The Trapped Librarian

Make your library the center of your school

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Topics
    • Books for Kids
    • Bulletin Boards and Displays
    • FUN!
    • Helpful Hints
    • Library Advocacy
    • Life
    • Organize It!
    • School Library
    • Technology
    • TPT
  • Shop
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
You are here: Home / Books for Kids / 17 Best Earth Day Picture Books

April 7, 2025 by: Laura

17 Best Earth Day Picture Books

Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Laura

Best Earth Day Picture Books for Kids

Earth Day is the perfect time to inspire students with engaging Earth Day picture books. These stories celebrate our planet, explore environmental issues, and empower kids to make a difference — perfect for library lessons and read-alouds.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. This means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may get a small commission at no extra charge to you. Thank you for your support.

Earth Day Books About Real-Life Activists

Earth Day Activists

The Water Princess by Susan Verde, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers 2016 – A young girl dreams of bringing clean water to her village, highlighting resilience and hope. Inspired by model Georgie Badiel’s childhood, this story introduces global water challenges.

One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul, Millbrook Press 2015 – Isatou Ceesay turns discarded plastic bags into purses, inspiring a community to fight pollution. This true story encourages sustainability and empowerment.

Heroes of the Environment by Harriet Rohmer, Chronicle Books 2009 – Twelve real-life environmental heroes from diverse backgrounds show how ordinary people make extraordinary change. Although not an Earth Day picture book, it’s an inspiring, empowering collection.

We Love Our Planet Earth!

We Love Our Planet Earth

My Friend Earth by Patricia MacLachlan, Chronicle Books 2020 – Earth is personified as a caring friend nurturing plants, animals, and seasons. Beautiful cutouts and poetic text captivate young readers.

Earth: My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty, Henry Holt and Co. 2017 – Narrated by Earth, this fun, fact-filled story explores our planet’s history. Humor and science make learning memorable.

It’s a Wonderful World by Jess French, DK Children 2022 – Explore Earth’s ecosystems while learning how to protect our environment. This vibrant book connects kids to nature’s wonders.

Our Planet!: There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty, Henry Holt and Co. 2022 – Earth explains why it’s unique and needs protection. Playful narration and science facts keep readers engaged.

Thank You, Earth by April Pulley Sayre, Greenwillow Books 2018 – Stunning photographs pair with poetic text to celebrate Earth’s beauty and inspire environmental appreciation. It’s a heartfelt tribute to our planet.

Earth Day Picture Books to Inspire Activism

Earth Day Inspiration for Kids

Old Enough to Save the Planet by Loll Kirby, Harry N. Abrams 2020 – Young activists worldwide take action to protect our planet. This book empowers readers to believe they can, too.

One Earth by Eileen Spinelli, WorthyKids 2020 – Counting from one to ten, kids discover small ways to protect our planet. Gentle rhymes and sweet illustrations offer encouragement.

This Class Can Save the Planet by Stacy Tornio, Scholastic 2022 – A classroom tackles environmental challenges together, showing how small actions create change. It’s an inspiring, teamwork-focused read-aloud.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, Roaring Brook Press 2020 – An Indigenous girl leads a fight against water pollution, honoring Earth and Native traditions. Lyrical text and striking illustrations make this unforgettable.

What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting Our Planet by Jess French, DK Children 2019 – This nonfiction book explains waste problems and offers practical tips for reducing trash. It’s packed with facts and solutions.

More Earth Day Picture Books

Earth Day Picture Books for Kids

Earth Day by Erika S. Manley, Bellwether Media 2018 – This early reader explains Earth Day’s history, traditions, and importance. Colorful photos and simple text support young learners.

Earth Day by Rachel Grack, Bellwether Media 2017 – This nonfiction book shares Earth Day’s origins and global celebrations. It’s an accessible, photo-rich pick for early readers.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2009 – A boy transforms a gray city into a green paradise by nurturing a forgotten garden. Beautiful illustrations enhance this hopeful story.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Worm by Lucille Colandro, Scholastic 2023 – The old lady swallows worms and dirt to grow a garden. This silly, eco-friendly twist sparks laughter.

With these Earth Day picture books, you’ll have inspiring, informative reads to spark curiosity and environmental awareness. Add them to your collection and get ready for meaningful, planet-friendly library lessons!

Use these books for Earth Day Storytime!

Your April library lessons will be fun and engaging with this Earth Day Storytime unit. The book review activity, Earth Day Bingo, scavenger hunt and MORE will keep your elementary library buzzing with excitement in April! Take a look at the preview to see why it’s perfect for your kindergarten, first and second grade library classes. 

Earth Day Storytime Activities for Kindergarten, first grade and second grade

Save these Earth Day Picture Books for Later

Pin this article to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it later!

Celebrate Earth Day with these engaging April picture books perfect for your elementary library! This list of Earth Day books from The Trapped Librarian is full of inspiring stories that encourage kids to love and protect our planet. Click to discover Earth Day books for kids that make a great addition to your spring book display or April library lessons!

