Earth Day activities are underway in many schools, leading up to Earth Day this Saturday. What better way to celebrate Earth Day but to share Earth books with your students! While there are MANY to chose from, these are ten of my old and new favorites…
1. The Earth Book – Todd Parr
With his signature colourful, playful illustrations and gentle message, Todd Parr gives readers tips and encouragement to “Go Green”. (The hardcover book is on sale at Amazon this week for $10.79!)
2. Earth Dance – Joanne Ryder
I have loved using this book over the years as an anchor book for personification. The book is written in first person and you, the reader, are planet earth travelling on a global journey through forests, oceans, deserts and mountains. Lovely message of taking care of the earth. Poetic language and an excellent book to use for visualizing.
3. The Earth and I — Frank Asch
This story celebrates friendship that one child has with the Earth. It is beautiful and simple with an important message to appreciate our planet Earth by keeping it clean. Vibrant, simple watercolor illustrations.
4. Earth Day: An Alphabet Book – Gary Kowalski
I love how this book focuses on gratitude for the wonders of nature – from apricots, to groundhogs, to june bugs, to zebras. Gorgeous language and great triple scoop words!
5. Step Gently Out – Helen Frost
Stunning photography and gorgeous poetic language, encouraging us to stop, notice and wonder. A wonderful book to read aloud to your class and then go on an Earth Day “wonder walk”.
6. 10 Things I Can Do To Help My World – Melanie Walsh
One of my very favorite Earth Day books, this simple text and engaging “lift the flat” format makes it an excellent read-aloud. Filled with simple tips with a “small things make a big difference” message, this book will inspire your students to create their own instructional books to help the world!
7. The Lonely Giant – Sophie Ambrose
Wow! Wow! Wow! This brand new picture book is the PERFECT choice for Earth Day! So much to love about this story about a giant who, thoughtlessly, destroys the forest he lives in just for the fun of it. He slowly realizes that the forest was home to the animals and begins to feel lonely without them. A great book to teach consequences of actions and taking care of the earth. Great discussion starter! Love!
8. Robins: How They Grow Up – Eileen Christelow
Two young robin siblings explain how robins live, build nests, lay eggs, and protect their baby birds. Cheerful and whimsical. (Be warned that one of the robin babies dies)
9. Watersong – Tim McCanna
Another new release, this gorgeous book is a perfect anchor for teaching onomatopoeia. This book takes the reader on a dazzling journey as a fox seeks shelter from a rainstorm. Gorgeous sound words makes this a perfect read-aloud.
10. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth – Mary McKenna Siddals
A light-hearted introduction to composting. The brightly patterned collage artwork features multicultural kids working together for a common goal. Important information for kids (and parents) about creating your own compost.
Thanks for stopping by! Which book has caught your eye?