Earth Day is a great opportunity to introduce students to the importance of caring for our planet. One of the best ways to do this is through read-alouds that highlight environmental themes such as recycling, conservation, and protecting ecosystems. The following book list includes a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles suitable for various grade levels. These books will spark meaningful discussions and inspire students to take action.
Note: I am not an Amazon affiliate, so I do not earn money from the links I provide. I encourage you to check your local or school library first before purchasing.
Perfect for: 3rd – 5th Grade
I loved revisiting this book for this blog post. It was part of the reading series I used when I taught 4th grade and was always a favorite of my students. The story beautifully illustrates the importance of protecting trees, not just in the rainforest but everywhere. It’s a great book to get students thinking about conservation and can also be used for Arbor Day lessons.
Perfect for: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
If your students love Curious George, this book will be a hit for Earth Day. In the story, George learns about the importance of recycling and reusing items to help keep the Earth clean. As always, George gets into a bit of mischief, making the story both entertaining and educational. The book also includes a list of ways students can help protect the planet.
Perfect for: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
This book follows Rocket, who visits his grandparents on an island and is excited to explore. However, he is disappointed to see trash littering the beach. Rocket rallies a crew to help clean up, teaching kids about the importance of keeping beaches and oceans clean to protect wildlife.
Perfect for: Up for debate
Some may think Dr. Seuss books are just for young kids, but The Lorax covers big topics like pollution and deforestation that older students can grasp. While the book is long and may be challenging to keep kindergarteners engaged, upper elementary students can benefit from its strong environmental message. Whatever grade you choose to read it with, having a plan to keep students engaged will make all the difference.
Perfect for: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
This book explores the diverse ecosystem of a pond, moving between the world above and below the water’s surface. It introduces students to various animals and their habitats, and the author includes additional facts at the end. Kate Messner has other books in this series that explore different ecosystems, such as Over and Under the Rainforest and Over and Under the Snow.
Perfect for: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
This simple and engaging book introduces young children to everyday actions they can take to protect the planet. The short, colorful pages make it a great quick read when time is limited.
Perfect for: 3rd – 5th Grade
This nonfiction book tells the inspiring story of Isatou Ceesay and how she helped her community in Gambia find a way to repurpose plastic bags instead of allowing them to pollute the environment. It’s a great book to spark discussions on recycling and innovation.
Perfect for: 3rd – 5th Grade
This true story follows Ada, a young girl who lives in a town where all the trash from nearby communities is dumped. Many residents sift through the landfill to make a living, but Ada finds hope when a music teacher shows them how to create instruments from recycled materials. This inspiring story highlights resilience, creativity, and environmental responsibility.
Perfect for: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
This story follows Max, a wasteful little monster who learns the importance of caring for the Earth after experiencing a blackout. Through his journey, students discover simple ways they can help the environment in their daily lives.
Perfect for: Kindergarten
This ABC book introduces young readers to composting by listing organic materials from A to Z that can be added to a compost bin. The book provides a simple explanation of how composting works and its benefits for the garden.
Perfect for: 3rd – 5th Grade
This book tells the inspiring story of a class project that turns into a mission to help save baby sea turtles. Students, with the guidance of their teacher, research why the turtles are getting lost and find a solution: turning off lights at night so the turtles can follow the moon instead of artificial lights leading inland. This book beautifully showcases teamwork, problem-solving, and environmental activism.
Add a Hands-On Learning Experience
Pairing these read-alouds with engaging activities can help reinforce students’ learning. My Earth Day and Arbor Day Scavenger Hunts for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade are perfect for getting students actively involved in environmental education. These no-prep, interactive activities encourage students to move around the classroom while answering questions about conservation, recycling, and the importance of trees. Not only do they make learning fun, but they also help solidify key concepts from the books in this list. You can find these scavenger hunts in my store for an easy, engaging way to celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day!
These read-alouds are a great way to spark conversations about Earth Day and environmental responsibility in your classroom. Whether you’re looking for a quick, engaging read or a more in-depth discussion starter, there’s a book on this list for you. Don’t forget to check your local or school library before purchasing any books!
