Earth Day 2017

“The wealth of the nation is its air, water, soil, forests, minerals, rivers, lakes, oceans, scenic beauty, wildlife habitats and biodiversity… that’s all there is. That’s the whole economy. That’s where all the economic activity and jobs come from. These biological systems are the sustaining wealth of the world.” ~Gaylord Nelson

Gaylord Nelson, a popular political figure from Wisconsin, is the founder of Earth Day. He had the foresight to understand the need to protect our environment. On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans gathered to raise awareness about our environmental problems and demand that our elected officials see the necessity to do something about it.

This Saturday, April 22nd, we continue to celebrate Earth Day. The theme of this year’s event is Environmental and Climate Literacy.

Below are selected picture books to share with young readers to help them become more knowledgeable about our environment and to encourage them to take care of our earth’s precious gifts.

Tidy written and illustrated by Emily Gravett, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Watersong written by Tim McCanna and illustrated by Richard Smythe, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books

The Lonely Giant written and illustrated by Sophie Ambrose, Candlewick Press

Over and Under the Pond written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, Chronicle Books

One Plastic Bag: IsatouCeesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, Millbrook Press

Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter, Harcourt Children’s Books

What Does It Mean To Be Green? written by Rana DiOrio and illustrated by Chris Blair, March 4th Inc

The Curious Garden written and illustrated by Peter Brown, Little, Brown Young Readers

The Lorax written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss, Random House Children’s Books

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth written by Mary McKenna Siddals and illustrated by Ashley Wolff, Tricycle Press

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earth Day – April 22

 

Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd. We have been given a precious gift. To continue to enjoy all of Earth’s treasures, we should make it a point to celebrate Earth Day every day.

“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Its founder was U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin. You can find more about the history of Earth Day here, and check here for some great Earth Day activities for families. Below are a few of the outstanding books that are ideal for parents and teachers to share with children in celebration of Earth Day. 

Rachel Carson and Her Book that Changed the World written by Laurie Lawlor and illustrated by Laura Beingessner, Holiday House

Water Is Water A Book about the Water Cycle written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin, Roaring Book Press

One Plastic Bag Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of Gambia written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, Millbrook Press

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together … all things connect.” ~Chief Seattle

S is for Save the Planet written by Brad Herzog and illustrated by Linda Holt Ayriss, Sleeping Bear Press

If You Spent a Day with Thoreau at Walden Pond written by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Wendell Minor, Henry Holt & Company

Miss Maple’s Seeds written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler, Nancy Paulsen Books

“Sooner or later, we will have to recognize that the Earth has rights, too, to live without pollution. What mankind must know is that human beings cannot live without Mother Earth, but the planet can live without humans.” ~Evo Morales