Combining my love of writing with my environmental passions, I’ve been working on some ideas for green-themed children’s fiction. While nonfiction books on this subject tend to hog the spotlight, there are fiction stories to be found that incorporate eco-issues from recycling and global warming to pollution and energy conservation.
Here’s a random selection of some books I came across as the result of my research, listed alphabetically by title. I’m adding many to mine and Sofie’s “must-read” list.
The Adventures of an Aluminum Can: A Story About Recycling by Alison Inches (2009) – Told in diary format from the point of view of an aluminum can, this picture book shows the journey of the can from bauxite rock to manufacturing plant to garbage can to new life as a baseball bat. The author has two other green-themed picture books, including The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle. Ages 4-8.
The Eco-Kids by Kathryn Makris (1994) – I stumbled upon this pioneering middle-grade book series from the mid-nineties. Written in a three-book series, three girlfriends form a club and take on neighborhood issues around abandoned animals, recycling and shoreline development. Ages 9-13.
Eco People on the Go! by Jan Gerardi (2011) – This board book is part of the Teenie Greenie series (others include The Little Composter and The Little Gardener) to introduce toddlers to earth-friendly actions with playful rhymes and lift-the-flap fun. Ages 2-4.
Eco-Wolf and the Three Pigs by Laurence Anholt (2004) – Part of the Seriously Silly Stories in which traditional tales are told with a new twist, this book depicts a hippie wolf trying to educate three polluting piggies on how their development is ruining the countryside.
Gaia Girls Enter the Earth by Lee Welles (2007) – The first book in a middle-grade fiction series in which four girls (each from different parts of the world) meet Gaia (Mother Earth) and are endowed with special powers to help save the earth from the harmful effects of our modern world. Ages 9-13.
The Last Wild Witch: An Eco Fable for Kids and Other Free Spirits by Starhawk (2009) – This book presents a “save the earth” message in a humorous light while putting the power of change into the hands of the children. Beautifully and magically illustrated. Ages 5-8.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (1971) – A classic, its popularity recently revived for a new generation with the movie version, this book is a must-have for every child’s library. Cute, old-mannish, orange furry creature preaches about mindless progress and the impact we have on the earth’s resources. Ages 4-8.
Nancy Drew Eco Mystery Trilogy by Carolyn Keene (2009-2010) – Even the Girl Detective gets in on the green market with an eco-themed mystery trilogy. Her adventures with George and Bess take them to Costa Rica where they investigate who’s dumping pollutants at a local resort. What I just discovered for the first time is that “Carolyn Keene” is a pseudonym for a slew of writers, male and female, who have authored the series over the years. Ages 8 and up.
A Planet Called Home: Eco-Pig’s Animal Protection by Lisa French (2009) – There are four titles in this picture book series featuring Bernard, a pig with an eco conscious. Bernard teaches his friends about pollution, global warming and ways they can make a difference on our planet. Ages 4-9.
Snowy White World to Save by Stephanie Lisa Tara (2007) – Told in poetic verse, this story depicts a day in the life of polar bears to illustrate how the changing climate is affecting their species. Ages 4-8.
I have been wanting to read the last wild witch! Can you tell me more?
Hi Mama Nature! I have yet to actually read “The Last Wild Witch” — my post was based on research and summaries. But while writing, I was inspired to order that book, so I will let you know the details soon!