Nature Sustainability Resources

Books on Nature Sustainability

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A Tree in the Ancient Forest by Carol Reed-Jones

The remarkable web of plants and animals living around a single old fir tree takes on a life of its own in this stunningly illustrated story. Carol Reed-Jones' repetitive, cumulative verse--a poetic technique that children universally love--aptly portrays the amazing ways in which the inhabitants depend upon one another for survival.

A Walk in the Rainforest by Kristin Joy Pratt

Each letter of the alphabet represents a plant or animal in the rainforest, providing ecological information and warnings about endangered species, deforestation, and the effects on the natives.

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

More than anything, Beatrice longs to be a schoolgirl. But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away -- a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa (which means "luck") gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, it looks as if Beatrice's dream may come true after all.

Compost Helps your Garden Grow by Shelley Rotner

Watch one family make compost for their garden. And learn how to start your own compost bin. This engaging, photo illustrated picture book captures the story of compost--from leftovers, grass clippings, and even an old jack-o'-lantern into compost for the garden. The book clearly shows that composting is good for the earth and helps us make less garbage. Additional questions and answers about composting in the back.

Corn is Maize: The Gift of the Indians by Aliki

Popcorn, corn on the cob, cornbread, tacos, tamales, and tortillas—all of these and many other good things come from one amazing plant: corn! With simple prose and beautiful illustrations, award-winning author-illustrator Aliki tells the story of how Native American farmers thousands of years ago found and nourished a wild grass plant and made corn an important part of their lives. They learned the best ways to grow and store and use its fat yellow kernels. And then they shared this knowledge with the new settlers of America.

Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor

Everybody needs a rock -- at least that's the way this particular rock hound feels about it in presenting her own highly individualistic rules for finding just the right rock for you.

Garden Wigglers: Earthworms in Your Backyard by Nancy Loewen

Why do earthworms show up on sidewalks after it rains? Find out in Nancy Loewen's Garden Wigglers: Earthworms in Your Backyard. Fun facts and activities, an anatomy diagram, and easy-to-read text introduce young scientists to the fascinating behaviors and traits of nature's gardeners --earthworms!

Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel

Fresh and funny, Michael Recycle will entertain young and old while gently imparting an important message about recycling and environmental awareness. A special section of Go Green Tips (from Michael Recycle himself) encourages all kids to become environmental superheroes.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

Barbara Cooney's story of Alice Rumphius, who longed to travel the world, live in a house by the sea, and do something to make the world more beautiful, has a timeless quality that resonates with each new generation. The countless lupines that bloom along the coast of Maine are the legacy of the real Miss Rumphius, the Lupine Lady, who scattered lupine seeds everywhere she went. Miss Rumphius received the American Book Award in the year of publication.

On the Same Day in March: A Tour of the World’s Weather by Marilyn Singer

On the same day in March...Polar bears ride on Artic ice. People in French cafes turn up their faces to the sun. Hailstones roll over Indian hillsides. Rain makes a river in Kenya.On the same day that it's icy cold in the Artic, it's foggy in Louisiana, sunny in Barbados, and blowing wild winds called willy-willies in Austrailia. In this poetic exploration of longitude and weather, with bright and detailed paintings of seventeen different places, Marilyn Singer and Frane Lessac show us what's happening from the poles to the equator—all on the same day in March.

Our Big Home: An Earth Poem by Linda Glazer

Describes the water, air, soil, sky, sun, and more shared by all living creatures on Earth.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

Through brilliant, textured cut paper collages, the story follows the progress of a mother and daughter in their backyard as they plant bulbs, seeds, and seedlings and nurture their growth into flowers. Bold, spare text and dazzling illustrations will inspire readers to take a closer look at the natural world and maybe even start a garden of their own.

Sharing Nature With Children by Joseph Bharat Cornell

Sharing Nature with Children is not just a book, but a powerful approach to raising nature awareness in children and adults. The first edition of this book sparked a worldwide revolution in nature education, and became a classic. The author, Joseph Cornell, is one of the most highly regarded nature educators in the world today. His expertise, and his irrepressible enthusiasm for the grandeur and mystery of nature, spill over onto ever page. His unique blend of knowledge and warmth creates an atmosphere for learning that is very contagious. In honor of the book's 20th Anniversary, Cornell--drawing upon his experience giving workshops worldwide--has added eight new games and revisited many others in this second edition.

