This document provides summaries of 22 picture books related to environmental themes like stewardship, sustainability, and responsibility for the earth. The books address topics like recycling, caring for the planet, respect for all living things, and how individual actions can make a positive impact. Many highlight stories of people who have worked to protect the environment and inspire others to do the same.

1. Picture Books Related to the Environment (Stewardship, Sustainability, Responsibility, Faith, Hope, Caring)
Visual Book Cover Title, Author, Illustrator,
Copyright & ISBN
Synopsis
Earth Day Every Day
@2012
Lisa Bullard Illustrated by
Xiao Xin
ISBN: 978-0-7613-6109-1
Trina takes on the challenge of finding ways to be more environmentally
conscientious of what impact our actions have on the Earth. Brightly coloured
illustrations communicate character humour but will relay an important message of
cleaning up our act. Very effective blue circle on most pages give readers ideas on
what they could do as an action.
We Are Extremely Very
Good Recyclers @2009
Lauren Child
ISBN: 978-0-8037-3335-0
Charlie and Lola work together to become recyclers and earn a tree to plant. They
show how their actions can inspire others and ultimately make a difference.
Little Helpers @2010
Conceived, developed and
designed by the creative
team at Innovative Kids
Illustrated by Jillian Phillips
ISBN: 978-1-60169-007-4
The little things we do every day to help our Earth can make a big difference to our
world. Presents real actions that could be taken by young children.
The World Is A Gift To You
& You Are A Gift To The
World @2011
Laura Duksta
Illustrated by Dona Turner
Truly unique flip book that communicates the importance of being who you are,
being loved and being part of a wonderful world. A book for all ages and all
occasions.
Blowin’ In The Wind
Lyrics by Dylan 1962
Illustrated by Jon J Muth
@2011
ISBN: 978-1-4027-8002-8
The sentiment expressed in this 1962 Dylan song is universal and timeless. Jon
Muth uses the paper airplane as a visual metaphor to a child’s impression of what
the words “the answer my friend is blown’ in the wind.” According to Muth the
“song speaks to a truth found in us all.” We learn from experiences “that we are all
striving for the same things – love, honesty and justice.”

2. Forever Young
Lyrics by Bob Dylan 1974
Illustrated by Paul Rogers
@2008
ISBN: 978-1-4169-5808-6
Using the lyrics from one of the best known folk singers the world over, Paul
Rogers puts pictures to Dylan’s lyrics. There are many powerful messages
interwoven in this 1974 song “Forever Young” (Planet Album), encouraging youth
to be strong and faithful to their beliefs and to do the right thing for your country.
Rogers has done his research and deconstructs his illustrations at the back of the
book – readers get a greater insight into the illustrator’s thinking and meaning he
wants the reader to take away from the pictures.
Poetrees @2010
Douglas Florian
ISBN: 978-1-4169-8672-0
A beautifully illustrated book of poetry highlighting a variety of trees. Includes a
table of contents and a “glossatree.”
Whoever You Are @1997
Mem Fox
Illustrated by Leslie Staub
ISBN: 0-15-200787-3
Very powerful message that although people all over the world may look and speak
differently there are similarities that join us – joy, love, pain are the ties that bind
us together on Earth. Although we may not look the same, speak the same
language or live the same lives – we are the same on the inside.
Help The Environment
Caring for Nature @2008
Charlotte Guillain
ISBN: 978-1-4329-0889-8
Early informational text with great photographs to communicate a clear message
of how we can help the environment to be a better place for all living things.
Heartprints @2004
P.K. Hallinan
ISBN: 978-0-8249-6564-8
A simple board book that describes simple acts of kindness and friendship to make
your community a nicer place.
Sandy’s Incredible
Shrinking Footprint @2010
Femida Handy & Carole
Carpenter
Illustrated by Adrianna
Steele-Card
ISBN: 978-1-89718-69-2
Illustrations are very textural and made from recyclable material. A longer story of
how a young girl discovers the meaning of “shrinking your footprint” by taking
actions to reduce, reuse and recycle. She learns the meaning of caring for nature.

