Here are 6 books that can provide a comprehensive look at environmentalism, from its foundations to its importance.
Greta Thunberg's name is everywhere, and you can easily find books about her for any age. I offering a slightly different approach to the topic of climate change here, a more holistic one. I have selected books that, together, present a broad picture of how all life is interconnected, how flora and fauna change over time in reaction to one another, and how we humans are affecting the environment in ways that have unintended consequences. Taken together, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of environmentalism and will likely feel inspired to act (we certainly did after reading each of these). Taken individually, readers will learn about Humboldt, evolution, endangered animals, or extremes in nature (like the tallest, deepest, hottest places, etc.).
Each of the books below offers something unique and provides a springboard for conversations about conservation. I hope that these prove as fascinating and educational for you as they did for us.
My Friend Earth
By Patricia MacLachlan and Francesca Sanna
Expected publication by Chronicle Books: February 25, 2020
A magical description of the seasons. "My Friend Earth" wakes from her winter slumber to chirping birds and silent spiders. She then moves gracefully through the world, changing the seasons. She "tends the prairie where sun-dappled wild horses run..," pours rain, blows wind, and settles back to sleep. Pages are laser cut to flow into one another. My Friend Earth is a love letter to forces of nature. Readers will be enchanted.
The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt
By Andrea Wulf and Lillian Melcher
Published by Pantheon Books, 2019
Many consider Humboldt the father of environmentalism. He introduced to Europeans the idea that all of nature is interconnected. He warned that if we decimate populations, engage in deforestation, or change topography, we will produce far-reaching, detrimental effects. Readers of this exciting graphic novel can accompany him on the explorations that led him to this understanding. T and I reviewed it in more depth here. The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt is a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to the foundations of environmentalism.
Life on Earth: The Story of Evolution
By Steve Jenkins
Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2002
The evolution of life on earth is outlined. Fans of Jenkins will be pleased with his artistry and succinct explanations of how microscopic bacteria over 3 million years ago led to plants, dinosaurs, mammals, and us. Jenkins proceeds to explain survival of the fittest, Darwin's theory of evolution. The large print, specific examples, and vivid illustrations will appeal to young readers, setting the stage for the chilling revelation that we are currently living through a mass extinction, brought on by our own actions. If this is not an eye opener, then I don't know what is.
Survival
By Louise McNaught and Anna Claybourne
Published by Running Press Kids, 2018 in conjunction with Tusk
Survival presents us with 20 endangered animals, describing the animals' appearance and habits as well as the causes for their vulnerability. With a foreword from the Tusk charity and an introduction to conservation, this is an excellent introduction for young readers. McNaught's portraits are stunning, full-page animal faces against bright backdrops. It is hard to look away. The final section of Survival outlines concrete steps to help endangered animals.
Extra: Tusk is a charity for the protection of African wildlife. You can visit their website www.tusk.org
A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals
By Millie Marotta
Published by Chronicle Books, 2019
Breathtaking. Literally breathtaking. As I first flipped through this book, my jaw dropped. That's from the artwork. Then I started reading. Lyrical descriptions bring each animal to life, transporting the reader around the globe, from forests to deserts to grassland and beyond. Highlights for us include the pika, the Gobi bear, and the Takahe. We learned about the animals' habitats, habits, and plights. A Wild Child's Guide to Endangered Animals is a remarkable publication.
Back matter includes a map showing the locations of all animals, a glossary of the threats to each animal, and a "How Can You Help?" list of concrete actions. Don't forget to look at the end paper – it's all extinct species.
FYI: Wild Child's Guide and Survival are not redundant; they complement each other beautifully.
Adventures on Earth
By Simon Tyler
Published by Pavilion Children's Books, 2019
Following explorers from different eras and backgrounds to extreme locations all around the globe, readers will glean a new understanding of the Earth. The book is divided by topic, such as mountains or caves. Tyler introduces the geographical feature, alongside native fauna, and proceeds to outline noteworthy explorations. For example, the section on caves and chasms includes an explanation of how caves are formed and used by people and animals. Readers will meet Edouard-Alfred Martel, who developed "caving" as an activity in the nineteenth century, and explore rock, ice, and underwater caves. Throughout the book, thematic vocabulary is introduced in all caps. The effect of climate change on different regions is noted; an entire section is devoted to the protection of forest ecosystems. In contrast to two books above, Adventures on Earth focuses on the natural environment rather than its inhabitants. This is perfect for readers who are interested in world records or geography or adventures.
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Note: Review copies were provided by the publishing houses in exchange for honest reviews.
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