5 favourite books on conservation and the environment
Author-illustrator Poonam Mistry shares her favourite books celebrating nature.
Poonam Mistry is an author and illustrator
Deforestation, climate change and other human activity are all having a huge impact on our planet in critical ways.
Melting ice raising sea levels, the homes of wildlife and animals being destroyed, and the increase of pollutants in the air from man-made machines are all having a negative and damaging effect on the Earth.
Now, more than ever, we need to be making the right choices and steps to protect and safeguard the environment and the landscapes and forests we have.
My book The Bear and The Seed follows a little bear cub who is devastated when the trees of his forest home disappear. He finds a seed and, with the help of some friends, hopes to bring back the forest.
I hope this story will inspire children to plant their own seeds and grow their own flowers and plants.
Below is a list of some of my favourite books focused on themes of conservation and the environment…
1. Omar, the Bees and Me by Helen Mortimer, illustrated by Katie Cottle
This is a sweet story about a new student called Omar joining Maisie’s class. They both develop a friendship over their love of bees.
This book will inspire children to work with their communities to do their part to protect local wildlife and the environment. The story highlights the importance of schools supporting and encouraging children with their ideas around sustainability and conservation.
2. Dear Earth by Isabel Otter, illustrated by Clara Anganuzzi
Tessa learns about her Grandpa’s adventures around the world, which inspires her to write a letter to the Earth.
This book is a wonderful note to the planet celebrating the beauty found all over its seas, lands, and skies. It’s an essential reminder of the wonders of our unique world and the reasons it’s worth protecting.
3. A Forest by Marc Martin
This is a stunning picture book focused on the effects of deforestation. It’s a great way to introduce very young readers to the impacts that humans have on the environment.
4. We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
This is a powerful and moving story about the significance of water and the strength of people and communities uniting to protect their resource from being poisoned by the threat of the ‘black snake’.
This book has a strong message of fighting for those who cannot speak for themselves.
5. The Journey Home by Frann Preston-Gannon
When the ice begins to melt, Polar Bear sets off to find a new home. On their journey, they come across other animals that are facing similar dangers and challenges.
This is a poignant reminder of the realities of global warming and human greed and the effects it has on animals that are often overlooked and forgotten.
The Bear and the Seed by Poonam Mistry is out now.
More books about the environment to try
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It’s never too early to learn about animals and nature. Here is a selection of books aimed at ages 0–4, that will inspire babies and toddlers to care about their environment.
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From climate change to animal conservation, these books will encourage children and young people to think about and discuss pressing issues about the environment.
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From climate change to animal conservation, these books will encourage children and young people to think about and discuss pressing issues about the environment.