Talking to our kids about the environment right now is really hard. How do you teach your little ones about Climate Change without keeping them up at night? How do you talk about our responsibility for the planet without overwhelming them with guilt and responsibility?

One great tool that I love to use is books. And I find more every year, so check out our updates at the end of the post! 

The Lorax may speak for the trees, but he certainly isn't the only one. As Earth Day approaches and we see climate catastrophe all around us, introducing these ideas to our kids can be intimidating or scary. It's no wonder that people lean on familiar and comfortable books!

As I have become more aware of Dr Seuss's approach to race, I have purged my kids Seuss library, but I can never say good bye to the Lorax. I like that the narrative makes a bold, direct, and unapologetic connection between consumerism, manufacturing, and environmental destruction. Though I don't want Dr Seuss to be a cornerstone of our library, I have left this voice as one among many.

Looking for more books to share with your kids? I have tons of great ideas, perfect for days at home or the build up to Earth Day. Let's do this!

I am listing these as Amazon links so you can see them and their reviews, but don't be silly and get them this way! You don't know me from a hole in the ground, so go check out these books in the library before you buy them. Amazon is essentially the Walmart of the internet, and a lot of their practices are pretty cruddy for the environment, so borrowing and buying local are both significantly better options. I am an Amazon associate and take a tiny cut if you buy them this way, but seriously, that should hopefully be a last resort.

Check your local booksellers too! Seattle's Third Place Books, Oregon's Powell's Books and many more are still using online orders, so you can support a small business and stay social distanced as needed.

Ok, let's do this!

1. Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth - Oliver Jeffers

This book is beautiful, and every time we read it, I think we should just read it every day. A perfect book for embracing our own smallness and how we fit into this world. This works so well as a partner book to so many others on this list (and I just think it belongs in every library).

2. A Stone Sat Still - Brendan Wenzel

This is a book I thought I might love (we got it as a gift), but it might not keep the attention of my kids. It's quiet and poetic and beautifully illustrated. I was so wrong; my five year old frequently asks for me to read it. The rhythm just draws kids in.. It's quickly becoming one of my absolute favorites.

3. Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian - Margarita Engle

Maria Merian was one of the world's first entomologists, and this book is about her childhood examining bugs and reptiles in a time where people still saw them as evil and menacing. In our house, this book leads to great discussions of looking closely and how much you can learn by slowing down and observing. For my classes, we make our own sketchbooks and go out with magnifying glasses to help slow down our looking at nature. Even the littlest kids can do this!

4. Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and his Art - J. H. Shapiro

Trash is a huge topic, and kids are shockingly great at putting their knowledge about waste into practice (my son knows that we try to avoid plastic and that we save containers we can use again). This is a beautiful book about waste, community, and seeing the beauty in things others don't even notice the value of. It also pairs perfectly with making your own art projects with anything out of your garbage (we save our best trash in a bin in our basement).

5. We Are Water Protectors- Carol Lindstrom

This brand new book is outrageously pretty to look at, and it sets you up to do more research and reading about indigenous people and their battle to protect water all over North America. Our kids love stories about heroes, so introduce them to heroes they may not know much about.

6. Thank You Bees - Toni Yuly

This is a fun, bright, and positive book that really resonates with little ones (2-3) but can be discussed with preschoolers and early readers too. Not a ton of words, but plenty to talk about when you are done, and it adds to my general goal that my kids understand bugs, bees, and spiders as helpers.

7. Sofia Valdez: Future Prez - Andrea Beaty

I love all the books in this popular series from Ms. Grier's second grade class (Rosie Revere is the favorite in our house), but Sofia is the first one to make me cry! This book is about courage, team work, and turning Mount Trashmore into a park instead. The story illustrates the dangers and destruction of trash when it accumulates, and it stresses to kids that they are never too small to lead and collaborate. Everybody get this gem.