3. Stuff! Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle @2009
Steven Kroll
Illustrated by Steve Cox
From the book ~ “Pinch is a pack rat who does not want to give up the possessions
that are cluttering his house but when he finally is persuaded to sell them at the
neighbourhood tag sale he discovers the beauty of recycling. The book includes tips
on reusing, reducing and recycling. Children will be encouraged to do a little spring
cleaning.
Earth Day ~ An Alphabet
Book @2009
Gary Kowalski
Illustrated by Rocco
Baviera
ISBN: 978-1-558896-542-3
Alphabet book about the wonderful things that the earth gives us. This book could
be used as a springboard for “I wonder…” questions.
The Tree @2002
Dana Lyons
Illustrated by David
Danioth
ISBN: 0-9701907-1-9
Rich and powerful words spoken from the tree’s point of view. Illustrations are
from the tree’s perspective and draw the reader into the forest. The tree asks
questions of it’s viewers. Promotes responsible care for the Earth’s resources.
Thank You, World @2007
Alice B. McGinty
Illustrated by Wendy
Anderson Halperin
ISBN: 978-0-8037-2705-2
A beautiful “Crayola” illustrated book about eight children in eight different
countries (US, Mexico, Bolivia, France, Mali, Saudia Arabia, India & China) all
experiencing the same moments of happiness. A reminder to enjoy the simple
things in life.
Mama Miti @2010
Donna Jo Napoli
Illustrated by Kadir Nelson
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3505-6
“One woman. One see. One hope for the future.” An outstanding, rich and vibrant
story of one woman’s ability to bring peace and trees to her country. Based on her
country. Based on the real life of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai
a courageous woman from Kenya. Very powerful message of what planting nine
tree seedlings can do not only for a country but also the Earth. A story of hope,
faith and commitment.
Leo’s Tree @2004
Deborah Pearson
Illustrated by Nora Hilb
ISBN: 1-55037-845-7
The author and illustrator work together to present a comparison of the growth of
a child and a tree. Presents the changes that come with time and seasons.

4. Who Will Plant a Tree?
@2010
Jerry Pallotta
Illustrated by Tom Leonard
ISBN: 978-1-58536-502-9
The illustrations are what draw you into this simply written story of how animals
such as large mammals and birds are all part of nature and help to disperse seeds
in their habitats. The end of the book encourages students to plant trees.
Picture A Tree @2011
Barbara Reid
ISBN: 978-1-4431-0761-7
The very talented Barbara Reid tells the story of a tree and what it can do for us.
Creatively aligned with the seasonal changes and connected to the birth of a child,
the aging of an adult and hints at how everything in life is cyclical and connected.
Curious George Plants A
Tree @2009
Written by Monica Perez
Illustrated in the style of
H.A. Rey by Anna
Grossnickle Hines
ISBN: 978-0-547-15087-1
A familiar character Curious George learns about protecting the environment and
participates in recycling and planting trees. The underlying message is to care for
the Earth. The book encourages readers to visit The Rey Centre
(www.reycenter.org)
Each Living Thing @2000
Joanne Ryder
Illustrated by Ashley Wolff
ISBN: 0-15-201898-0
“Let a toad cross the road. Let dangling spiders be. Watch for wriggling worms, for
bashful bears, for bats who flitter wild and free. Slimy or fuzzy, gentle or fierce,
each living thing has its own special place on Earth. Take care. Be aware. And see
our world like never before.” Key message to respect and care for the
environment. (Lesson plans featured on www.canadianteacher.ca)
Hug a Bug @2008
Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by Dan
Andreasen
ISBN: 978-0-06-051833-2
A charming story written in rhyme about how the act of hugging someone or
something can help make the world a happier place.
10 Things I Can Do To Help
My World @2008
Melanie Walsh
ISBN: 978-0-7636-5919-6
Outstanding book with ten simple actions everyone can take to reduce, reuse and
recycle ultimately helping make the world a better place to live.

5. Wangari’s Trees of Peace
A True Story From Africa
Jeanette Winter @2008
ISBN: 978-0-15-206545-4
A shocking story of how one woman is changing the face of the earth one tree at a
time. A very powerful message of how one person’s actions can have a ripple
effect. “We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process
heal our own – indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty
and wonder.” ~2004 Wangari Maathai
Dear Children of the Earth
@1994
Schim Schimmel
ISBN: 13: 9781559712255
The Butterfly’s Treasure
@2009
Schim Schimmel
ISBN: 13: 978-0615295091
http://www.schimmelsmith.com/events/butterfly.pdf
The Family of Earth @2001
Schim Schimmel
ISBN: 13: 978-1559717908