Snow Toward Evening: A year in a River Valley by Josette Frank

In celebration of nature's ever-changing face, Locker's lush, color paintings exquisitely depict the ideas behind the words of 13 world-renowned poets, from Edna St. Vincent Millay and William Wordsworth to John Updike and Tony Johnston.

The Butterfly’s Treasure by Schim Schimmel

It is easy to forget that this planet with its abundance of life is truly a unique treasure in the universe. Bust this is exactly what an old, world-wise monarch butterfly has learned. Now he wants to pass his wisdom along to a young caterpillar. Through exquisite artwork and engaging storytelling artist / writer Schimm Schimmel takes us on the old monarch's yearlong journey as he encounters some of the earth's most amazing animals.

The Earth and I by Frank Asch

This is a story about a friendship that one child has with the earth. They play together. They listen to each other. They nourish each other. But when the earth is sad, the child is sad--so he finds a way to make his friend, the earth, happy. “The vibrant use of pastel colors and simple, big details in close-up perfectly communicate the tender empathy children feel towards something loved.

Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa by Jeanettte Winter

As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . .This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.

Water Dance by Thomas Locker

This is the dramatic story of an atrocity inflicted on generations of women, men, and children—the violent and capricious separation of families—and the war they waged to simply make lives with the people they loved. Written by one of today’s most exciting thinkers and writers, The Water Dancer is a propulsive, transcendent work that restores the humanity of those from whom everything was stolen.

We Were Tired of Living in a House by Liesel M. Skorpen

Sometimes, living in a house can be tiresome. So these siblings pack a bag and take a hike, to find another place. From a treehouse to a raft, a cave to a sandcastle -- each place seems perfect to them. That is, until they tumble out of the treehouse, their raft sinks, they meet the bears who already live in the cave, and the tide turns them out of their sandcastle. Like Goldilocks, these three children search until they finally find the home that's "just right" -- the very house they left in the beginning. The house with Mom and Dad!For young children, this lilting, silly book makes for a satisfying read aloud, and the illustrations, with their unusual palette and strong compositions, effortlessly bridge the gap between reality and fantasy.

Why Should I Bother about the Planet? by Susan Meredith

The hottest subjects around at the moment; mankind's effects on the planet and how we can reverse them. Subjects include: climate change, recycling, energy sources and the small differences we can all make to save our planet.

Water by Frank Asch

Water is beautiful and useful and, in its many forms, vital to life. In this lyrical companion to The Earth and I, Frank Asch encourages young readers to appreciate anew one of our most precious resources.

World Water Watch by Michelle Koch

The sea otters, green sea turtles, penguins, fur seals, polar bears, and humpback whales depicted in this book represent a sample of the many species the world over that are in danger. Young readers will learn where these creatures live, what their habits and needs are, and how human-created hazards threaten them. Full color.

50 Simple Things Kids Can do To Save the Earth by EarthWorks Group

This valuable and entertaining book shows children how specific elements of their environment--like a light switch or a toilet--are connected to the rest of the world. Clear, practical tips show kids how they can conserve energy, recycle waste, and take on important environmental projects

A Child’s Garden: 60 Ideas to Make any Garden Come Alive for Children by Molly Dannenmaier

Until recently, children played outdoors with carefree abandon after school and in the summer. Today, however, children are more likely to spend their free time indoors, watching television, playing video games, or using a computer. But children thrive in the natural world. They love to play in water and with creepy critters. They savor hideaways, can not get enough dirt and sand, and relish climbing to great hieghts. They need movement. They want to pretend and to nurture other growing things. And most of all, they learn from everything that is new and stimulating

A Natural Education: Native American Ideas and Thoughts by Stan Padilla

Stan Padilla illustrates quotations from traditional Native Americans on the importance of educating young people using the time-honored vales of The People. Good for young readers.

Berry Smudges and Leaf Prints: Finding and Making Colors from Nature by Ellen Senisi,

Note: although this book is designed for 5th or 6th grade readers, it has value as a teacher resource for hands-on class activities.