8. Big Book of Bugs series - Yuval Zommer

These beautifully illustrated books share fun facts about all sorts of creatures from bugs to sea life to birds. Bugs is my favorite, and it pairs perfectly with Maria Merian, but any of these are a perfect pick if you have a kid who likes non fiction information, not just stories. And seriously great inspiration for making your own animal-inspired art!

9. Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring- Kenard Pak

With my three and five-year-olds, we are just getting to conversations about seasons and change. These are simply and lovingly addressed in these books (they have one for every seasonal change), but I mostly love that these are written like a conversation, a subtle reminder that we are witnesses and participants in what is happening in nature.

10. The Magic Schoolbus- Joanna Cole

All of these books are wonderful, but my favorite is probably the one about bees. Why? Because bees are a perfect example of humans perceiving nature as a threat when creatures like bees are actually vital to keeping us all going. It's not that heavy handed, but it helps build understanding, which minimizes fear. I always learn something reading these books too.

11. The Magic and Mystery of Trees - Dr Jen Green

A beautiful book that is super dense with information. Great for slightly older children, but it can be fun to browse through with little ones too.

12. What's so Bad about Gasoline: Fossil Fuels and What They Do - Anne Rockwell

This isn't the best book in terms of literary merit, but if you have a kid who needs some direct answers, this can be really helpful. I love that it is pretty clear while making the science accessible to kids.

13. Field Notes or Decomposition Books

There is really nothing like getting your kiddo out into nature and experiencing the real thing. I have had some really surprisingly wonderful mornings with my kids with pens and paper (and if I am really on point, a magnifying glass). Even if you are only exploring your neighborhood, practice looking closely and drawing what you see. I do this with almost all of my classes, and it is always a hit in its own way. The best option is to use paper you already have, but if you want a specific space for these observations, check out field notes and decomposition books. 

If you don't feel confident just having a blank page, we liked this nature journal for more direction. 

14. If you Plant a Seed - Kadir Nelson

Super simple, but it uses growing as a metaphor for how the way we treat people grows into the bonds we make with each other. A perfect read for this time of year, especially if you are planning a garden (which I highly recommend. Starting a garden with my kids may be the best thing I ever did as a parent).

15. All Around the World - Geraldine Cosneau

If you have a kid who loves stickers, but you don't love the waste, All Around the World is a pretty great option. The stickers are reusable, and each page is like its own lesson on habitats, eco-systems, and nature's interdependence. Super beautiful.

16. The Street Beneath my Feet - Charlotte Guillian and Yuval Zommer

This strange and wonderful book folds out the length of our living room, so our kids can inspect and study the many layers of Earth underneath them. This isn't a part of nature we often think of, but the book effortlessly connects ecology and geology, so kids can think about everything from plumbing to fossils.

17. National Geographic Children's Books

How do you pick just one? Their books are consistent, accurate, and filled with gorgeous photographs. I tend to gravitate towards a good story or beautiful illustrations, but my five year old cannot resist a good encyclopedic non-fiction book, so he loves the Big Books of things. They have these kinds of books for geology, animals, and more specific subjects like birds. These are always gems and worth picking up at the library.

18. The Wonderous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding our World and Its Ecosystems - Rachel Ignotofsky

This book is so beautiful, and it gives so much interesting information about the planet. I think it also really works as a call to action, pressing us to protect the planet. It always makes me think about how we need to relearn to love nature, because we can only save what we love. Here, the planet is portrayed throughtfully and lovingly.

19. Andy Goldsworthy Coffee Table Books 

There isn't a Goldsworthy book for children, but if you get a book of images like this one "A Collaboration with Nature" it is likely a win. I have never had a class that didn't get invested in flipping the pages and trying to guess how he makes his outdoor installations.

Perfect for talking about how things in nature are always changing, and it can be a particularly lovely day outside searching for materials and making their own art. Kids as little as three can really enjoy making their own piles and collections.

