Earth Heroes: Twenty Inspiring Stories of People Saving Our World
Lily Dyu has compiled an inspiring selection of stories that proves that individual people can change the world! From eco super-giants like David Attenborough, British designer Stella McCartney and Swedish climate striker Greta Thunberg; to lesser-sung heroes like Mohammed Rezwan (the architect behind Bangladesh's pioneering floating school scheme), and Isatou Ceesay (Gambian innovator turning waste into wealth for her community). Each tale is a beacon of hope in the fight for the future of our planet, proving that one person, no matter how small, can make a difference. Featuring beautiful illustrations by Jackie Lay.
You Can Save the Planet: 101 Ways You Can Make A Difference
Buster Books reminds us through a fun and practical way that there is no planet B and that the effects of pollution, global warming and the destruction of our planet need to be addressed NOW!
Packed with 101 environmentally-friendly and easy ways to make a change, like switching off electronics when they're not in use and considering your washday decisions, You Can Save the Planet proves that no one is too small to make a difference.
Guardians of the Planet: How to Be An Eco-Hero
A positive and bright book that contains everything children need to become guardians of the planet, keepers of the coasts, friends of the forests, home heroes! Packed full with key environmental topics, compelling facts, creative activities and proactive tips, like reusing clothes and composting food to reducing water waste and giving wildlife a helping hand, this powerful book will encourage children to engage with environmental problems and inspire them to take care of the planet.
Greta Thunburg - the schoolgirl who went on strike to save the planet and inspired a worldwide climate change movement.
It’s 20 August 2018, late summer in Stockholm, and it feels incredibly hot in the city. The TV news reports rising temperatures, and there have been numerous fires throughout Sweden. Fifteen-year-old Greta Thunberg decides she can’t wait any longer: politicians have to do something to save the environment. Instead of returning to school, Greta takes a placard and goes on strike in front of Sweden’s parliament building.
Greta’s protest began the Fridays for Future – or School Strike 4 Climate – movement, which millions have now joined around the world. Greta has spoken at COP24, the UN summit on climate change, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Greta's story has inspired millions and Greta and the Giants and We Are All Greta are just a few of the children's book written about Greta.
Also, Greta and the Giants has been printed sustainably in the UK on 100% recycled paper and by buying a copy of this book, you are make a donation of 3% of the cover price to Greenpeace UK!
PLASTIC SUCKS! Dougie Poynter (McFly bassist AND environmental activist) asks, how can YOU make a difference? In this eye-spinningly fluorescent and inspiring book, Dougie, along with advice and contributions from some eco entrepreneurs like Adam Lowry, Lauren St John and Will Travers, offers some fantastically clear and easy steps for how we can all make small changes and become champions for our planet, because, together, we can make a difference!
Picture Books
Somebody Swallowed Stanley
Plastic bags don't belong in the sea!
And so begins a touching, yet powerful story about the problems a simple plastic bag can create in the oceans and all the creatures Stanley meets along the way.
Written by environmental expert Sarah Robert, this beautiful picture book tells a power message about plastic pollution.
Whether it's recycling with Charlie and Lola, planting flowers to save the bees or writing a letter to Greenpeace, there are so many beautiful picture books that highlight the importance of looking after our planet.
Chapter Books
Max Takes a Stand by Tim Allman
Illustrated by Nick Shepherd
Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets ClientEarth's Guardians of the Planetin this hilarious yet timely tale about climate change and the importance of protecting and preserving our natural environment.
Full of quirky cartoon style illustrations, along with helpful tips and advice about how *you* can make a difference, Max Takes a Stand is an essential book for children wanting to learn more about climate change in a fun and friendly way. I was delighted to host Tim Allman on my blog for his 'Top 5 Books to Change the World With', which you can read here.
When the Mountains Roared by Jess Butterworth: A vivid, warm and atmospheric adventure set in the mountains of India, about a girl who is determined to protect the wild leopards of the mountain from poachers.
Swimming Against the Storm by Jess Butterworth: An incredible, adventure story set in the swamplands of Louisiana about sisters, rising sea-levels and saving the environment.
The Wild Folk by Sylvia V. Linsteadt: An epic, magical quest set in a beautiful, troubled world which tells of the importance of working together to look after the environment.
Bloom by Nicola Skinner: An enchanting and lyrical debut about one young girls discovery that wonderful things can happen when you break the rules...
Song of the Dolphin Boy by Elizabeth Laird: A moving adventure about the impact of plastic pollution on our seas, and the campaigning power of friendship.
Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari: Two children must risk everything to escape their fate and find the impossible... bold adventure, timely climate change themes and breathtaking writing.
Wolf Light by Yaba Badoe (YA): Rich in elemental magic, myth and the mysterious magical dusk, Wolf Light is Yaba Badoe's defiant call to protect our environment, to conserve our heritage and to hear the ancient power that connects us.
What do the ingenious sea otter, the incredible shrinking reindeer, the tree-dwelling baby dragon or the Dodo's long-lost cousin have in common?
They are all at risk of disappearing from our world forever.
Disappearing Acts is a beautiful search-and-find book of endangered animals across warm and detailed landscapes including the Rainforest, Savannah and the Coral Reef. Alongside each spread, Bunnell provides a delightful way in which to learn about our planet's rich diversity and fragile eco-systems by including descriptions of the animals, their numbers, their habitats and why they are endangered.
Still looking for more recommendations? Check out the books below!
Published February 2020 in time for Earth Day comes a spectacular book from Newbery Award–winning author Patricia MacLachlan and illustrator Francesca Sanna.
Through its poetic text and enticing die-cut pages, My Friend Earth, celebrates everything Earth does for us, all the while reminding us to be a good friend in return.
A magical picture book with charming illustrations, children will pour over the pages of this beautiful and innovative ode to our natural world.
I always love to hear from you, so if you have any recommendations do share them!
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