The Best Books To Teach Children About Climate Change

The climate crisis has grave implications for our planet, and it can be difficult to grapple with climate anxiety – especially when raising little ones. So, how best to teach children about climate change? Over in Oxford, The Story Museum has launched a brand new exhibition called ‘Brilli-ANT’, which features giant cardboard insects brought to life with celebrity voices – from Isy Suttie to Julian Clary, Derek Jacobi to Joseph Coelho – to help children connect with the world and combat climate anxiety. In the meantime, we’ve teamed up with The Story Museum to share the best books to teach children about climate change, from picture books about energy conservation to poems about trying new things.

The Best Books To Teach Children About Climate Change

The Secret Garden Under The Sea

By Ade Adepitan (Creator), Neil Griffiths (Author) & Erin Mackay (illustrator)

Age: 4–7, picture book.

Children in Need presenter and climate champion, Ade Adepitan, has teamed up with former head teacher Neil Griffiths and Zurich Municipal to launch a new children’s book to educate primary school children and parents on the benefits of seagrass – an important carbon store – in a fun and engaging way. It tells the story of Seanna the Seahorse and her friends, who are threatened by ‘the murky monster’ (pollution) and saved by the ’emerald sea queen’ (seagrass). Learn more and download your free copy at zurich.co.uk

Ada’s Violin

By Susan Hood (Author) & Sally Wern Comport (Illustrator)

Age: 4+, picture book.

Based on a true story, this book shares the inspiring tale of a girl named Ada and the creation of an orchestra from recycled instruments.

City Of Rust

By Gemma Fowler

Age: 9–12, novel.

In a polluted city, a group of children fights against environmental degradation, highlighting the need for change and restoration.

Clean Up!

By Nathan Bryon (Author) & Dapo Adeola (Illustrator)

Age: 3–6, picture book.

Two children lead a beach clean-up, teaching the importance of taking care of the environment and embracing diversity.

Don’t Ask The Dragon

By Lemn Sissay (Author), Greg Stobbs (Illustrator)

Age: 3-5, picture book.

A little girl questions a dragon about what it eats, promoting discussions about vegetarianism, diverse food choices, and cultural acceptance.

George Saves The World By Lunchtime

By Dr Jo Readman (Author) & Ley Honor Roberts (Illustrator)

Age: 5-7, picture book.

George learns about recycling, conserving energy, and other eco-friendly practices to make a positive impact on the world.

Green Rising

By Lauren James

Age: 12+, novel.

The story follows a teenage girl who joins an environmental movement, highlighting the power of youth activism and resilience.

Greta And The Giants

By Zoë Tucker (Author) & Zoe Persico (Illustrator)

Age: 4-7, picture book.

Inspired by Greta Thunberg, this book encourages young readers to raise their voices and take action against climate change.

Hope Jones Will Not Eat Meat

By Josh Lacey (Author) & Beatriz Castro (Illustrator)

Age: 8-11, chapter book.

Follows Hope Jones, who stands up for her beliefs in vegetarianism despite challenges and societal expectations.

Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention

By Pip Jones (Author) & Sara Ogilvie (Illustrator)

Age: 2+, picture book

Izzy Gizmo participates in an invention convention, promoting creativity, problem-solving, and diverse representation.

Joseph Had A Little Overcoat 

By Simms Taback

Age: All, picture book.

A Jewish farmer, who has a little overcoat. When it grows old, Joseph makes it into a little jacket and so on until he makes it into a button. Ultimately, Joseph loses the button, but is prompted to write a book based on his experiences. The moral of the story is ‘you can always make something out of nothing’.

Maybe You Might

By Imogen Foxell (Author) & Anna Cunha (Illustrator)

Age: 4-8, picture book, poetry.

Encourages embracing change, trying new things, and exploring the possibilities that come with open-mindedness.

My Mummy Marches

By Samantha Hawkins (Author) & Cory Reid (Illustrator)  

Age: 2–5, picture book.

Explores peaceful protests and activism through the eyes of a young girl whose mother participates in social causes.

Oi! Get Off Our Train

By John Burningham

Age: 2-5, picture book, classic!

A little boy sets off on a round-the-world night train to dreamland with only his toy dog for company. But soon all sorts of endangered animals are asking if they can jump up and join them on their journey.

Our Little Inventor

By Sher Rill Ng

Age: 2–6, picture book

A picture book about a little girl with a determined spirit who just needs a little help to make the world a better place for everyone.

Pizazz

By Sophy Henn

Age: 7+, graphic novel.

Pizazz, a young superhero, fights environmental villains while navigating everyday challenges, empowering readers to speak up.

Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear

By Trang Nguyen (Author) & Jeet Zdung (Author, Illustrator)

Age: 8–12, graphic novel.

Through the friendship between a girl and a sun bear, this story highlights deforestation issues and the importance of conservation.

Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

By Andrea Beaty (Author) & David Roberts (Illustrator)

Age: 3–6, picture book.

Sofia Valdez becomes an advocate for change in her community, inspiring others to make a difference and fight for justice.

We Are Water Protectors 

By Carole Lindstrom

Age: 3–6, picture book

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.

T-Veg: The Story Of A Carrot Crunching Dinosaur

By Smriti Prasadam-Halls (Author) & Katherina Manolessou (Illustrator)

Age: 7+, picture book.

Explores vegetarianism with a fun and engaging story featuring a dinosaur who prefers carrots over meat.

The Tale of a Toothbrush

By M. G. Leonard (Author) & Daniel Rieley (Illustrator)

Age: 3–9, picture book.

Explores the journey of a toothbrush and raises awareness about plastic waste, sustainable choices, and environmental responsibility.

The Last Wild

By Piers Torday

Age: 9-11, novel.

A gripping novel where a young girl fights to save the remaining wildlife in a world where nature is nearly extinct.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

By William Kamkwamba

Age: 10+, book and film

Based on a true story, a young Malawian boy builds a windmill to generate electricity, showcasing the power of innovation and determination.

The Boy Who Grew A Tree

By Polly Ho-Yen (Author) & Sojung Kim-McCarthy (Illustrator)

Age: 5-8, novel.

A diverse novel about a boy’s journey to combat deforestation and create a sustainable future through the power of planting trees.

The Boy Who Grew A Forest

By Sophia Gholz (Author) & Kayla Harren (Illustrator)

Age: 5–8, picture book.

Based on a true story, a boy’s determination to reforest a barren land showcases the power of individual action and environmental stewardship.

Somebody Swallowed Stanley

By Sarah Roberts (Author) & Hannah Peck (Illustrator)

Age: 3–5, picture book.

Follows Stanley, a plastic bag, as he journeys through the ocean, highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution to marine life.