20. Heal The Earth - Julian Lennon

I have to be honest, I have mixed feelings about this one. My kids love it, and it straightforwardly explains a few major issues our planet is facing, but I worry that it gives my kids a sense of an easy solution. All you have to do is press a button, and the coral reefs are fixed! Still a great one if you want to start introducing issues without freaking your little one out.

We have found even more amazing nature books since writing this post! Here are our new favorites: 

Easy Peasy Gardening for Kids - Kirsten Bradley

The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth- Chris Burkard

Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature - Rachel Williams

The environment clearly needs our help- there is climate change to fight, oceans to clean (billions of microplastics to pick out), trees to plant, economic systems to change, plastic to stop, and basically a world to save!

There's a lot to do. So much, in fact, that it can feel like a job you just can't grapple with while also being a parent. At least until the children are in school, need you less, or out of the house. I get that, it definitely is overwhelming, and being a parent is plenty of work on it's own.

But here's the hard truth- our children's future is on the line, and we cannot wait.

We have a 12 year deadline according to the UN, where we can still limit climate catastrophes. That means, if you have little ones, they will be in high school when we reach that time. This means that Climate Change won't just effect their future, they are going to increasingly overtake every moment of their childhood. We either have to get it right, or these challenges will shape every second of their life. Wouldn't you like then to have a future of clean water? Where there aren't natural disasters left and right? Where humans are effective stewards of their gift of Earth?

Then the time to act is now.

My basic theory of parenting is that our job is:

 to raise our children to be good for the Earth
and
to make the Earth as good as we can for our children.

Both are epic and impossibly involved jobs, especially if you try to do it on your own. That is even before we count in all the ways that our individual circumstances (relationship status, race, geography, income) take the little bit of time and resources from us. But both jobs demand that we keep trying every day and after every mistake. Because that is what adds up in the end.

So, I am suggesting that if there are parts of your child's world that you don't like, you can be an agent in changing things. It is actually part of our job as a parent to keep trying to make the world our children will inherit a little bit better. How this is done and what steps we can take is completely individual; no one can do everything on this list, but everyone can do something. You don't have to do it all yourself to make a difference.

I don't have any perfect "How to" on how to do this, because I struggle with finding this balance every single day. Making phone calls, writing letters, going to events all take time, and I don't feel like I am drowning in time at this juncture in my life. And honestly, I am one of the lucky ones in a generation where most everyone is struggling to scrape by. But I do believe that we have to keep pushing against the system that oppresses, stratifies, and destroys.

I know that's a lot to ask, but I have some ideas on how to make the job more manageable (and options that aren't as time or money-demanding). Let's do this:

Raise your Kids Outside

The urgency of saving nature only truly makes sense when we understand ourselves as part of nature. Climate Change isn't just effecting a polar bear or an iceberg they will never see. That connection has to be established when we are young; make a goal to spend an hour outside everyday. I highly recommend the book "How to Raise a Wild Child" for inspiration.

An hour in the backyard or a park may not seem like a radical act, but this time outside can fuel lifelong connections between family time, a love of the outdoors, and political action. To have that connection run so deep is powerful on its own.

Find Communities of Support

The best way to get things done with kids is to work in teams (especially with other caretakers). My whole impact changed when I started to collaborate with other stay at home parents, but more importantly, I didn't feel alone anymore. One person can play with kids while another works and another makes phone calls.  I also find it a lot more motivating when I am working toward a shared goal than just doing it myself.

So how do you find that community? First, don't be embarrassed to talk about what really matters to you. How will people know you have that bond unless you put your priorities out there? Plus, experience has taught me that people who don't care now could very well care soon. Be that friend they brag about their unsponges to. Second, check what groups or conversations are already going on around you, and jump in. Parenting groups on facebook can actually be a great place to connect, or joining a formed group can help you meet the people who get you.

