I found a list of children’s books in my latest issue of Cookie magazine and there were two books that were recommended about the environment. Since my son loves the library so much we stopped by last night to see if they had them. Of course we had to read them as soon as we got home and he really liked both of them. Here is the information on the books; check them out next time you’re at the library.
The Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton:
This book was written way before it’s time back in 1942 and has achieved the Caldecott Award as well. It’s about a little house in the country who sees the city off in the distance and wonders what it might be like to live in the city. After many years the urban sprawl has made it’s way to the country where the little house lived. My little guy thought it was a cute story, a little sad at times, but with a happy ending for the little house.
The Raft, by Jim LaMarche:
This one was a little long but if you have the time I would recommend it. It was about a city boy going to spend a summer with his Gramma who lived on a river. He goes from being bored to finding things in nature to occupy his time. By the end of the story he has bonded with nature and all of the animals he encountered on the river. I was afraid it was too long for my almost 5 yr old but it kept his attention for the entire time.
Both books were rated for young children 3-7 yrs old.
I also found another book; Good Earth Art, by MaryAnn Kohl and Cindy Gainer. This one has environmental arts and crafts project for kids 3-9 yrs old. I promised my son we’d do a few project today when he came home from school. Of course I’m not sure he gets the concept of being an environmental steward yet. Last night when he was thumbing through the book he saw a project using twigs and pieces from trees and said “Mommy, can we go cut down a tree and make that project?” I guess I still have a lot of work to do with him.
What are some of your favorite environmental books?

Leave a Reply