Nurturing a Love for Nature:
Six Picturebooks About Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the incredible variety of life on Earth, encompassing the vast array of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that inhabit our planet. It includes everything from the tiniest insects to the largest mammals and is crucial for the health and resilience of ecosystems. Biodiversity ensures that natural environments can withstand challenges, such as climate change, and continue to provide essential services like clean air, water, and food. Understanding and appreciating biodiversity is essential, especially for young learners, to foster a sense of stewardship for the natural world.
Here are six excellent picturebooks that celebrate biodiversity in various forms, making them perfect for introducing children to the wonders of the natural world. Click on the titles to link to Climate Lit reviews and additional resources.
Berry Song by Michaela Goade (2022)
Berry Song is a beautifully illustrated story that weaves together themes of family, tradition, and the natural world. Set in the rich landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, this Caldecott Honor book follows a young girl and her grandmother as they gather berries and share stories about the land and its creatures. The book highlights the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of respecting and protecting the Earth’s resources.
Hello, Earth! by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora (2022)
Hello, Earth! is a poetic exploration of our planet’s natural wonders, from its towering mountains to its deep oceans. Minnesota author Joyce Sidman’s lyrical text, paired with Miren Asiain Lora’s stunning illustrations, invites readers to marvel at Earth’s diverse landscapes and the myriad forms of life they support. The book encourages children to develop a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by David Litchfield (2017)
In Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, Stacy McAnulty presents a fun and engaging introduction to Earth’s history, narrated by Earth itself. This playful and informative book covers the planet’s formation, the rise of different life forms, and the changes that have shaped its landscapes over billions of years. David Litchfield’s illustrations bring the narrative to life, making the history of biodiversity accessible and enjoyable for young readers.
Eco Girl by Ken Wilson-Max (2017)
Eco Girl tells the story of a young girl who learns about the importance of trees and biodiversity in her community. Through her journey, the book emphasizes the value of environmental stewardship and the role that individuals, including young people, can play in protecting our natural world. Ken Wilson-Max’s vibrant illustrations and simple text make this an inspiring read for young environmentalists.
Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd, illustrated by Abigail Halpin (2016)
Finding Wild celebrates the wildness that exists in both natural and urban settings. The book follows two children as they discover the wild in unexpected places, from city parks to forests. Abigail Halpin’s lush illustrations capture the beauty and diversity of the natural world. At the same time, Megan Wagner Lloyd’s poetic text encourages readers to seek out and appreciate the wild, wherever they may find it. This book is featured in Climate Literacy in Education’s curriculum guide: “Patch of Dirt: Eleven Picturebooks and a Plug for Nearby Nature.”
Coral Reefs by Jason Chin (2011)
In Coral Reefs, Caldecott-winning illustrator and author Jason Chin masterfully combines science and art to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems. The book vividly portrays the complex and diverse life forms that make coral reefs their home, illustrating how these ecosystems function and why they are vital to our planet’s health. Through captivating illustrations and accessible text, children learn about the interdependence of species and the importance of preserving these fragile habitats.
Using These Books in the Classroom
These picturebooks offer a rich resource for educators to introduce young learners to biodiversity, part of the Next Generation Science Standards. By incorporating these books into classroom lessons, teachers can spark curiosity about the natural world, encourage discussions about the importance of protecting diverse ecosystems, and inspire students to take action in their own communities. Whether through read-aloud sessions, creative projects, or nature explorations, these books provide a meaningful way to connect children with the wonders of our planet’s biodiversity.
If you’d like to write your own entry on a book like the ones above, please visit Climate Lit to learn how to get involved!
Keywords: Ancestral Knowledge, Animism, Anthropocene, Biodiversity, BIPOC Protagonist, Black Land Stewardship, Berries, CLICK Framework, Climate Emotions, Climate Justice, Climate Literacy, Conservation, Deep Time, Deforestation, Earth Care, Earth Stewardship, Earth System, Earth’s Aliveness, Ecocentrism, Ecocide, Ecological Balance, Ecological Civilization, Ecopoetry, Ecosystems, Empathy, Environmental Justice, Extreme Weather Events, Food, Food Sovereignty, Foraging, Gaia, Human Impact, Hunter-Gatherers, Ice Ages, Indigenous Environmental Practices, Indigenous Epistemology, Indigenous Land Care, Indigenous Worldview, Industrial Pollution, Interconnectedness, Land Care, Land Ethic, Land Stewardship, Limits to Growth, Local Food, Logging, Mass Extinction, Mother Earth, Native Plants, Nature, Nearby Nature, Oil Extraction, Oil Spills, Pachamama, Permaculture, Place-Based Knowledge, Pollution, Regrowth, Sustainability, Trash, Trees, Vitalism, Volcanic Eruptions, War, Web of Life, Whaling
