Eco-books for kids

There are plenty of good reads for the little ones

This article was published on 12.24.09

Books always make good gifts, and nowadays there are plenty of entertaining books for kids that also help them understand and respond to the environmental challenges facing the planet today. Here are some of our favorites:

Planting the Trees of Kenya, by Claire A. Nivola. This beautifully illustrated volume tells of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai and the creation of the Green Belt Movement in Africa.

50 Ways to Save the Earth, by Anne Jankeliowitch. This book for young adults is packed with eco-friendly tips anyone can use, as well as information on fostering conservation, global thinking and respect for nature and fellow human beings.

A Hot Planet Needs Cool Kids: Understanding Climate Change and What You Can Do About It, by Julie Hall. This kid-friendly book clearly defines climate change and shows what some people are doing about it. The emphasis is on taking positive action.

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. This classic belongs in every kid’s home. It’s a warning of ecological deterioration because of clear-cutting, pollution and disregard for the planet, but because it’s told with Dr. Seuss’s spirit and sense of wonder, it’s also oddly uplifting.