Eight beautiful picture books about saving the environment

Published on: 17 February 2021

"If you care enough about something, then you’ll do whatever you can to protect it." One Little Bird creators Sheryl Webster and Helen Shoesmith share their favourite picture books to inspire us to look after the natural world.

One Little Bird illustration by Helen Shoesmith

Helen: "I have always loved nature and the 'great outdoors' but when I was a child, I didn't really have to consider the impact my choices would have on those things that I loved so much. Other than making sure to put rubbish in a bin, I didn't have to think about what happened to it next. I think that sometimes as consumers we can take for granted the day-to-day items that we use such as plastic carrier bags and bottles and we tend not to think about where they might end up once we have used them.

Books are more important now than ever to help us to understand how we need to change our attitudes, to be more considerate and aware of the impact our actions have on nature and the environment & to shape the minds of our children in a positive way."

Sheryl: "It was really difficult to narrow down a list of our favourite picture books related to environmental issues, as there are some really good ones to be found, with such important messages. Happy reading!"

The Lorax by Dr Seuss

First published in 1971, a story ahead of its time in warning about the danger posed to the earth and its natural beauty. With fun, colourful illustrations and creative words and rhymes, The Lorax is a perfect introduction to environmental issues. Its message that ‘what is threatened must be protected,’ (in this case, the trees) applies to so many other environmental concerns, and leaves you feeling that if you care enough about something, then you’ll do whatever you can to protect it: "Unless someone like you, cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not."

The Lorax by Dr Seuss

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

This story follows the relationship between a boy and a tree, from his youth through until old age. The story looks at selflessness:  the importance of caring, giving, and how we should treat others. However, the fact that the boy is, over time, taking from the environment, in his gradual destruction of the tree, highlights other important, environmental concerns.

A simple story with a powerful message, that leads us to ponder the question: do we, like the boy, take nature for granted?

There’s A Rang-tan In My Bedroom by James Sellick & Frann Preston-Gannon

There is so much to love about this book: stunning illustrations and how the plight of orangutans, misuse of palm oil and dangers associated with deforestation, are all dealt with in a light and entertaining way.

I love the chaos caused by the cheeky Rang-tan in the little girl’s bedroom, the sincerity of her promise to help him when she finds out about his home being destroyed. Lovely suggestions too, on making changes, no matter how small.

Read our review of There's A Rang-Tan In My Bedroom

There's A Rang-tan In My Bedroom illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon

Don’t Let Them Disappear by Chelsea Clinton & Gianna Marino

This is such a lovely non-fiction book about the animals that we are lucky enough to share our planet with. The author packs in lots of interesting information about these amazing animals and what makes them special (who knew that otters wash their paws after every meal, for example!) With facts about extinction, what threatens each animal, and beautiful, warm artwork! 

Clem and Crab by Fiona Lumbers

This beautifully written and illustrated book follows an inspiring little girl called Clem who clearly cares about nature and the environment. After finding a crab trapped in rubbish at her local beach, Clem and Crab inspire her class at school to clean up and look after their coastline.

Read our review of Clem and Crab

Clem and Crab illustration by Fiona Lumbers

A Planet Full of Plastic by Neal Layton

Super informative and shows just how much of an impact plastic has on nature and the world around us. It has wonderful, engaging illustrations that children are sure to love!

Somebody Swallowed Stanley by Sarah Roberts and Hannah Peck

This is a lovely rhyming story about a plastic bag called Stanley who doesn't belong in the sea and is swallowed by various creatures who think he is a jellyfish! It is definitely one to make both young and old think about where our single-use plastic items can end up.

Read our review of Somebody Swallowed Stanley

Somebody Swallowed Stanley illustration by Hannah Peck

We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow and Bob Staake

We Planted a Tree is a poetic picture book with bright, cheerful illustrations and a message that will sit with the reader for years to come. The story follows two families who live in different parts of the world and shows how the trees that they have planted benefit both them and the surrounding environment. 

One Little Bird is written by Sheryl Webster and illustrated by Helen Shoesmith. It's a fun-filled story for children aged 2+ about looking after the environment and the power of group activism. Follow Sheryl and Helen on Twitter.