EcoArt: Earth-Friendly Art & Craft Experiences for 3 to 9 Year Olds by Laurie Carlson

The bestselling author of Kids Create! combines her intuitive sense of each child's need for self-expression and interaction with nature with her wealth of imaginative experiences. All the projects use recyclable, reusable, household materials and/or items found in nature

If You Have a Duck…: Adventures to Help Children Create a Humane World by Jean McClure

Keepers of Life: Discovering Plants Through Native American Stories and Earth Activities for Children by Caduto and Bruchac

Through 19 Native American stories and various activities, children learn the invaluable lesson that all living things are intertwined

Keepers of the Earth: Native American Stories and Environmental Activities for Children by Caduto and Bruchac

Keepers of the Night: Native American Stories and Nocturnal Activities for Children by Caduto and Bruchac

From night walks and moon reading to puppet shows and storytelling, this kid-tested resource provides users with everything necessary to learn about the nocturnal world

Native Plant Stories by Joseph Bruchas

These mythical stories draw upon legends from eighteen Native American tribes and illustrate the importance of plant life in Native American traditions

Nature’s Playground: Activities, Crafts, and Games to Encourage Children to Get Outdoors by Fiona Danks & Jo Schofield

Introducing children to the excitement of the natural world, this guide to outdoor adventure provides hours of creative, safe, and fun activities. Children will learn how to build a den from branches, make twig boats to sail across a pond, and voyage through the backyard to find tiny insects and creatures. Activities include invigorating games, natural crafts, and lively adventures, all of which are organized by season. An additional chapter also addresses safe activities for children after dark. Perfect for families, caretakers, and educators, this creative resource encourages children to turn off the television and play outside all year round

Natural Playscapes: Creating Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul by Rusty Keeler

Creating Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul You can do it. You can create extraordinary outdoor places for young children without highly complex play contraptions surrounded by a sea of wood chips or gravel... Places for children that tickle the imagination and surprise the senses...Places for young ones of all abilities to discover themselves and the world around them. This book is about a new movement in children's outdoor play areas, natural playscapes - Where the entire space and is filled with art, hills, pathways, trees, herbs, open areas, sand, water, music, and more... Where children find places to run, climb, dig, pretend, and hide, with opportunities to bellow or be silent. This magnificent 316-page resource contains close to 500 color photographs and illustrations

Sharing Nature with Children by Joseph B. Cornell

As Joseph Cornell’s classic book reached its 20th anniversary, Cornell drew upon a wealth of experience in nature education to significantly revise and expand his book. New nature games, favorites from the field and Cornell's typically insightful commentary makes the second edition of this special classic even more valuable to nature lovers world-wide. The Sharing Nature movement that Cornell pioneered has now expanded to countries all over the globe. Recommended by Boy Scouts of America, American Camping Association, National Audubon Society and many others

The Great Outdoors: Restoring Children’s Right to Play Outside by Mary S. Rivkin

For many school-age children, outdoor experiences are very limited. The author compellingly argues for ensuring that children have outdoor play and learning opportunities, describes exciting playgrounds in the U.S. and other countries, and provides practical information on safety, accessibility, and curriculum

The Wonder of It: Exploring How the World Works by Bonnie Neugebauer

Worms, Shadows, and Whirlpools: Science in the Early Childhood Classroom by Karen Worth & Sharon Grollman

Read this book and understand what a quality science program encompasses. Then see what the youngest students can do given the opportunity to explore phenomena and materials that draw upon their natural curiosity, captivate, motivate, and prepare them for ideas important to later learning.

Young Children and the Environment: Early Education for Sustainability by Julie M. Davis

Young Children and the Environment is intended for tertiary students in Early Childhood Education and as a reference for child care practitioners and primary school teachers to promote education for sustainability (EfS) from birth to 8 years. The focus is on early education services, including day care centres, kindergartens, preschools, preparatory year classrooms, and Years 1-3 in schools. The book draws on recent literature in the areas of organisational, educational and cultural change and education for environmental sustainability. Early childhood case studies and vignettes are integrated throughout to exemplify leadership in creating change for sustainability. The text refers to national and international initiatives such as 'Child Friendly Cities', 'Sustainable Schools', and 'Health Promoting Schools' and explores the existing and potential links with early childhood education.