Given that today is Earth Day, I thought it fitting to share some favorite picture books celebrating prominent individuals who’ve done their part to inspire greater appreciation and protection for our natural resources.
Read on for delightful picture books about Rachel Carson, John Muir, President Teddy Roosevelt, Jane Goodall, and Mardy Murie. You’ll also find a picture book written by the grandson of Jacques Cousteau, Philippe Cousteau and a book about Farmer Tantoh, an inspirational man from Cameroon, Africa who assists his community in obtaining fresh water.
It’s exciting to read and enjoy these books with your children. And even more thrilling to note, that the great works accomplished by these folks started with a childhood love of the great outdoors.
Spring after Spring: How Rachel Carson Inspired the
Environmental Movement
by Stephanie Roth Sisson
Starting with the joys of spring when Rachel is a young girl, this book is an ode to the seasons and enjoying what nature has to offer all year round. Readers will learn about how Rachel decided to study biology in college and became a scientist and an author whose ground-breaking book Silent Spring changed the way we think about chemical hazards in our ecosystem.
Recommended for 4-8 years
Find it in the library catalog Here
Wildheart: The Daring Adventures of John Muir
written by Julie Bertagna, illustrated by William Goldsmith
A delightfully energetic graphic novel chronicling the life of John Muir, from his childhood in Scotland, to his trip across the ocean to live in the United States, homesteading in Wisconsin, and his great adventures in this country which helped establish our National Parks system.
Recommended for Grades 3-7
Find it in the library catalog Here
The Camping Trip that Changed America:
Theodore Roosevelt, John Muir and our National Parks
written by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
The year is 1903 and President Theodore Roosevelt is intrigued by the writings of John Muir, especially by Muir’s plea to help save the trees and preserve wildlands in our country. The President contacts Muir and the two of them go on a legendary camping trip in the area that is now known as Yosemite National Park. Informative, humorous and beautifully illustrated, don’t miss this one!
Recommended for grades K- 3rd grade
Find it in the library catalog Here
Me . . . Jane
by Patrick McDonnell
A charming picture book about Jane Goodall as a child. With her constant companion, “Jubilee,” a toy stuffed chimpanzee, young Jane explores her backyard, observing plant and animal life. Young children will love the lively illustrations and enjoy seeing Jane as an endearing, curious child. Recommended as a great read-aloud for younger children or read-alone for children 8 and younger.
Find it in the library catalog Here
Mardy Murie Did!
Written by Jequita Potts McDaniel, illustrated by Jon Van Zyle
Mardy Murie, also known as the “Grandmother of Conservation” was born in Alaska, but lived most of her life in Wyoming where she worked tirelessly for wilderness preservation. Mardy Murie Did! is a beautifully illustrated book told with rhythm and repetition extoling Mardy’s great outdoor adventures and accomplishments.
Recommended for grades K-grade 2
Find it in the library catalog Here
Follow the Moon Home
written by Philippe Cousteau, illustrated by Meilo So
When young Vivienne moves to a new community on the coast of South Carolina, she wonders how she’ll fit it. It’s not long before her teacher inspires the class to look for a problem to solve in the community that Viv discovers loggerhead sea turtles are hatching on the beach and need their help. Written by Jacques Cousteau’s grandson, Philippe Cousteau, this fictional story is about a community coming together to help the environment.
Recommended for grades K-3rd grade.
Find it in the library catalog Here
I am Farmer: Growing an Environmental Movement in Cameroon
written by Baptiste & Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
Tantoh, a young boy growing up in Cameroon, Africa is given the nickname “Farmer” by his classmates. They mean to disgrace him for his love of dirt and plants because they think anyone with those kinds of interests won’t amount to much in life, but Tantoh embraces his nickname and grows up to be an influential problem-solver in his community and other places in Africa. This is a great, true story. It’s informative and inspiring.
Recommended for grades 2-5.
Find it in the library catalog Here