Donna Malena 
Picture: The Green Planet by Leisa-Stewart-Sharpe
Books that teach kids about climate change
Engaging books are a great way to introduce children to environmental issues and the best ones have positive and empowering messages to introduce the subject to children gently. Here’s my pick of climate change books for children.
2-5 year olds
Duffy’s Lucky Escape
By Ellie Jackson with illustrations by Liz Oldmeadow
Duffy’s Lucky Escape follows the plight of Duffy the sea turtle, who runs into trouble with plastic waste in the ocean. This book teaches young children to be aware of the environment without shocking or overwhelming them and the pictures are beautiful. Jackson has written several books in this series, which also includes Buddy’s Rainforest Rescue and Hunter’s Icy Adventure.
Clean up!
By Nathan Bryon with illustrations by Dapo Adeola
Rocket goes on holiday to the Caribbean to visit her grandparents and she can’t wait to play in the sea. However, when she gets there, she finds the sea is polluted and the animals are in danger. This empowering book teaches children that anyone can make a difference no matter how small or young they may be.
4-7 year olds
Greta and the Giants
By Zoe Tucker with illustrations by Zoe Persico
Based on the life of Greta Thunberg , this inspiring book gently teaches children about the climate crisis. It follows the tale of a girl called Greta whose beautiful forest is being destroyed by giants. Can she make them stop chopping down the trees before there is no forest left?
The Lorax
By Dr Seuss
This classic story is more than 50 years old and it’s as relevant now as it’s ever been. Dr Seuss uses his trademark rhymes to tell the story of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees. He must stop the Once-ler from destroying the environment to make Thneeds, which everybody needs. An engaging fable that drives the message home without being too heavy handed.
A Planet Full of Plastic
By Neil Layton
Plastic is everywhere you look and this book informs children about where it comes from, why it lasts for thousands of years and why it’s so dangerous to animals and humans. It’s also packed full of ideas about what kids can do to help. A great, positive book for children who want to help the environment.
7-11 year olds
The Green Planet
By Leisa Stewart-Sharpe with illustrations by Kim Smith
Inspired by David Attenborough’s TV show of the same name, The Green Planet is a great book for nature lovers. It explores the fascinating and slow-moving world of plants, showing how they work to stop their enemies and trick animals into helping them. It will change the way you look at plants forever.
How You Can Save the Planet
By Hendrikus van Hensbergen
If you’re looking for ways to save the planet, this book is for you. It is full of easy step-by-step tips to helping the environment, from organising cycling groups to building a green wall. An empowering and informative read by Hendrikus van Hensbergen, whose work has been published on BBC Bitesize.
Plastic Sucks! You Can Make a Difference
By Dougie Poynter
Written by McFly’s Dougie Pointer, this positive book outlines the problems with plastics, air pollution, microbeads, deforestation and climate change and offers advice on what we can do to help. Tips include switching to glass milk bottles and bamboo toothbrushes and there are many interviews with experts too. A lovely, upbeat guide to making a difference.
Stuff
By Maddie Moate with illustrations by Paul Boston
The world is full of stuff but where does it come from and what happens when we don’t need it anymore? CBBC presenter Maddie Moate has all the answers in this useful book of facts. She reveals how elephant poo can be used to make paper and plastic can be made out of seaweed. This book helps children to be aware of their everyday consumption and adopts the same warm and engaging tone Maddie has when presenting her popular CBBC shows.
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