Best Children's Recycling & Green Living Books of 2026

I Am Earth: An Earth Day Book for Kids is an excellent educational book for preschoolers and kindergarteners to learn about the planet they live on. The book introduces basic concepts of Earth science, including space science and astronomy, while also promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Through imaginative illustrations and easy-to-follow facts, children will learn about the importance of taking care of our planet to keep it a healthy home for everyone. This book is an excellent addition to the Children's Astronomy Books category, and it stands out for its engaging content and emphasis on environmental responsibility.

Big Tree is an epic adventure that tells the tale of the natural world in an enthralling and expansive meditation. The book is a trailblazing adventure, illustrated with nearly 300 pages of breathtaking pictures. It is Selznick's most imaginative and far-reaching work to date, and a singular reading experience for the whole family. The story is balanced and rich, with powerful prose and peppery dialogue, contemplating the power of life to heal. A special, one-of-a-kind book for children that readers won’t soon forget.

The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach is a hilarious and educational children's book about metamorphosis and patience. The story follows a curious caterpillar who wants to transform into a butterfly and becomes impatient during the process. The book provides real facts about how caterpillars transform into butterflies in a humorous way that will make children laugh and learn simultaneously. The bold exclamatory text and humorous designs make it an excellent candidate for read-alouds, and the dialogue is spot-on, producing a lot of laughter. Overall, this book is an absolute charm and an ideal addition to any school or library's storytime collection.

What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet is an educational children's book by DK Children that covers everything from pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling. It highlights how our actions affect the planet and the impact we can make by the little things we do. The book is filled with fun facts and easy-to-digest information, making it a great read for a range of age groups. The book also offers practical tips on how to reduce waste and get involved in protecting the planet. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for children who want to learn more about the environment and become planet-defending heroes.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel about the unbreakable bond between a boy and his fox. When Peter's father enlists in the military, he is forced to release his beloved pet into the wild. The story follows Peter's journey to reunite with his fox, while Pax embarks on his own adventures. Pennypacker's writing is expertly crafted, and her ability to convey the perspective of a sheltered animal is remarkable. This book is a wonderful choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups. Overall, Pax is a stunning work of fiction that should be read and discussed by children and adults alike.

The EARTH Book by Todd Parr is a delightful picture book that teaches children how to protect and conserve the environment. The book is printed with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, making it eco-friendly. With colorful illustrations and easy-to-understand language, the author encourages children to do simple things every day that can make a big difference to the planet. The book even includes a poster with tips and reminders on how kids can "go green" every day. Overall, this book is an excellent way to introduce young children to the importance of environmental protection and conservation in a fun and engaging way.

Two Degrees by Alan Gratz is a thought-provoking and action-packed novel that explores the urgent issue of climate change. The book follows the lives of four kids who find themselves fighting for survival in the face of three climate disasters: fire, ice, and flood. As the kids navigate their way through these catastrophic events, they discover that they are all connected in ways they never imagined. Gratz's storytelling is gripping and urgent, making this a page-turner that will keep readers hooked until the very end. Overall, Two Degrees is an important and timely read that will inspire readers to take action against climate change.

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia is an inspiring children's book that tells the true story of Isatou Ceesay, an African woman who started a recycling movement to combat the pollution caused by plastic bags in her community. The book not only highlights the urgent need to address the plastic pollution crisis but also encourages readers to take action to make a difference in their own communities. The charming collage illustrations and simple but lyrical text make this a beautiful and thought-provoking tale of ecological awareness and the impact of one person's determination and ingenuity in creating positive change.

The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle is a classic tale about a hardworking spider who spins a beautiful and useful web despite the distractions from the animals on the nearby farm. This multi-sensory board book is perfect for little hands and allows children to feel and see the pictures while listening to the rhythmic text. The embossed web adds a tactile dimension to Carle's familiar collage artwork. A great gift for children or grandchildren, this book is a beautifully executed work that satisfies the needs of both visually handicapped and sighted children without losing its artistic integrity.

This children's book, Earth Day Every Day, is part of the Planet Protectors series, which aims to teach young readers about conservation and how to be a planet protector. Trina and Tyler learn how to reduce, reuse, recycle, and plant trees in honor of Earth Day. The book features kid-friendly text and illustrations, making learning fun and engaging. The series has been praised for helping young children conceptualize ideas about the environment and raising their environmental awareness. Overall, Earth Day Every Day is a great addition to any child's library, and it is a unique way to teach them about the importance of taking care of the planet.