Eco-conscious children's books

No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference: Illustrated Edition by Greta Thunberg

Ideal for: EVERYONE!

'We are the change and change is coming'.

In August 2018 a fifteen-year-old Swedish girl, Greta Thunberg, decided not to go to school one day. A year later, she was joined in her strike by over seven million people around the world. This illustrated and fully updated version of No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference is the record of her game-changing year in the fight against the climate crisis. With now history-making speeches that sparked a global movement or the #GretaThunbergEffect. Every child (and adult) should read this book: Our future depends upon it. >> BUY HERE

>> Want to read more kid's books about Greta Thunberg? Read our Children’s Books Celebrating Greta Thunberg

Our Planet: The One Place We All Call Home by David Attenborough (HarperCollins Children's)

Ideal for: Ages 6+

This official children’s companion to the Netflix documentary series with special foreword Mr Attenborough himself. This book is a glorious visual celebration of the natural world combines extraordinary photography from the series with stunning illustrations from acclaimed artist, Richard Jones. A beautifully written and informative book for children with an uplifting message of hope that will strike a chord with all the family. A must for every child's bookshelf. >> BUY HERE

The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth Rachel Ignotofsky (Wren & Rook)

Ideal for: Age 8+

Through illustrations, maps and infographics, bestselling author Rachel Ignotofsky - author of Women in Science, Women in Sport and Women in Arts- has done it again with this exquisite book. It explains how our planet works, from its incredible ecosystems and the plants and animals that live there to the importance of biodiversity, weather cycles and more. With information on the dangers of climate change and ideas for how to protect Planet Earth, this is a must for future 'Eco Heroes'. >>BUY HERE

What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet (DK Books)

Ideal for: Ages 7+

This environmental book will teach keen young ecologists about our actions affect planet Earth. Everything from what we're doing to our environment, good and bad, from pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling and shocking facts about the waste we produce and where it goes. It's not all bad news though As well as explaining where we're going wrong, What a Waste shows what we're doing right! Written by author and children' TV presenter French the tone is also engaging with bold illustrations and fact boxes. >> BUY HERE

How to Make a Better World: For Every Kid Who Wants to Make a Difference by Keilly Swift

Ideal for: Ages 7+

A fabulous book that offers brightly illustrated inclusive art makes that makes this fact book as visually appealing as its message. It's full of positive encouragement and divided into sections on You, Community, Environment to help children find something they're passionate about and how to get started on making a big difference through small actions. The perfect starter book to activism for kids. >> BUY HERE

Old Enough to Save the Planet by Anne Taylor and illustrated by Adelina Lirius

Ideal for: 4+

Readers will meet kids, just like them that are taking action against climate change and learn about the work they do and discover how the future of our planet starts here… and with them! This book aims to inspire children with a positive, contagious voice and succinct writing style with beautifully detailed illustrations that show children that they too can make a difference; even at a young age. >> BUY HERE

Please Help Planet Earth by Ladybird

Ideal for: Age 2+

The perfect introduction book for toddlers to help them understand and engage with the issue of climate change. Written from the perspective of our planet, this fun story with bright artwork helps to demonstrate the ways where even the smallest person can make a BIG impact! With simple, easy tips for children to follow and is an eco-friendly product itself - made from recycled board, with plant-based inks and glues with minimal plastic content. >> BUY HERE

Dear Greenpeace by Simon James (Walker Books)

Ideal for: Ages 3+

A gentle and original tale about a correspondence between a little girl who finds a whale in her pond and Greenpeace, from whom she has sought advice. Simon James’ sketchy illustrations are reminiscent of the work of Quentin Blake lending the story a quirky feel while young readers should find themselves becoming very fond of the caring, sweetly naive protagonist, Emily. >> BUY HERE

Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Plastic by Katie Daynes, Illustrated by Marie-Eve Tremblay (Illustrator) (Usbourne)

Ideal for : Ages 3+

young children will learn all about plastic, recycling and how plastic affects the environment in this engaging lift-the-flaps book. With over 60 interactive flaps revealing what plastic is made of, how it gets into the ocean and asking whether we live without plastic - this is an informative and insightful books for kids and parents alike. >> BUY HERE

Charlie and Lola: Look After Your Planet by Lauren Child (Puffin)

Ideal for: Ages 3+

Charlie persuades Lola that instead of throwing her things away, she should recycle them. 'Recycle it? What is that?' asks Lola. With a bit of help from Charlie, Lola learns all about recycling and how it is extremely very important to look after our planet. Soon she has found an extra-specially fun way to do more recycling - and gets lots of her classmates to join in too! The perfect way to introduce the nature of recycling to younger children. >> BUY HERE

Caring for the Environment (I’m a Global Citizen) by Georgia Amson-Bradshaw and Illustrated by David Broadbent (Franklin Watts Books)

Ideal for: Ages 9+

The I'm a Global Citizen series explores the concept of 'Global Citizenship': recognising that the world we live in is unfair and unequal, but promoting individual and collective action to challenge and change this. This book explores the issues around the environment from climate change to biodiversity and pollution with information, fun activities, challenges, case studies and ideas for group and individual action presented with fun illustrations. >> BUY HERE

My Green Day by Melanie Walsh (Walker Books)

Ideal for: Ages 3+

An optimistic and encouraging picture book with simple and sunny illustrations that compliment the sage advice contained within. Children of all ages can benefit from Walsh's ten suggested activities for green living and the tone never strays into feeling overly prescriptive or patronising. >>BUY HERE

See Inside Recycling And Rubbish (Usborne)

Ideal for: Ages 3+

Another factual lift-the-flap book from Usborne Books containing bags of information on where rubbish comes from, how different materials can be reused and what happens to the enormous amount of rubbish that isn't recycled. Vivid, nicely detailed illustrations with touches of irreverent humour keep the tone light-hearted enough not to feel preachy. >>BUY HERE

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh (Walker Books)

Ideal for: Ages 2+

A second entry for Walsh on our round-up and another lovely eco-conscious book aimed at very young children. The simple tips are presented in a modern, graphic style with innovative page shapes, thought-provoking suggestions and simple explanations. >> BUY HERE

Maggie & Rose: This Book Is Totally Rubbish (Maggie and Rose)

Ideal for: Ages 3+

A cheeky crew – Maggie, Rose, Oscar and their little dog Bentley – are getting creative in this fun activity book. Even better, they are learning their 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – as they repurpose rubbish to make fun new things and become Eco Superheroes into the bargain. Featuring over a dozen projects from making a superhero mask and cap out of old newspaper; making an eco train out of old cardboard boxes, and some rubbish flowers. All with simple step-by-step instructions, this "totally rubbish” book is totally brilliant! >>BUY HERE