Books About Sustainability

The Best Sustainability Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about sustainability? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Dear Earth...from Your Friends in Room 5
The Mess That We Made
Our Planet! There's No Place Like Earth
#6 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Sustainability

Sale price
$1398
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

How Does My Home Work?

By Chris Butterworth, Lucia Gaggiotti (Illustrator)

Discover the secrets of your home's hidden systems and learn how to save energy.

32 pages· 354 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 135 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Uncover the mysteries of your home's inner workings! Journey beyond walls and floors to explore how electricity, water, and gas power everyday life. Learn how you can help conserve these vital resources.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Dear Earth...from Your Friends in Room 5

By Erin Dealey, Luisa Uribe (Illustrator)

Kids write to Earth, sparking a friendship and learning how to save the planet.

32 pages· 813 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 291 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Room 5, a group of curious kids write to Earth, seeking ways to protect their planet. To their surprise, Earth responds, igniting a monthly exchange of ideas and a unique friendship. As they learn about recycling and energy conservation, these young Earth Heroes discover simple actions can make a big impact. With each letter, they uncover new ways to care for the world around them. Will their efforts inspire others to join their cause? This enchanting tale invites young readers to become stewards of the environment, fostering hope and change year-round.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Thank a Farmer

Discover the journey of everyday essentials from farm to table and the hands that make it possible.

48 pages· 603 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 229 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the unseen journey of food and clothing from fields and forests to your home. Follow a family's discovery of the farmers and workers who bring these essentials to life. Uncover the hidden stories behind wheat fields, rooftop gardens, and more, as you learn to appreciate the vital role of agriculture in daily life. Who are the unsung heroes behind your meals and clothes? This lyrical tale invites you to give thanks to those who make it all possible.
Picture Book · Ages 7–11 · 2019

I Am Farmer

A gardener's dream turns into a nation's hope for clean water and lush gardens.

32 pages· 1,307 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 355 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In Cameroon, a young boy's passion for gardening was once ridiculed. Now, Farmer Tantoh is a celebrated environmentalist, transforming his homeland with clean water and thriving gardens. As he battles environmental challenges, can his vision for a greener future prevail? Discover the inspiring journey of a man who turned mockery into a mission, reshaping the landscape of a nation and inspiring countless others to follow in his footsteps. What obstacles will he face, and how will his determination change the world around him?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Greta Thunberg

A young girl sparks a global climate movement with her silent protest.

32 pages· 559 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 628 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Greta Thunberg, a young girl troubled by the climate crisis, stops speaking, bewildered by inaction. Her silent protest outside the Swedish Parliament ignites a worldwide movement, challenging leaders and inspiring youth. Can her voice, once found, change the world? Discover her journey in this captivating tale of courage and determination.
Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2020

The Mess That We Made

By Michelle Lord, Julia Blattman (Illustrator)

Witness the ocean's plight and join the fight against pollution in a rhythmic journey of change.

32 pages· 408 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 437 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Four children in a small boat confront the vast ocean mess caused by plastic pollution. As they witness the harm to marine life, they realize the urgent need for change. With rhythmic storytelling and vivid illustrations, this tale highlights the growing environmental crisis and inspires action. Will they find a way to save the seas before it's too late? Discover the facts about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and learn how everyone can help turn the tide. Dive into this compelling story and be part of the solution to protect our oceans.
Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2007

One Well

By Rochelle Strauss, Rosemary Woods (Illustrator) · Book #4 in the CitizenKid series

Discover how water connects us all and holds the key to Earth's future.

32 pages· 4,000 words· Est. 31 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 367 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the vital role of water in sustaining life on Earth. Every drop is part of a global well, influencing ecosystems and human survival. Learn how our actions impact this precious resource and how we can protect it for future generations. Dive into the interconnected world of water and uncover the power each of us holds to make a difference. Will we rise to the challenge of conserving our planet's most essential element?
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2013

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table

By Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Shabazz Larkin (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Food Heroes series

A visionary farmer transforms urban wastelands into thriving gardens.

32 pages· 1,096 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 605 ratings
$11.95Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Will Allen, a towering former basketball star, sees potential where others see decay. In Milwaukee's abandoned lots, he envisions gardens that could feed the world. With innovative methods like aquaponics, he tackles poor soil and limited space, turning urban farming into a movement. As challenges arise, Will's genius for problem-solving shines, inspiring communities and earning him recognition. Can his vision of sustainable urban agriculture change the way we feed our cities? Discover the story of a man who sees beyond the concrete and into a future of abundance.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Our Planet! There's No Place Like Earth

By Stacy McAnulty, David Litchfield (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Our Universe series

Earth needs your help to slow climate change. Can you save your home?

40 pages· 538 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 499 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Earth, your incredible home, is in trouble. With climate change accelerating, she calls on her inhabitants—plants, animals, and nearly eight billion people—to help slow the damage. Can Earthlings unite to save their planet? Discover Earth's story, filled with humor and vital facts, as she reaches out for your help in this engaging picture book.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

How to Help the Earth—by the Lorax

Discover simple ways to go green with the Lorax's eco-friendly tips.

48 pages· 725 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 186 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Join the Lorax as he guides young readers on a journey to protect the planet. Through fun rhymes, learn how small actions like recycling and conserving energy can make a big difference. From using lunch boxes to turning off lights, the Lorax's practical advice empowers kids to become eco-heroes. Perfect for Earth Day, this engaging read encourages children to embrace sustainable habits and care for the Earth. Will you take the Lorax's challenge to go green and help save our world?
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Sustainability Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about sustainability for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The EARTH Book

Ages 3–6 · 1949

A child shares their daily habits that help protect the environment.

I Can Save the Earth!

Ages 4–6 · 2008

A monster's wasteful habits lead to a power outage, sparking an eco-friendly adventure.

Fancy Nancy: Every Day Is Earth Day

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Can Nancy's eco-enthusiasm save the planet without overwhelming her family?

Green Farming

Ages 8–10 · 2024

Can technology transform farming into a sustainable practice?

Grandpa Comes to First Grade
Sale price
$1975

Grandpa Comes to First Grade

Ages 5–6

A child teaches their grandparent about the school's efforts to live sustainably through conservation and the three R's.

Sale price
$1699

Earth Ninja

Ages 2–11 · 2019

A ninja discovers how small actions can change the world.

Chocolate Chirp Cookies

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Can a bug lover overcome his fear of eating insects?

View all sustainability picture books
Browse by age

Sustainability Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about sustainability for developing and independent readers.

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Ages 8–12 · 2015

Explore how food choices impact health and longevity worldwide.

Reducing Your Foodprint

Ages 8–11 · 2010

Discover how eating choices impact the planet and learn to reduce your foodprint.

Plastic

2013

Uncover the secrets of plastic: its creation, recycling, and impact on our world.

Lego

Ages 9–12 · 2023

Two friends build a LEGO Millennium Falcon and play out a Star Wars adventure while learning about the history and impact of the LEGO brand.

Conservation

Ages 7–9 · 2003

Discover how Earth's resources sustain life and how we can protect them for the future.

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