Books About Pollution · 57 titles considered

The Best Pollution Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about pollution? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Pollution

Mario and the Hole in the Sky
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2019

Mario and the Hole in the Sky

By Elizabeth Rusch, Teresa Martinez (Illustrator)

A scientist races to stop an environmental catastrophe threatening the planet's ozone layer.

Golden Kite Award (2020)
40 pages· 1,485 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud
5.9/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 340 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Mario Molina, a curious boy from Mexico City, grows into a pioneering scientist in California. He uncovers a hidden threat: CFCs are destroying the ozone layer. With the world at risk, Mario must act swiftly to avert disaster. His groundbreaking work not only saves the planet but also earns him a Nobel Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This true story of courage and innovation offers hope in the ongoing battle against global warming. Can one man's discovery change the fate of the Earth?
The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean

By Deborah Diesen, Dan Hanna (Illustrator) · Pout-Pout Fish series

A group of fish work together to clean up a big mess in the ocean and learn to adopt new habits to prevent it from happening again.

32 pages· 549 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.7/5 Goodreads · 333 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In the ocean, Mr. Fish and his friends discover a puzzling mess. As they investigate, they realize the mess is bigger than they thought. Together, they must find a way to clean it up and learn the importance of taking responsibility for their environment. Can they solve the mystery and restore their home?
To Change a Planet
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

To Change a Planet

By Christina Soontornvat, Rahele Jomepour Bell (Illustrator)

Small actions unite to change the planet's fate.

40 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 435 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where small actions ripple into global impact, individuals unite to combat climate change. Follow diverse families as their daily lives lead to a pivotal climate march in Washington. With vibrant illustrations and poetic text, this journey reveals how collective efforts can transform our fragile planet. Will their unity be enough to spark change and inspire hope for the future? Discover the power of one multiplied by many in this stirring tale of environmental activism.
Rebels with a Cause
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Rebels with a Cause

By James Patterson, Chris Grabenstein, Beverly Johnson (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Max Einstein series

Kid geniuses tackle a global water crisis while evading a sinister corporation's kidnapping attempts.

320 pages· 41,092 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 1,294 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Max Einstein, a 12-year-old prodigy, juggles teaching college classes and dodging kidnappers. As part of the Change Makers Institute, she and her friends face a global water crisis in Ireland and India. But with a greedy corporation always one step ahead, is there a spy among them? Can Max outsmart her pursuers and save the day?
Rocket Says Clean Up!
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2020

Rocket Says Clean Up!

By Nathan Bryon, Dapo Adeola (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Rocket Says... series

A young activist rallies her community to clean a trash-filled beach.

40 pages
4.2 Goodreads · 396 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Rocket visits her grandparents on the islands, only to find their beloved beach overrun with trash. When she discovers a turtle trapped in a net, Rocket's determination ignites a community effort to clean up the shoreline. Can her passion for the environment inspire others to protect nature from plastic pollution? Join Rocket as she leads a movement to preserve the beauty of the beach and safeguard its wildlife. This tale of youthful activism encourages readers to dream big and take action against environmental challenges.
The Mess That We Made
Sale price
$1797
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 Goodreads · 438 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.
Ducks Overboard!
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 7–10 · 2021

Ducks Overboard!

By Markus Motum

A plastic duck's journey reveals ocean pollution's hidden truths.

32 pages· 1,365 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 268 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A plastic duck embarks on an unexpected journey across the Pacific after a shipping mishap releases thousands of bath toys into the ocean. As it drifts through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the duck encounters endangered marine life and the vast impact of plastic pollution. This true story, inspired by real events, offers a unique perspective on environmental challenges, blending adventure with a hopeful message. Follow the duck's path and discover the surprising places it reaches, shedding light on the global crisis of ocean debris and its effects on our planet.
Water
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2014

Water

By Melissa Stewart, National Geographic Kids

Explore the journey of water from sky to sea and back again.

