Pollution is a global issue that affects our planet and everyone living on it. It is crucial to raise awareness about this urgent problem, and what better way to do it than through a children's book?
Seeing your kid's eyes light up when they’re amazed bysomething new is a sight to behold.
Maybe it’s a beautiful flower in the garden. Perhaps a bird singing in a tree. Strolling through the zoo or walking in a park can even raise their excitement levels to a ten.
You can even inspire children to be passionate about the environment with books. Our story, Ally & Bib: Back to the Jungle, is full of gorgeous illustrations showing the beauty of the oceans and the lush, rich jungles.
If your kids love stories like these, then we recommend taking a look at these children’s books on environmental awareness.
Our recommended children's books on pollution & the environment
Open your child’s eyes to the wonders of the environment with these beautiful stories.
1. City Green - DeAnne Disalvo-Ryan
- Print Length: 32 pages
- Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.9 out of 5 (76 reviews)
Macy feels sad walking past a vacant lot filled with trash. She takes it upon herself to transform it into a green space everyone can enjoy. The story shows the positive aspects of urban renewal and community action while encouraging readers to create their own spaces.
One review read, “The story can be enjoyed by all ages, but for the older students, it is especially useful in initiating discussions about how change can be accomplished. There are even details about how to go to City Hall and get granted the use of a vacant lot as a community garden, which is important.”
2. Kate, Who Tamed the Wind - Liz Garton Scanlon
- Print Length: 41 pages
- Reading Age: 4 - 8 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (85 reviews)
A wind at the top of a hill causes destruction for a man who lives there. Kate comes up with a simple plan to protect him and his house: plant trees. The words have a unique rhythm that makes it fun to read aloud while also teaching children the importance of trees to the environment.
“It's a rich style, full of fun and creativity, beautiful to look at it for hours, and because the whole story also is a lovely way of telling kids how valuable nature is,” one reviewer said.
3. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth - Mary McKenna Siddals
- Print Length: 40 pages
- Reading Age: 3 - 7 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (482 reviews)
Compost Stew is not just a beautifully illustrated book. It’s a recipe for a successful compost pile and an educational resource on how they can help the environment. It also answers all the common questions like how to start a compost pile and what should and shouldn’t be included.
One parent shared, “We started composting this year, and I wanted a book to help get my child excited about it, and this was a great hit. I learned some things from it as well!”
4. Grandpa’s Garden - Stella Fry
- Print Length: 40 pages
- Reading Age: 3 - 7 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (101 reviews)
Grandpa’s Garden tells the story of Billy and his grandpa growing their vegetable patch. They run through each step, including loosening the soil, sowing the seeds, and keeping them safe from hungry insects. You’ll even witness their joy from the fruits of their labour.
“Not only a lovely story, but inspires us both to get out there and have fun in the garden,” one reviewer said.
5. Wonder Walkers - Micha Archer
- Print Length: 32 pages
- Reading Age: 3 - 7 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.7 out of 5 (194 reviews)
Not only will your children fall in love with the detailed collage imagery, but they’ll also adore the story of two kids exploring the beautiful wonders of the world. From the richness of the soil to the beauty of flowing rivers, it will spark questions about how lively our environment is.
“This is my favourite, as well as the kids. Makes them all think about nature differently and grow a deeper connection to it. I read it to every group of kids that I have, and every one of them is captivated by the words and illustrations. Brings up meaningful questions and natural discussions,” shared one reader.
6. Here We Are - Oliver Jeffers
- Print Length: 48 pages
- Reading Age: 2 - 6 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (5,836 reviews)
A New York Times bestseller, Here We Are, attempts to answer all your questions about the planet we inhabit. From the sky to the land we walk on, as well as the people that surround us, the book covers it all with glorious illustrations and thought-provoking words.
One reviewer wrote, “This book is just lovely! The illustrations are fantastic, and the story is informative and fun with a great meaning behind it.”
7. Ally & Bibi: Back to the Jungle - Dario Berrebi & Hannah Warsame
- Print Length: 45 pages
- Reading age: 3-7 years
- Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 (8 reviews)
Ally and her pet monkey, Bibi, take a heartfelt cross-country adventure in a fictional version of Brazil. Together, they encounter challenges the environment faces and identify solutions to help make the world a better place for everyone.
One reviewer said, “Very nice story to read and have conversations with your child about environmental issues.”
How to Explain Pollution and Nurture Environmental Awareness in Kids
What is Pollution?
