This World Environment Day on June 5, we are celebrating stories that foster a love of nature, promote conversations about sustainability, and inspire curiosity about our surroundings. Whether it's exploring rock pools, appreciating the beauty of nature, reducing plastic use, or learning to tread more lightly on the Earth, the books we've curated invite children to notice, wonder, and care.
Our own book, Mornington Peninsula ABC: An Alphabet Adventure, connects children to their local environment, featuring pages that highlight local wildlife, places to explore, and a respectful acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land, the Bunurong people, from whom we can learn so much about caring for country.
In addition to our book, many other beautiful stories encourage discussions about looking after the places we cherish and, more broadly, about caring for Mother Nature. While this list is not exhaustive, I hope it provides you with some book ideas to consider adding to your reading lists and bookshelves. We've included local stockists or alternative links wherever possible, but don't forget that our local libraries or bookstores can often order any book that isn't currently on the shelf!
Love, The Earth by Frances Stickley & Tim Hopgood. A vibrant, rhyming love letter from Earth herself, this is a heartfelt reminder of the beauty, wonder, and generosity our planet offers every day. It’s lyrical, lush, and full of heart. A beautiful addition to any World Environment Day, Earth Day or everyday bookshelf. Grab yours here.
Save the Gum Trees, Bees, and Big Blue Seas by Luke John Matthew Arnold has just been released. From the glimpses I've seen so far, it looks like a bold and vibrant celebration of our land, animals, and oceans. With its energetic text and striking illustrations, this book serves as a colorful call to action for young environmentalists. I'm sure it will be available at our libraries and bookstores soon, so keep an eye out for it!
Mornington Peninsula ABC: An Alphabet Adventure by Lyndall Underwood and Connah Brecon celebrates the Mornington Peninsula from A through to Z. It's a local adventure that inspires exploration and sparks connection to the places and creatures we live alongside. From Eastern Grey Kangaroos that can be spotted on easy local walks, to our rockpools, beaches and national parks, it's the kind of book that gently builds a bond with nature close to home. Find it at one of our local stockists or shop here.
Wild Australia: Marine and National Parks by Brentos is a dreamy picture book filled with pastel hues, offering a guided tour through Australia’s marine and national parks. It celebrates the country's incredible biodiversity and natural beauty. From the striking red landscapes of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to the serene waters of Lord Howe Island Marine Park, each page of Wild Australia highlights a unique park, its traditional country, and the plants and wildlife that inhabit it. A longtime fan of Brentos, I appreciate how he captures Australia's natural environments in his signature style, presenting them like you've never seen before. You can grab a copy of this at Antipodes Gallery Bookshop in Sorrento.
The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord and Julia Blattman. Told in rhythmic, cumulative verse, this powerful book starts by painting a grim picture of ocean pollution, but turns hopeful as kids in the story start to make changes. A standout for its educational value and inspiring message. Locally, you'll need to ask one of our local bookshops to order this one in. Otherwise, you can grab a copy here.
This Class Can Save the Planet by Stacy Tornio and Kristen Brittain is an engaging and easy-to-read book written as a letter from one classroom to another. It shares eco-friendly changes that kids can make in their daily lives. I found it particularly resonant because I have always been concerned about the unused school books and supplies that come home each year, along with a new list of replacements. I am grateful to now be at a school that values using leftover resources from one year for the next.
The book is filled with practical ideas, such as using both sides of paper, composting food scraps, and making glue from kitchen supplies. It is both inspiring and actionable. While its focus is on the United States, the messaging is just as applicable here. There's also a delightful read-along version narrated beautifully by an 8-year-old student, or you can purchase a copy here.
Say No to Plastic by Ned and Shane Heaton, and Tamzin Barber invites readers to join Heidi the PIEDY and her friends as they journey from the beach to the global stage to raise awareness about plastic pollution. This charming, rhyming book is perfect for helping young children understand that their voices matter. But what stands out for me, is that this book was created by a father-and-son duo. And no ordinary father and son. Ned, at just 11 years old, was on a mission to reduce ocean plastics. He started his own business, The Turtle Tribe, which has grown to become one of the largest suppliers of bamboo toothbrushes in Australia within just four years. His rhyming children's picture book "Say No to Plastic!," aims to educate and empower other young children to follow his example and use their voices to create a positive impact in the world. Available here
Jelly-Boy by Nicole Godwin & Christopher Nielsen is a humorous and clever underwater love story about a jellyfish that falls in love with a plastic bag. This creative twist on the issue of plastic pollution in the ocean makes it memorable and accessible, even for the youngest readers. I love the colourful illustrations in this book. It's available through our Mornington Peninsula Libraries. Click here to borrow it!
The Odd Fish. This story is by the husband-and-wife duo, Naomi Jones and James Jones. It follows Little Fish and her family as they encounter an unusual new fish -made of plastic - bobbing along on its own. They set off to help it find its way. As they navigate their underwater world, they discover other sea creatures in need, such as a turtle with a tummy ache and an octopus with tangled tentacles. Clever readers will notice that there's one thing connecting all these encounters: plastic.
This warm and whimsical tale gently opens up important environmental conversations in a playful and engaging manner. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, and the message is clear: plastic doesn’t belong in the sea.
Young readers will enjoy spotting “Odd Fish” throughout the story, which provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce big-picture ideas such as pollution, caring for marine life, and what we can do to help.
Here's a little tip: If you'd like to hear the story read aloud, the author's dad does a delightful reading complete with character voices—watch it on YouTube! Try one of our local bookshops to order it in, or buy here.
Be A Nature Explorer! by Peter Wohlleben and Belle Wuthrich. For kids aged 6 to 10 and from the bestselling author of The Hidden Life of Trees, this activity-filled guide invites kids to press flowers, build a boat, or search for spiders, all while growing their love for the outdoors. Low-prep, hands-on and year-round. You can grab a copy here
What a Waste: Trash, Recycling and Protecting Our Planet by Jess French. Ever wondered what happens to the things we throw away? This engaging and educational book is a visual feast, breaking down recycling, waste and sustainability in ways kids can truly understand. Perfect for starting big conversations. You can borrow this one from one of our local libraries
Footprint by Phil Cummings & Sally Soweol Han. This lyrical, poetic book invites children to reflect on the mark we leave on the world. With soft, stunning illustrations, it gently asks young readers to explore freely, but tread mindfully. A lovely, quiet read with lasting impact. You can grab a copy at Antipodes Bookshop in Sorrento.
"Somebody Swallowed Stanley" by Sarah Roberts tells the story of Stanley, who looks like a jellyfish but is actually a plastic bag. The narrative follows Stanley as he is mistaken for food by a whale, a turtle, and other sea creatures. This beautifully illustrated book introduces the important topic of plastic waste through engaging rhymes and vibrant sea life. You can purchase a copy here or check with a local bookstore to see if they can order it for you.
All of these titles provide opportunities for meaningful conversations, imaginative play, and straightforward actions that children can take to honor and protect our Earth. We hope this list inspires a love for Mother Nature, both locally and globally and encourages special discussions with your little ones around the small steps we can all take to help safeguard our planet.
Let us know if you have a favourite in here.
