NEX0jtyNL._SY399_BO1,204,203,200_Where does the Garbage Go? explains what happens to trash after it is taken away by a garbage truck. It explores what happens in landfills, how incinerators work, and the process of recycling paper, plastic, and glass. This book contains easy to follow diagrams and flowcharts that will fascinate young scientists and inspire budding environmentalists.

City Green by DyAnne DiSalvo
Grades K-3

61S1h61CQ0L._SX447_BO1,204,203,200_City Green tells the story of an urban neighborhood that is transformed by a community garden. Not only does the garden breathe life into the neighborhood, but also brings the people who live there closer together. This beautifully told story will inspire readers to grow their own gardens, whether they live in a city, suburb, or rural area.

The Green Mother Goose: Saving the World One Rhyme at a Time by Jan Peck and David Davis
Grades K-3

51psfKYy70L._SX383_BO1,204,203,200_Everyone is going green, even Mother Goose! This book of delightful, updated rhymes revisits your favorite childhood characters with an environmental twist.  Yankee Doodle no longer rides a pony, he participates in a carpool. Old Mother Hubbard shops with a reusable bag. Readers of all ages will enjoy the modern twist on these classic verses while building environmental awareness and learning about ways we can all be a bit greener.

The Great Kapok Tree: Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry
Grades 1-4

613T5adBBIL._SX408_BO1,204,203,200_The Great Kapok Tree teaches the powerful lesson that all things in nature depend upon one another. Set in the Amazon Rain Forest, this story tells the tale of animals who are at risk of losing their home when a man comes to cut down the great kapok tree. While the man stops to rest, the animals gently persuade him to preserve the environment and save their home. Readers will walk away unable to forget the heartfelt message in this story.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Grades K-5

51SM5e+Y7KL._SX366_BO1,204,203,200_This Dr. Seuss classic teaches its readers the importance of preserving our environment. Readers will love the playful language, vivid illustrations, and the admirable protagonist, the Lorax, who tries to give a voice to the trees who cannot speak up for themselves. The Lorax sends the message that we can all stand up for the environment and do the right thing, which is an idea that readers both young and old never tire of hearing.

The Down-to- Earth Guide to Global Warming by Laurie David & Cambria Gordon
Grades 3-7

61r3px010zL._SX491_BO1,204,203,200_If you’re looking for an entertaining and educational Earth Day title for an older reader, look no further. The Down-to- Earth Guide to Global Warming gives a detailed explanation of global warming that includes many comparisons to help readers understand abstract, scientific concepts. The photos, illustrations, and diagrams enhance the text to provide the reader with an abundance of information to better understand and prevent global warming.

Interested in purchasing any of these titles and supporting Reading Partners? Go to smile.amazon.com and select Reading Partners as the organization you wish to support. Five percent of each purchase you make will be donated to Reading Partners.

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