Mothers give us life, bring us comfort, and offer security. These too are the very gifts we derive from nature. From her nourishing elements to her abundant resources, Mother Earth provides continuous care for her children and intertwines her vital role with ours, establishing the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Weaving facts and fascinating fiction together, here are six books with environmental themes that have endured through the years. These books are tools for teaching appreciation and awareness as we celebrate the gifts of Mother Earth.

As very young children seek a sense of security and comfort in their world, gentle stories celebrating the beauty of nature are a great way to introduce children to the natural works.

Earthdance by Joanne Ryder and illustrated by Norman Gorbaty invites young children to appreciate and celebrate the mother earth through lyrical poetry.

The Hike: Nature Book for Kids by Alison Farrell is an outdoors-themed picture book with a fun narrative on habitats, animals, flora, and fauna perfect for the curious child and budding scientist.

Parents of children who are entering the middle years may wish to offer environmental stories filled with depth and excitement. The following two invite intrigue and emotional exploration while learning more about nature and environmental sustainability.

The National Parks Mysteries published by National Geographic are an adventure-based series blending wildlife conservation and eco-challenges into an exciting mystery for pre-teen readers.

All the Feelings Under the Sun: How to Deal with Climate Change by Leslie Davenport is a workbook for middle grade readers filled with activities and text that address the changing climate and its global effects. The age-appropriate content is designed to introduce children to the climate crisis and help them work through associated feelings.

As adolescents explore their sense of individuality they tend to move toward books with deeper meaning, sense of empathy, and character.

California Blue by David Klass tells the story of a 17-year-old boy at odds with his father over the preservation of a newly discovered species.

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen is a phenomenal book that intertwines humor, empathy, and the concept of friendship around a young boy’s attempt to save a colony of burrowing owls from destruction.

Just as we take from nature, we must learn to give back. By introducing thought-provoking characters that fight to preserve our resources, we give wonderful examples to our children. As parents, teachers, librarians, and caregivers, it’s up to us to share these stories and encourage children to love and respect our provider and friend, Mother Earth.

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