Environmental books for babies and toddlers

Reading books and sharing stories with your baby brings so many benefits. It promotes brain development, sparks curiosity and enhances language development. Reading a book with your little one is also a wonderful way to strengthen your bond.

As parents and caregivers, we have the power to shape our children's beliefs and values. By reading environmentally-themed stories with them, they can realise the importance of caring for our planet and understand their role in creating a sustainable world.

With The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) book week just around the corner,  here are some of our favourite books to shape eco-friendly minds.

Walk of the Whales

By Nick Bland

When all of the whales in the ocean leave their home to walk around on land, people don’t quite know what to think. But soon, shopkeepers go out of business, farms are flooded with water and salt, and people shout horrible anti-whale words. That is, until a smart little girl decides to ask the whales what everyone can do to help.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/walk-of-the-whales-nick-bland/book/9781760509026.html 

Just One Bee

By Margrete Lamond, Anthony Bertini, Christopher Nielsen (Illustrator)

Just One Bee is a story of hope, determination and never giving up. The story of One-bee explores her dream to revert desolate wastes back to fields of flowers. One-bee's persistence, patience and optimism prove dreams can come true. All it takes is the will to make it happen. CBCA's Shortlist Children's Picture Book 2022.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/just-one-bee-margrete-lamond/book/9780648899655.html 

My Green Day

By Melanie Walsh

Discover ten ways every child can make their day greener and help the environment. With a simple explanation to back up every activity and bold, bright pictures, this is the perfect picture book for teaching very young children the importance of looking after the world around them.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/my-green-day-melanie-walsh/book/9781406377149.html

My Friend Earth

By Patricia MacLachlan, David Diaz (Illustrator), Francesca Sanna (Illustrator).

Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! She tends to animals large and small. She pours down summer rain and autumn leaves. She sprinkles whisper-white snow and protects the tiny seeds waiting for spring. Its poetic text celebrates everything Earth does for us, while reminding us to be a good friend in return.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/my-friend-earth-patricia-maclachlan/book/9780811879101.html 

Noura Saves The Planet

By Rufia Valiff, Victoria Highet (Illustrator)

Noura Saves the Planet is about a young girl who, while bored on her school holidays, is encouraged by her mum to go on an adventure in search of ways to better shape her world. Filled with diverse characters from all walks of life, this colourful and unique book is the perfect tool for parents to teach their children about the power they hold in their little hands.

https://www.booktopia.com.au/noura-saves-the-planet-victoria-highet/book/9780645188608.html

Over to you!

What’s your favourite earth or environment-themed book to read with your baby or toddler? Share it in a comment on this Instagram post.