IN MY GOOD BOOKS • Climate Change
Illustration: Bee and Me by Alison Jay
A thought-provoking and inspiring list of books that will ignite passion and positive action from even the smallest eco-warriors.
Early Years
Bee and Me by Alison Jay
This is a gentle and wordless tale of friendship between a girl and a bumblebee that flies in the window. Through delicately crafted illustrations, Alison Jay introduces young children to the ecology and natural balance of nature.
The Flower by John Light and Lisa Evans
In a grey world without flowers, Brigg discovers a secret book. This is a haunting tale that can be used to begin conversations with children about the importance of nature and what might happen if we took it for granted, or even lost it.
Age 4 and over
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Introduce a new generation of littles to an oldschool treehugger! Dr Seuss’s bright drawings and zippy rhymes are as relevant as ever - and the moral of the story is too - save our natural world from destruction before it’s too late.
The Trouble with Dragons by Debi Gliori
This clever rhyming tale uses the ‘extinction’ of dragons as a warning to all humans to change our behaviour towards the planet. With handy tips such as eating locally produced food, recycling and eating less meat, children will be inspired to make their own changes at home.
The Tantrum that Saved the World by Megan Herbert and Michael E. Mann
A charming book that explores how to channel our frustration about the state of the planet into positive action. It introduces practical steps like recycling and reusing, and explains the science behind climate change in a way that younger children will understand.
Age 7 and over
The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen
Part of the well-loved series, in this book the Friz takes her class around the globe to see the impact of climate change ‘then’ and ‘now’. Filled with the usual fascinating facts, maps and drawings, it explains the complex science behind climate change in a fun and accessible way.
World Without Fish by Mark Kurlansky and Frank Stockton
Written for children aged around 10 and up, this book presents the terrifying reality of what would happen if fish became extinct from overfishing, pollution and human destruction. Mark Kurlansky calls kids to action in the hope that this haunting tale doesn’t become a reality for the next generation.
Under the Weather: Stories About Climate Change edited by Tony Bradman
A collection of short stories that is both foreboding and inspiring for all ages. In covering a topic that can sometimes feel all too overwhelming, the author personalises the issue, bringing the effects of climate change to life across the globe from Siberia, Canada, Australia, UK, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
The New 50 simple Things Kids can do to Save the Earth by John Javna, Sophie Javna and EarthWorks Group
For those kids who know they need to do something to reverse climate change – but what? This book empowers children to become active environmentalists at home, school and the community with simple projects, tips, and thought-provoking facts.
Tweens and teens
The Carbon Diaries 2015 and 2017 by Saci Lloyd
Laura Brown is a teenager growing up in the not distant future where the UK has become the first country to introduce carbon dioxide monitoring to combat the catastrophic effects of climate change. The first book - her diary - chronicles a year of rationing as her family unravels at the seams, with a healthy dose of teen angst thrown in for good measure. In the sequel, Laura writes her diary during her first year of university in London, as the city struggles with the millions of desperate refugees fleeing a water war.
Exodus by Julie Bertagna
The year in 2099 and the world has been devastated by global warming. As the world around them begins to drown in water, fifteen-year-old Mara and her family begin a terrifying journey across the seas from their fast shrinking island of Wing to safety in the ancient city of Glasgow. But finding a way in to the city as a global warming refugee isn’t as easy as she thought…
Un Lun Dun by China Mieville
London through the looking glass, Un Lun Dun is a fantastical Wonderland where all the lost and broken things in London end up. When twelve-year-old Zanna and her friend Deeba find a secret entrance leading into this strange city, they discover a prophecy, sending them on a quest to destroy the Smog, an evil cloud of pollution.
Atmospheric: The Burning Story of Climate Change by Carole Wilkinson
This non-fiction book introduces teens to the facts and urgency of reversing the climate crisis, with a thoroughly researched and engaging narrative. Each chapter begins from the perspective of a young person throughout history, who has questioned the way things were done. Inspiring for young people and adults alike to make a difference to our planet - today.