Be the Light! ~

  • 14 Best Yoga Books for Kids
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Past Posts

    Categories

    Find it Fast

    Books for Kids Bulletin Boards and Displays Collaboration Distance Learning Freebies FUN! Helpful Hints Inspiration Library Advocacy Library Decor Library Events Library Lessons Library Management Life Organize It! Professional Development Remote Learning Research School Library Seasonal Technology Tech Tips Test Prep TPT Uncategorized

    TPT Shop

    Facebook

    Pinterest

    Instagram

    thetrappedlibrarian

    📚 Elementary School Librarian
    🌟 NBCT 2011
    👩🏻‍🏫 Teacher Author
    Blog: trappedlibrarian.org

    ☀️ This summer, I’m updating my professional ☀️ This summer, I’m updating my professional development series just for school librarians. Whether you’re ready to recharge, reflect, or get inspired for next year, these self-paced trainings are made with YOU in mind—and they’re coming soon!

✅ Starting June 1
✅ Free updates if you already own the bundle
✅ New modules released weekly

Visit the blog to learn more and join the list so you don’t miss the launch (and the discounts!).
>>>>> https://trappedlibrarian.org/professional-development-school-librarians/
    😎 Add some fun to your end of the year library 😎 Add some fun to your end of the year library lessons with these Summer Bookmarks! Your students will love the summer jokes, summer greetings, and cute characters. Encourage summer reading and spread some end of the year fun in your elementary library or classroom.

✅ 12 Summer Jokes
✅ 8 Summer Slogans
⭐️ All in full color
⭐️ All in black and white

🙌 Use in a coloring center or print the colored versions for an end of the year gift! 
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Summer-Bookmarks-Summer-Reading-Bookmarks-9514093?utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=TL%20Summer%20Bookmarks%20FB
    Still in school?? ☀️ Grab these fun Summer Boo Still in school??
☀️
Grab these fun Summer Bookmarks to send home with your students!

⭐️ 12 jokes
⭐️ 8 greetings

Full color and black & white options included - great for early finishers or a coloring center! OR print the color version for an end of the year gift!

https://bit.ly/3pvncvB
    National Scavenger Hunt Day is May 24.... It's tim National Scavenger Hunt Day is May 24.... It's time to add some adventure to your library or classroom! 🕵️‍♂️
My FREE School Supplies Scavenger Hunt gets little learners exploring with a purpose.
Perfect after book checkout or anytime you need a quick, meaningful activity!

➡️ Get it now at the SmartBio link! 

#ElementaryLibrary #LibraryLessons #LibraryActivities #SchoolLibrarian #KindergartenTeacher #FirstGradeTeacher #TeacherFreebies #ActiveLearning #MovementInTheClassroom #ScavengerHuntFun
    ☀️ 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 ☀️ 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲—and keep kids reading all summer long! 📖 The latest 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 has tips, freebies, booklists, and resources to make it happen.

𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀: 
 ✅ Scavenger Hunt Day ideas
 ✅ LOTS of recommended books
 ✅ Summer-themed activities
 ✅ PD resources to grow your library game

🌞 𝗧𝗮𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗯𝗶𝗼 to read it all! 
 #libraryhelpersnewsletter #schoollibrarians #librariansofig #librariansofinstagram #librarymediaspecialist #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #elementarylibrary #teacherlibrarian #elementarylibrarian
    📚 Do your library books get lonely sitting on t 📚 Do your library books get lonely sitting on the shelves during the summer break?⁣⁣

😃 Why not let your students check out a few to read while school's out?⁣⁣

✅ This Summer Book Checkout Contract is part of my Summer Reading Kit. ⁣⁣

➡ Grab it here >>>> https://bit.ly/3GKoK9x
    ⭐️ NEW PRODUCT!! ⭐️ Half price for 48 hour ⭐️ NEW PRODUCT!! ⭐️ Half price for 48 hours!
This new Summer Storytime Kit has fun activities for your K-2 classes. Perfect for end of the year library lessons or your summer library program!

✅ Grab it at the lowest price today - link in SmartBio!

#summerreading #elementarylibrary #librarymediaspecialist #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #schoollibrarian #tpt #elementarylibraryfun #schoollibrarians #teacherspayteachers
    𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗢!! 🌟 This fun Summer BINGO 𝗕𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗢!!

🌟 This fun Summer BINGO challenge is included in my Summer Reading Bulletin Board Activity Kit.

🤩 Grab it and promote summer reading in your classes next week!

➡️ https://bit.ly/3GKoK9x

 #summerreading #elementarylibrary #librariansofinstagram #teacherlibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #elementarylibrarian #schoollibrary #tpt #schoollibrarian #librariansofig #teacherspayteachers #schoollibrarians
    ☀️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 is a double issue for May AND June, so we've added some 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 to see you through to the end, and give you a head start on summer!

💛 You'll find lots of ideas for summer reading, end of the year games, motivating ideas for book returns, and more. 𝗣𝗟𝗨𝗦 20 “𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝘆” ideas and a yummy recipe for Lunch Lady Brownies! 

This month I'm sharing some of my best ideas for May and June:
☀️ A value-packed 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲
☀️ A fun 𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗱 Library Catalog Practice
☀️ My new 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 School Supplies Scavenger Hunt
☀️ 3 forthcoming books to add to your purchase list for next year
☀️ AND a sneak peak into my summer project (𝗕𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗗 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿!)

𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 >>>>> click “𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿” at the link in bio.

 #schoollibrarians #librariansofig #schoollibrarian #schoollibrary #librariansofinstagram #libraryhelpersnewsletter #elementarylibrary #teacherlibrarian #librarymediaspecialist #elementarylibrarian
    Follow on Instagram
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT
    • Privacy Policy

    © 2025 // Design by Laugh Eat Learn // Theme by Pretty Darn Cute Design