48 pages· 2,381 words· Est. 27 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 113 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the fascinating journey of water as it cycles through rain, rivers, and oceans before returning to the sky. This engaging exploration reveals the secrets of the water cycle, making science accessible and exciting for young readers. Discover how every drop plays a part in this endless loop, sparking curiosity about the natural world.
The Lorax
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1971

The Lorax

By Dr. Seuss · Classic Seuss series

A guardian of nature warns of the peril in neglecting our planet's needs.

64 pages· 1,815 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
5.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 376,877 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where Truffula Trees are vanishing, the Lorax speaks for the silenced. As industry threatens nature's beauty, a single seed holds the power to change everything. Will anyone listen before it's too late? This timeless tale urges us to care deeply and act boldly for the environment's future. Discover the playful yet urgent call to protect our planet and the hope that one small action can spark a revolution. Join the Lorax in a journey of advocacy and environmental stewardship, where the stakes are as high as the tallest tree.
Little Turtle and the Changing Sea
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

Little Turtle and the Changing Sea

By Becky Davies, Jennie Poh (Illustrator)

A turtle's ocean journey is threatened by plastic pollution.

32 pages
4.1 Goodreads · 234 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Little Turtle embarks on her cherished journey across the ocean to vibrant coral reefs. But her path is obstructed by a growing menace—plastic pollution. Can she navigate this perilous new world, or will her journey end forever? Dive into a tale of resilience and hope as Little Turtle faces the challenges threatening her beloved ocean home.
The Bookroo Book Club

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Pollution Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about pollution for the youngest readers and listeners.

I Am the Lorax
Sale price
$899

I Am the Lorax

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Discover the joy of nature and the call to protect it.

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Pollution Picture Books

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

Fish
Series
Sale price
$1499

Fish

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A fisherman catches trash instead of fish, sparking a recycling adventure.

I Can Save the Earth!
Series
Sale price
$599

I Can Save the Earth!

Ages 4–6 · 2008

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

Oil
Sale price
$1799

Oil

Ages 4–8 · 2020

An oil spill devastates the ocean. What are the consequences?

Clem and Crab
Sale price
$1799

Clem and Crab

Ages 4–9 · 2020

A girl finds a crab trapped in plastic. Can she save him?

Alba and the Ocean Cleanup
Sale price
$1699

Alba and the Ocean Cleanup

Ages 3–7 · 2020

A fish's treasured collection is threatened by ocean trash. Can the sea be saved?

Minnow
Sale price
$1895

Minnow

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A young protector's underwater journey sparks a community's call to action.

Moondog
Sale price
$1499

Moondog

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A lunar guardian battles Earth's plans to colonize the Moon.

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Pollution Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about pollution for developing and independent readers.

The Leak
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2299

The Leak

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young journalist uncovers a town's dark secret, risking everything for the truth.

Consider the Octopus
Sale price
$1699

Consider the Octopus

Ages 8–12 · 2022

Two kids, a mistaken identity, and a mission to save the ocean. What could go wrong?

Turn the Tide
Sale price
$1699

Turn the Tide

Ages 9–12 · 2022

A young girl battles plastic pollution in her new island home.

Tracking Trash
Series
Sale price
$1199

Tracking Trash

Ages 10–12 · 2007

Track ocean trash to uncover secrets and protect marine life.

Bus Station Mystery
#18 in Series
Sale price
$799

Bus Station Mystery

Ages 7–10 · 1974

Four children visit a science and hobby fair and become involved in a mystery surrounding a polluted river and a paint factory.

The Old Boat
Sale price
$1795

The Old Boat

Ages 6–8 · 2021

A boy and an old boat embark on a journey, discovering home and family amidst changing tides.

Plastic
#2 in Series
Sale price
$1100

Plastic

2013

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

Conservation
Series
Sale price
$695

Conservation

Ages 7–9 · 2003

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

A Dolphin Named Star
Series
Sale price
$999

A Dolphin Named Star

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Dolphins fall ill at a sanctuary. Can Elsa uncover the cause before it's too late?

Oil-Soaked Wings
Series
Sale price
$999

Oil-Soaked Wings

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Can Elsa and friends save pelicans from an oil spill's devastation?

View all pollution chapter books