37 Environmental Picture and Chapter Books for Children & Middle Schoolers

How is the Earth connected to its creatures?  Why is it important for humans to be aware of the Earth's needs and be able to protect it as much as possible?  These questions and more can be discussed with readers in the following chapter and picture books that have environmental themes.  From plays to nonfiction and fiction books, there is something interesting for everyone. 

Need more ideas? Check A Mighty Girl's blog for additional titles.

We are Water Protectors: universal stewardship

 We are Water Protectors, written by Carole Lindstrom and illustrated by Michaela Goade, reminds the reader of universal truths:

1. nature is important

2. we are all connected

3. it is up to us to protect nature

Told through rich, rhythmic text and luminous nature illustrations that move across the page, the young Indigenous girl's story is a simple, yet complicated story that offers much discussion for any age of reader.  For the young readers, they can identify that the black snake will be dangerous to the girl's community, therefore, she must drive out the snake at all costs.  For the older readers, they can make the connection between the black snake and corporations that harm the environment and to current events where Indigenous people united to block the drilling on their land.

The Indigenous girl empowers herself to be a steward for the Earth's water and animals who cannot stand up to those who bring them harm.  This is a relatable theme for children and adults to discuss.  There is a pledge at the end of the book that asks the reader to join the duty of being an Earth and water steward.  The author's and illustrator's notes at the end of the book also provide more context for the story. Since it is an #OwnVoices book, the visuals and language is authentically used.  The reader can learn more words in the Glossary and additional sources for information are offered for further study.  

Goade won the Caldecott Medal for her work on this book in the Youth Media Awards in 2021, and is the first Native American person to win the award.  Read Across America has more discussion questions and ideas for writing prompts that accompany this book.