Celebrate Earth Day with Book Recommendations for Kids
The New York Public Library's Teen Reading Ambassadors internship program brings together 10th–12th-grade students to help further the Library's mission to inspire lifelong learning in others, particularly young children. Ambassadors work at NYPL After School programs across the city providing tutoring and literacy enrichment activities to children ages 6–12. They also show children the joy of reading by connecting them with engaging books from the Library’s collections!
April 22nd is Earth Day and the Teen Reading Ambassadors have selected books for kids that showcase the wonder of the world around us, and teach us how to give back to our planet. We hope you’ll join us on a journey through the Amazon rainforests of Brazil, the beaches of Jamaica, the streets of New York City, and even the fictional town of Thneedville!
Wonder Walkers
by Micha Archer
Ages 3–7
Recommended by Walaa A., Chatham Square LibraryThe Earth has so much to offer: from oceans that act like baths and soil that blankets the ground. What do you notice when you’re walking down the street or through the park? Micah Archer’s Wonder Walkers invites you to think about all the wonderful things in nature that you see everyday. Join in on a “wonder walk” to unearth nature's hidden treasures. Who knows what you might discover!
Along the Tapajós
by Fernando Vilela; translated by Daniel Hahn
Ages 5–8
Recommended by Daniel C., Mott Haven LibraryCan you Imagine traveling by boat to school, home, or even to your friend’s house? Well, for Cauã and Inaê, a brother and sister duo, this is just their everyday life! Cauã and Inaê live in a village entirely on the water. After a storm threatens their home, they are forced to leave their water-village. When they reach land, they remember that they left something important… their pet tortoise, Titi! In Along the Tapajós by Fernando Vilela, Cauã and Inaê retrace their steps through the Tapajós River in search of Titi. This picture book is filled with colorful and dynamic visuals that will bring you into the culture of the riverside populations of the Amazon River.
Spring After Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the Environmental Movement
by Stéphanie Roth Sisson
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Mayah Q., Francis Martin LibraryHave you ever just sat down and enjoyed the sounds of nature? Rachel Carson, a famous scientist and writer, had a deep connection with the sounds of nature: from the chirping of birds to the wind rustling in the air. In Spring After Spring, Stéphanie Roth Sisson teaches you how to connect with nature, just like Rachel Carson. Even on the loud streets of New York City, you will learn how to hear nature all around you.
Pando: A Living Wonder of Trees
written by Kate Allen Fox; illustrated by Turine Viet-Tu Tran
Ages 5–8
Recommended by Miguel S., Tompkins Square LibraryPando has had a very long journey since his birth. He started off no bigger than a leaf. Pando isn't exactly like you or me… he’s a giant grove of Aspen Trees that’s been alive for more than 12,000 years! He is now more abundant than the stars in the night sky or even the fish species deep within the sea. His yellow leaves continue to shimmer beautifully and have spread for miles across the land. But Pando has run into trouble: He can no longer grow! Read Pando: A Living Wonder of Trees to find out how you can help Pando grow once again!
Pigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia
by Daisy Bird; illustrated by Camilla Pintonato
Ages 6–10
Recommended by Jaden C., Grand Concourse LibraryPigology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia is a magical book filled with whimsical pig facts and enchanting illustrations. Pigs are more than just adorable. Did you know that when a pig is happy, it will uncoil its curly tail and wag it just like a dog? Or that wild hogs can detect odors from seven miles away? Pigology delves into the history of pigs, pig breeds, and so much more. This lively visual encyclopedia has something to discover for everyone, from animal-loving young readers to pig enthusiasts!
The Lorax
by Dr. Seuss
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Aaliyah T., Mariners Harbor LibraryHave you ever heard the saying, “you should never take more than you give?” The Lorax gives an eye-opening view as to what happens when you take too much from nature without giving back. In this timeless Dr. Seuss story, the Once-ler takes you on a journey through the fictional town of Thneedville to teach you about his mistakes, what he learned, and how even you can make a difference.
Rocket Says Clean Up!
written by Nathan Bryon; illustrated by Dapo Adeola
Ages 3–7
Recommended by Walaa A., Chatham Square LibraryRocket is thrilled to see her family when she goes to Jamaica for vacation. She cannot wait to dance with dolphins and surf the waves. But when she arrives, she's greeted with an unpleasant surprise: There is plastic all over the beach! The animals are hurt and the water is polluted. Rocket knows something needs to be done, but what? Will Rocket be able to clean up the beach? Can she get the wildlife to return? Read Rocket Says Clean Up! to discover how Rocket saves the beach and how you, too, can look after the environment we all share!
The Raven Mother
written by Brett D. Huson; illustrated by Natasha Donovan
Ages 9–11
Recommended by Jada C., Tremont LibraryThis book transports young readers to Northwestern British Columbia, where they will learn about the traditions of the Gitxsan, the lives of ravens, and why these acrobatic flyers are so crucial to their ecosystem. Ravens are sometimes mistaken for other birds, such as crows, and are often considered violent creatures. Pick up The Raven Mother to discover all there is to know about this magnificent bird species.