17 Best Earth Day Picture Books

Last Updated on April 7, 2025 by Laura

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.

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Earth Day Books About Real-Life 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!

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

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 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. 

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Be the Light! ~