Start Where You Already Are

Part of what makes us feel so helpless to save the environment is we think of it as far away- coral reefs, icebergs, rainforests are all so far away! If you want to fight for the environment in a way that is tangible to your kids, think of problems that can be solved where you live. What could you change at your kids' school? At you place of worship? At your City Council meetings? Do you live somewhere that still has plastic bags in the grocery stores? Band together with neighbors to get single use plastics out of your community. Or get all single use plastics out of your church's coffee hours. Just starting where is actually convenient for you triples your chances of success.

The problems our environment faces are absolutely enormous and more complex than we know. It is too big for one person to solve. So take that burden off yourself and start by solving the problems you face everyday, the ones you know best- start at your workplace, your community, your local government, or the businesses you frequent. It's like watching something fall off a table- the closer you are to the table, the better chance you have of fixing the problem. That doesn't mean you don't have impact on more global issues, but in this season, starting local makes the most sense.

Join a Group that Embraces Kids

Lots of groups say they are "kid-friendly," but what does that even mean? In the time of facebook, it isn't that hard to find out. Write the group. You can even write them if they don't address kids either way. Ask if they have experience with the chaos kids bring to meetings or events. Ask whether the activity will be safe for kids. Ask as much as you want to take the leap and go. If you can't find one in your neck of the woods, Moms Clean Air Force is an awesome national group that brings attention to pressing issues and sometimes has good action items.

One more tip? Go with a friend with kids. It's hard to be that one disruptive jerk. But one of many disruptive jerks is less terrible.

Make Volunteering Routine

The beauty of being a parent is you get to impart whatever crazy vision of normal you want, and your kids will really think that is normal! My children will be the only weirdos on Earth that think PB and J is when you dip a peanut butter sandwiches into jelly. That's power, friends.

For that reason, you can set the stage for the rest of their lives on how they spend their time. If you want to raise generous and altruistic adults, start now. All over, communities need volunteers to plant trees and protect wildlife. If they are up and moving, they can help dig a hole or weed. Will it be as fast as without them? Nope, but you are training that volunteer spirit for the rest of their lives.

I have found this works best if we sign up for volunteering events with other families. Some parents can watch over kids when they (inevitably) get bored. But the connection is there- taking care of our world IS work, but that work is worth doing.

Multitask (Because All Parenting is Just One Giant Time Management Riddle)

Last school year, my infant and I would drop our preschooler off every Thursday. Then, I would walk laps around his school, so the baby could sleep in the carrier, I could get my steps, and I could make sassy (but not too loud) calls to politicians. It was awesome!

There is lots of talk for ANYTHING for parents about "making time"- make time for self-care, for exercise, etc. Well, there are only 24 hours a day, and we are exhausted for all of them. So instead of "making" time, think about how you could layer on political work into time you are already working. Leave politicians messages while you fold laundry or (if you are really brave) do dishes. Plan "playdates" where you and parent buddies write postcards for politicians. Sign and share petitions while you breastfeed. Always bring a bag with you when you go to the beach. Make phone calls (on speaker!) when you are in line for pickup.

The options are limited, and only you know your schedule, but my best timing advice is to stop waiting for the perfect gap and figure out how to work it into the schedule you already have.

Yes, this absolutely means your kids will witness these activities, and we are all already kicking ourselves for being on our phone in their presence. But just think every moment of this is modeling for them who you want them to be and the best of who you are; someone who cares and who does something about it!

Talk with (and Around) your Kids About What You are Doing and Why

On that note, when they ask what you are up to, just tell them. Talk about why you are collecting trash. Talk about why you recycle. Talk about why you are leaving for a meeting if you can do that. Be positive, focus on the good being done, but be honest.

I read that our desire to protect our kids is actually protecting inequality and privileges. I think this is true of these environmental issues too. You don't have to attache doom to the situation to explain which things you are trying to take care of, or to say how air quality is worse for people with less money, etc. Debate and plan in front of them, just keep it gentle.

