Parents, parent-figures, and role models of all kinds play a vital role as stewards of the next generation, especially when it comes to teaching kids about caring for endangered species and the planet.
Shaping their values and attitudes towards the world around them is both a responsibility and a huge gift: it's the unique opportunity to instill a sense of empathy, duty, and wonder for the natural world.
Here are five of our favorite books for teaching kids about our world.
Greta and the Giants
Written by Zoë Tucker, illustrated by Zoe Persico
All around the forest, animals are worried about their home. Nearby, giants have been chopping down trees in the forest to make space for roads, factories and large houses. The smoke and pollution is destroying the habitat of the animals and its beauty though. The animals turn to Greta for help.
Greta is a brave girl who fights for what is right. She takes a stand and sits, day after day, with a sign simply saying "STOP." The giants pay her no attention but one day, a boy brings hope by joining her. After that, other animals big and small, and children young and old, join Greta. Together, they’re a voice so huge and powerful that the giants eventually begin to listen.
This story, inspired by the life of Greta Thunberg, is for very young children and features gloriously rich pictures. The beautiful full-page immersive spreads for children to explore are enhanced by carefully crafted brief text.
Appropriately for the age group, there is a happy ending for the forest and Greta in this story, so children can enjoy a tale of hope and positivity and friendship. For those feeling inspired though, there are ideas at the end of the story for how to get more involved in campaigning too. Summary credits here.
Hello Hello
Written and illustrated by Brendan Wenzel
Beginning with two cats, one black and one white, a chain of animals appears before the reader, linked together by at least one common trait. From simple colors and shapes to more complex and abstract associations, each unexpected encounter celebrates the magnificent diversity of our world—and ultimately paints a story of connection. Brendan Wenzel’s joyous, rhythmic text and exuberant art encourage readers to delight in nature’s infinite differences and to look for—and marvel at—its gorgeous similarities. It all starts with a simple “Hello.”
The book includes an afterword from author Brendan Wenzel about the importance of conservation and protecting the wildlife on our planet, and a glossary of the animals featured in the book and a notation on their status (Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered). Summary credits here.
Unstoppable
by Adam Rex, illustrated by Laura Park
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Well, what if the answer was: ALL OF THEM! When a bird narrowly escapes the clutches of a hungry cat, a nearby crab admires the bird’s ability to fly, while the bird admits a longtime yearning for claws. And, just like that, they team up. Pretty soon, the team includes every animal in the forest who’s ever wanted someone else’s special trait. But how will these animals stop humans from destroying the forest for a megamall? It’s going to take claws, wings, and Congress together to be truly Unstoppable!
Unstoppable provides a timely lesson on the glories of diversity and the power of working together. Summary credits here.
Don’t Let Them Disappear
Written by Chelsea Clinton, illustrated by Gianna Marino
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller “She Persisted,” comes a beautiful book about the animals who share our planet–and what we can do to help them survive.
Did you know that blue whales are the largest animals in the world? Or that sea otters wash their paws after every meal? The world is filled with millions of animal species, and all of them are unique and special. Many are on the path to extinction. In this book, Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to a selection of endangered animals, sharing what makes them special, and also what threatens them. Taking readers through the course of a day, Don’t Let Them Disappear talks about rhinos, tigers, whales, pandas and more, and provides helpful tips on what we all can do to help prevent these animals from disappearing from our world entirely. With warm and engaging art by Gianna Marino, this book is the perfect read for animal lovers and anyone who cares about our planet. Summary credits here.
Wildlife On Paper: Animals At Risk Around The Globe
Written and illustrated by Kunal Kundu
Introducing the magnificent crumpled paper art by debut author Kunal Kundu, Wildlife on Paper brings to life animal species at risk from all around the world while teaching kids how cool and unique each animal is.
From the Peary caribou in Northwest Canada to the Galapagos Penguin in Ecuador, the Royal Bengal Tiger in India to the Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Australia, this book celebrates the rich diversity of wildlife on almost every continent. Each of the sixteen exquisitely handcrafted paper sculptures come with interesting trivia and facts about where the animal lives and how it survives in its habitat and interacts with nature. Also included is a map of where each creature lives on the globe, plus a list of helpful resources and the author’s favorite nature conservation organizations.
Sure to be a favorite for kids and adults alike, Wildlife on Paper opens the world wide as you marvel at the gorgeous crumpled paper art journey through the ocean, forest, desert, and more to learn about the diversity of animals and their incredible characteristics. (Please note: the artist creates his sculptures sourced from eco-friendly paper companies that plant a tree for every ream of paper sold.) Summary credits here.