Pollution is when harmful stuff gets into our air, water, or soil, making it dirty and unsafe. Think of it like when litter is left on the beach or smoke comes out of a factory – that’s pollution!
Types of Pollution
- Air Pollution: Caused by car fumes, factory smoke, and other gases released into the air. This makes the air dirty and hard to breathe.
- Water Pollution: Happens when trash, chemicals, and other harmful substances get into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This makes the water dirty and unsafe for animals and people.
- Soil Pollution: Occurs when harmful chemicals seep into the ground, often from pesticides and industrial waste, making the soil unhealthy for plants and animals.
- Noise Pollution: Comes from loud sounds like traffic, construction, and concerts, which can disturb animals and people.
- Light Pollution: Excessive or misdirected artificial light, which can disrupt ecosystems and make it hard to see the stars at night.
Simple Ways to Explain Pollution:
Use Easy Examples:
- Air Pollution: Explain that car fumes and factory smoke make the air dirty. You can show them pictures of smog over a city or the exhaust from a car.
- Water Pollution: Talk about trash and chemicals in rivers and oceans. Show them images of polluted beaches or rivers filled with plastic waste. Explain how fish and other animals can get hurt by this pollution.
Read Stories Together:
- Books like “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss are great for kids. The story shows how cutting down all the trees harms the environment and why it’s important to protect nature. Discuss the book after reading to reinforce the message.
- Another good book is “The Wump World” by Bill Peet, which tells a story about creatures whose world is taken over and polluted by aliens.
Get Hands-On:
- Nature Walks: Go on a walk and collect litter together. Make it a fun game to see who can pick up the most rubbish. Talk about how picking up litter helps animals and keeps the environment clean.
- Recycling Projects: Set up a recycling station at home. Teach them what materials can be recycled, like paper, plastic, and glass. Turn it into a sorting game.
- Planting Trees or a Garden: Plant a tree or start a small garden. Explain how plants help clean the air and provide homes for animals. Watching something grow can be a powerful lesson in nurturing the environment.
Play Educational Games:
- There are apps like “EcoKids” and games like “Recycle Roundup” where kids can learn about sorting recyclables and the importance of keeping the environment clean. These tools make learning fun and interactive.
- You can also create simple DIY games, like a recycling sorting game with coloured bins and different items to categorise.
Be a Role Model:
- Recycling and Composting: Let your kids see you recycling and composting. Explain what you’re doing and why it’s important.
- Conserving Water: Show them how to save water by turning off the tap while brushing teeth or taking shorter showers.
- Reducing Waste: Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Explain how these small actions reduce waste and protect the environment.
Why It Matters
Teaching kids about pollution and how to care for the environment helps them grow into responsible adults who love and protect our planet. It’s a small effort that makes a big difference!
The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is a powerful way to teach kids about the environment. Stories make complex issues easier to understand and remember. They also inspire empathy and action. Books like “The Lorax” and “The Wump World” not only explain environmental issues but also show kids that they can make a difference.
Early Environmental Awareness
Starting environmental education early helps children develop a lifelong respect for nature. When kids learn about the environment from a young age, they are more likely to adopt eco-friendly habits and become advocates for the planet as they grow up.
Embark on an Eco-Adventure with "Ally & Bibi"
As we nurture the seeds of environmental stewardship in our children, it's essential to provide them with resources that both educate and inspire. Restless Stories has crafted a captivating journey in "Ally & Bibi: Back to the Jungle," a children's book designed to introduce the Sustainable Development Goals in an engaging and accessible way.
Through Ally and Bibi's cross-country adventure, young readers and their parents will discover the beauty of our interconnected world and learn impactful actions to foster a sustainable future.
Check out "Ally & Bibi's Wild Eco-Adventure" to embark on a story that weaves emotion with education, setting the stage for a lifetime of environmental consciousness and action.
References
- Smith, A., & Johnson, B. (2020). Environmental awareness in children. Journal of Environmental Education.
- Brown, C., & Taylor, D. (2019). Storytelling as a tool for environmental education. Environmental Education Research.
- Miller, L., et al. (2021). Hands-on learning for environmental awareness. International Journal of Science Education.
- Garcia, M., & Lee, S. (2020). Educational games for environmental awareness. Computers & Education.
- Williams, H., & Davis, P. (2022). Role modelling and environmental behaviour. Journal of Environmental Psychology.
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