Let Books (and Websites) Help

Your child is not likely to ask "Hey parent, explain changing climate patterns to me" so it can be hard to know where to start. Start with books. No matter what their age, you can find amazing books that encourage a love of nature and explain these phenomena. These are some of my favorites (most of which you can buy secondhand):





If you are looking for another resource, Climate Kids is a website started by NASA that beautifully illustrates Climate Change for kids in a way that is fun, interactive, and not too terrifying. It's a great resource for kids who are reading.

Embrace the Internet (and Maybe a Phone Call or Two)

When our parents were fighting for what they believed in, they were making phone calls and writing letters. Contemporary technology can enable us to do a lot (and faster!). You can join national and local groups on their facebook pages, and they can keep you up to date on what battles are being fought right now. Sometimes they just need signatures and shares; you can do that!

Also, resources like the website 5calls can help you find the numbers you need to call and even let you know what to say (super helpful if you are awkward like me). An environmental issue is usually on the list (right now, we fight to keep a coal lobbyist from running the EPA- what the heck). Don't start from scratch- let people who are fighting full time connect with you and direct you where help is needed most.

Sometimes, Being a Warm Body (or Signature) is Enough

And really, if all you can do today is sign a petition and share it, you have done something. As with everything in parenting, the feelings of not doing or being enough can be absolutely debilitating. But even the smallest pebbles make ripples when you throw them in the water. But you still have to throw that pebble.

If you are already drowning in life, know this is a season where you can't do as much. That's OK! There will be another season where you can do more and someone hard at work now will be doing less. Keep in touch with the groups and issues that you care about. When something really needs your help or you feel super passionately, you will know its time to dive in.

Eat Way Less Meat

Our approach to food and traditions is absolutely inherited from our parents. Pretty crazy stuff, when you consider that we get to decide what is normal for our kids. One of the gifts we can give them is a food tradition that is less dependent on animal-products and more centered on plants. It's better for the Earth and for their bodies.

Meat and animal products is one of the top emitters of greenhouse gases. It is also creating massive amounts of waste. Meat is truly terrible for the environment. Eating less meat won't cost you time and it will save you money. Best case scenario, we all go vegan, but we all have to start in a place that works for us. Luckily, there are lots of options. Make meat a night out thing. Or introduce one meatless dinner a year. We have thousands of ideas if you need them. Spread your lasagna meat over two lasagnas. Less can look a lot of ways- do what works for your family.

Back up What You Say With What You Buy

Want to do something radical? Use every purchase you make as a vote for the world you want. Stop giving money to companies that don't live up to your values as a family. Break the constant churn of wanting and shopping.

This starts with simply buying way less. We know that the average American home has 300,000 objects in it- that is way more than we need! We tend to fall into this trap even more with kids- they have way too much clothes and books, and we sped our life cleaning. Here are my best tips for raising your kids to be minimalists.

Once you buy much less (and buy what you can secondhand, your purchases of brand new items can prioritize ethics and environment a little more. Can you bemoan the state of the oceans if you are still buying plastic babyfood pouches and synthetic fabrics? Well, you can, but it means less, and your kids are watching. They will remember what you do over what you say, so they will feel that change in your family culture.

So, just another thing you have to do absolutely perfectly! Huzzah! Ok, maybe I am lying here. I have been working on this for 4 years. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes I do what we need to just survive the day. I will say I feel proud that my kids have no expectation of getting something when we go to the store or don't fight back when we gift old toys on Buy Nothing. They have no expectation of gifts at their birthday party (no really! Check this post). I feel excited that our wardrobes are mostly secondhand. I feel happy that our grocery cart isn't absolutely overflowing with plastic. All this stuff feels good, but it takes a while, and I am definitely still working on it. It's another place where little victories make a big difference, especially if you keep it up.

Ok, what would your tips be for a parent who wants to balance the needs of the Earth with the craziness of parenting?