World Book Day is coming up and there’s no better time to teach your little ones about the importance of looking after the environment – after all, they are the next generation! We’ve compiled a list of great eco-conscious books to share with your child that are both fun and educational (and might even teach parents a thing or two).

We have plenty more inspiration on how to raise environmentally and socially conscious kids in the kids category.

Why do we have World Book Day (and why is it different in the UK?)

World Book day is an international celebration, but here in the UK it falls on the first Thursday of March (so in 2022, the 3rd). The rest of the world celebrates in April, but it was moved to be flexible in the UK so it wouldn’t coincide with Easter. Every year, children are given a £1 voucher to spend on a book of their choice by the incredible charity, World Book Day.

We at Goodfind love this sentiment and support the idea that all children should be encouraged to read a book of their own. This is a great opportunity to teach your child about their climate impact and help them build sustainable habits that they will carry for the rest of their lives!

Our top 10 eco-friendly favourites:

Age 2 to 3+:

The Last Tree in the City by Peter Carnavas

Told alongside simple yet captivating illustrations, The Last Tree in the City tells the tale of a young boy who is inspired to act when he discovers the last tree in a concrete city is gone. Relatable and fun, this story will show your child that one person can make a big difference.

Charlie and Lola: Look After Your Planet by Lauren Child

'Recycle it? What is that?' asks Lola – and there’s a good chance your child is wondering the same thing! Your little one might already be familiar with this charming series – which makes this a great start for young children to learn more about how to recycle.

My Green Day by Melanie Walsh 

This lovely picture book gives ten great ideas for activities that children can do to make their lives greener – and we believe it is super important for young ones to know that they, too, can make a difference and look out for the future of their planet.

Age 6+:

The Bear in the Stars by Alexis Snell

A moving tale that shows the impact of global warming on animals; this impactful book is a great way to show kids that our actions affect not only ourselves, but also the creatures we share our planet with.

Our Planet: The One Place We All Call Home by Matt Whyman

Who better to influence the next generation of kids than the man who inspired so many of us? We encourage you to watch the inspiring Our Planet series by David Attenborough with your child and take them through this stunning visual journey to inspire them to love, and look after, the earth.

What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French

Whilst there are many things we are doing wrong, there are also plenty we’re doing right! This insightful fact-based book is a great way to introduce kids to the countless ways humans are making a negative impact on the planet – whilst also highlighting the good.

Greta and the Giants by Zoe Tucker

Inspired by the true life of the schoolgirl that captivated the world, this encouraging, positive story shows children how one voice can inspire millions, and the importance of coming together as one in order to make a real difference to our planet.

Age 9+ (older level):

This Book is Not Rubbish: 50 Ways to Ditch Plastic, Reduce Rubbish and Save the World by Isabel Thomas.

Here is a read we could all benefit from, no matter what age! With ideas many of us may never have thought of, this book provides plenty of ways we can all reduce our climate impact in our daily lives, and is a great way to teach your kids sustainable habits.

You Can Save The Planet: 101 Ways You Can Make a Difference by Clive Gifford

This book is a great call to action for young readers everywhere. Highlighting both the problems AND the solutions, this book also places personal responsibility on the reader, influencing young minds to change their own lives in order to improve their future.

This Morning I Met a Whale by Michael Morpurgo

I couldn’t resist adding a personal favourite childhood influence of mine – Michael Morpurgo has a unique way of inspiring emotions in young people, and this tale, inspired by the true story of a whale in the Thames in 2006 that many of us will remember, is a fictional interpretation of a very real event that will move young minds to stand up for what they believe in.

Young minds soak up the world around them like a sponge - it’s important to teach them important values before unethical habits become lifelong and difficult to break. Giving them some inspiring and relevant books is a great place to start!

Words by Emily Weedon