We all know why recycling is essential.
But telling your child that recycling uses considerably less energy than creating new products and reduces emissions might go over their heads.
One way we’ve helped educate kids on the importance of sustainability is through our book Ally & Bibi: Back to the Jungle. It describes the simple steps everyone can take to protect our environment.
But there are also other children's books about recycling that provide a powerful message. We’ve picked some of our favourites we think your kids will love.
7 Children's Books About Recycling
We suggest sharing these books with your children to teach them the importance of recycling.
1. The Most Magnificent Thing - Ashley Spires
- Print Length: 32 pages
- Reading Age: 3 - 7 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (3,844 reviews)
Even teachers recommend The Most MagnificentThing for children in grades one to nine. On the surface, it might seem like a story about controlling emotions and never giving up. But it’s also about a young girl using beautiful items she found around the house to create wonderful things.
One reader commented: “It beautifully conveys the message that the path to creating something extraordinary is often filled with twists and turns.”
2. Heal the Earth: Volume 2 - Julian Lennon
- Print Length: 38 pages
- Reading Age: 2 - 6 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (345 reviews)
The second book in a trilogy shares an immersive journey where readers bring medicine to people in need, give animals a new home and create green spaces. Through lyrical words and inspiring illustrations, it encourages them to love the planet.
A verified purchaser said: “A good introduction for my grandkids about the environment and the planet”.
3. Don’t Throw That Away! - Lara Bergen
- Print Length: 14 pages
- Reading Age: 1-3 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (142 reviews)
This short but interactive book features sixlarge flaps that kids can open as they progress. They’ll learn how to turn oldclothes into fun costumes and build a car using an old box. It’s a great way toteach them how to turn trash into treasure.
A recent purchaser said: “Nice addition to mymany books on taking care of our environment. My favourite part is that thebook is made of 100% recycled materials.”
4. Ally & Bibi: Back to the Jungle - Dario Berrebi
- Print Length: 45 pages
- Reading Age: 3-7
- Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (8 ratings)
Ally receives a monkey as a gift but makes the difficult decision to return him to his home in the jungle. The two learn many things along the way, including the importance of providing everyone with access to a decent home, why we need to protect the land and water, and how to tackle waste in general.
An epic journey set in a fictional Brazil that teaches kids and their parents about sustainable development through a story of adventure, friendship and solutions for a better future - for all.
“Amazing book for my nephews and nieces! Such an educational gift!” read one review.
5. Why Should I: Recycle? - Jen Green
- Print Length: 32 pages
- Reading Age: 6 - 11 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (340 ratings)
After spotting her teacher putting newspapers and bottles outside of the house, Amy learns about the concept of recycling. The story takes readers through recycling plants and how they operate. There’s also messaging around what materials can be recycled and why it’s so important.
One review read: “A wonderful way to teach younger children about the benefits to the planet of the 3 R's - Reducing,Reusing, Recycling.”
6. I’m Trying to Love Garbage - Bethany Barton
- Print Length:
- Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (21 ratings)
Award-winning author Bethany Barton shares the history of garbage and even provides a glimpse into the future. While it might sound heavy, she keeps it light by sprinkling humour and displaying entertaining illustrations. But there are also plenty of fascinating insights that bring greater awareness to the importance of recycling.
A fan left a review saying: “I love Bethany Barton’s books, and this is one of her best yet!”
7. Grace and Box - Kim Howard
- Print Length: 32
- Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (21 ratings)
This one is for the kids who have more fun with the box than the toy that came in it. Grace quickly becomes best friends with Box, and they go on incredible adventures together. But when something happens to Box, Grace becomes determined to fix it so they can continue to have fun.
“If your kids love building and creating, grab this book along with some cardboard boxes, and see what they are inspired to make,” said one reviewer.
Stories That Inspire Kids to Recycle - Tailored by Age Group
Stories are one of the most effective tools to inspire children to care about recycling. Tailoring these stories to their age group ensures the messages resonate deeply and encourage action. Here’s how to use stories to teach kids about recycling, broken down by age group:
For Preschoolers (Ages 3–5): Simple and Visual Tales
- Use picture books with colourful illustrations that show characters recycling in fun ways. Stories like "The Adventures of Recycle Robot" help children associate recycling with play.
- Tell short tales where animals benefit from recycling, such as a turtle who finds its beach clean again thanks to kids picking up plastic.
For Early Primary School (Ages 6–8): Adventures with a Purpose
- Introduce narrative-driven books where kids embark on recycling adventures, like a group saving a park from litter.
- Include interactive stories that ask kids to make choices, such as deciding which items go into the recycling bin. These empower children to think critically.
For Late Primary School (Ages 9–12): Problem-Solving Stories
- Stories featuring relatable characters solving real-world problems, such as organising a school recycling campaign, resonate well with this age group.
- Use digital storytelling or stop-motion animations to make the narrative dynamic and relatable, showcasing recycling in a modern context.
For Teenagers (Ages 13–18): Inspiring and Activist Stories
- Share true stories about young environmentalists leading recycling initiatives. These provide tangible role models and encourage teens to take similar action.
- Use dystopian tales with environmental themes to highlight the consequences of neglecting recycling and inspire action through emotional engagement.
10 Fun and Impactful Ways to Get Kids Excited About Recycling
Encouraging children to recycle is not only about teaching them the importance of protecting the environment but also about making the process fun, engaging, and rewarding.
Here are 10 creative ways to inspire a love for recycling in kids:
1. Make Recycling a Game
Turn recycling into a playful competition. Whether it’s a challenge to see who can sort recyclables the fastest or a creative "basketball" game with the recycling bin, gamifying the experience keeps children engaged.
2. Involve Them in Recycling Projects
Kids love to feel like they’re making a difference. Assign them mini-projects, like creating crafts from recyclables or designing their own bins. It’s a hands-on way to show them the value of reusing materials.
3. Use Peer Power
Children are often influenced by their friends and classmates. Encourage group activities, like school-wide recycling drives or buddy challenges, to amplify their participation through positive peer influence.
4. Incorporate Recycling into Everyday Play
Blend recycling education into fun activities. For example, create puzzles from cardboard, build toys from recycled materials, or engage in scavenger hunts for recyclables around the house or school.
5. Let Them Take the Lead
Empower kids by allowing them to spearhead recycling projects. Whether it’s a classroom initiative or a neighbourhood drive, giving them responsibility fosters leadership and commitment.
6. Make it Visual
Children respond well to visual learning. Use colourful charts or posters to show the impact of recycling. Better yet, take them to a recycling centre to see the process in action.
7. Reward Positive Actions
Create small incentives for consistent recycling efforts. Stickers, certificates, or even a family movie night can serve as fun rewards, reinforcing their positive behaviour.
8. Introduce Recycling Storybooks
Storybooks with relatable characters and fun adventures about recycling can plant seeds of environmental responsibility. Pair this with real-life examples to bring stories to life.
9. Set an Example
Kids are quick to emulate adults. Show them how you recycle at home, talk about why it matters, and involve them in your efforts. Leading by example is one of the most powerful motivators.
10. Celebrate Progress
Celebrate milestones together. Whether it’s a party for filling up the recycling bin or a badge for a month of consistent recycling, recognising their efforts makes them feel proud and valued.
References
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