Browse some great titles that tackle issues surrounding our environment and natural world. Curated by our TRC Student Assistants Phoua Lee and Ally Gonzalez
Plant the tiny seedPlant a seed to watch it grow. Press on the cloud to make it rain. Jiggle the book to scatter the seeds. Interactive text teaches very young children how flowers sprout and mature. Contains watercolor depictions of a flower in various stages of growth.
Tap the magic treeInvites the reader to tap, rub, touch, and wiggle illustrations to make an apple tree bloom, produce fruit, and lose its leaves.
If you plant a seedWhile planting seeds in their garden, two animals learn the value of kindness.
Pretty tricky : the sneaky ways plants survive
Readers are introduced to a variety of plants from around the world that use trickery to survive and thrive.
The LoraxThe Once-ler describes the results of the local pollution problem.
BotanicumShowcases dozens of full-color plants from around the world in a gallery format, complemented by identification information and brief descriptions.
Plants can't sit still
Describes some ways in which plants can move, from sunflowers turning towards sunlight and vines creeping up a fence to tulips folding in at night and maple seeds whirling like helicopters in the wind.
What grew in Larry's garden
When Larry's neighbor adds a section to his fence that blocks out the sunlight his garden needs to thrive, Larry and Grace need to solve the biggest problem they've encountered yet.
Panda bear, panda bear, what do you see?Illustrations and rhyming text present ten different endangered animals.
Farewell to Shady Glade
When monstrous work machines from the city come and destroy Shady Glade, the animals hop a train to find a new place to live. Bulldozers push the raccoon and his friends from their home, but they are able to find a new one after a terrifying train ride.
Mister SeahorseAfter Mrs. Seahorse lays her eggs on Mr. Seahorse's belly, he drifts through the water, greeting other fish fathers who are taking care of their eggs
Little Turtle and the changing seaLittle Turtle loves her ocean home. Year after year, she travels to the beach where she was born, and along the way, she marvels at the wonderful sights around her. But during one journey, when she's older and bigger, Turtle notices that things look different in her ocean. Plastic bags and other pieces of garbage have been dropped into the water, and Turtle doesn't recognize her home anymore. Can anything--or anyone--save Turtle's beloved home?
If you are a Kaka, you eat doo-doo : and other poop tales from natureThis illustrated picturebook explores the many ways in which birds, lizards, sloths, insects, wombats, and other animals use poop--their own or that of other animals. Brief, illustrated sidebars offer additional natural history details about the animals pictured, and the book's backmatter includes a glossary, ranges and Latin names of all the animals in the book, and an appendix exploring possible uses for human poop--including jet fuel.
The illustrated encyclopaedia of ugly animalsMarvel as you enter the fascinating hidden world of ugly animals in this encyclopaedia of the animal kingdom's most unusual and beauty-challenged species. It's time for ugly animals to shine! With more than sixty ugly animals to explore, this compendium of the unusual celebrates the beauty in 'ugliness'. Children and adults alike will pore over the breathtaking scientific illustrations of unusual animals, debating their relative ugliness and merits, learning about science and nature along the way. Featuring illustrations and facts about the thorniest species the animal kingdom has to offer, from the naked mole rat to the goblin shark, aye-aye, sphinx cat, blobfish and many more 'ugly' beauties.
Wild at heart : mustangs and the young people fighting to save them"Wild horses thrived for thousands of generations in the mountains, forests, and deserts of the American West. Their family herds existed in environmental harmony until man chose to "manage" them. Since then, every day more of America's wild horses disappear. But courageous people are trying very hard to reverse this, most notably, young people who feel a kinship with these often misunderstood creatures."
Tohorā : the southern right whaleOnce, the mighty tohorā , or southern right whale, was a common sight in winter off the coast of Aotearoa. But it proved to be an easy target for the early whalers, and was soon driven to the edge of extinction. In the twentieth century, however, it became a protected species, and once commercial whaling was virtually stopped, the southern right whale made a comeback. Ned Barraud recounts this moving story in this ... book, a heartening and optimistic tale for every New Zealand child"
Hold on! : saving the spotted handfish
Have you ever seen a fish that could do a handstand? This is the story of a quirky and primitive little fish that is famous for two things: walking on its 'hands' (pectoral fins), and being the first marine fish anywhere in the word to be listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Spotted Handfish has survived since the time of the dinosaurs - until now. Invasive sea stars, pollution and climate change mean that this unique Australian is in real trouble - raise your hand if you want to know more!
Parrots over Puerto Rico
A combined history of the Puerto Rican parrot and the island of Puerto Rico, highlighting current efforts to save the Puerto Rican parrot by protecting and managing this endangered species
1,001 creatures
With fun facts and captivating illustrations, 1,001 Creatures explores the diversity of the animal world and its ecosystems.
If you take away the otter
On the Pacific Coast of North America, sea otters play, dive, and hunt for sea urchins, crabs, abalone, and fish in the lush kelp forests beneath the waves. But there was a time when people hunted the otters almost to extinction.
Otters love to play
"Ka-splash! "Head to the river, where a frolicsome bunch of otters plays all year round in a nonfiction story sprinkled with facts and loaded with fun
Squirrels leap, squirrels sleep
Discover different kinds of squirrels as they scamper, eat, and--finally--sleep
Animals by the numbers : a book of infographics
How many species are there across the globe? How much do all of the insects in the world collectively weigh? How far can animals travel? Steve Jenkins answers these questions and many more with numbers, images, innovation, and authoritative science in his latest work of illustrated nonfiction.
The animal book : a visual encyclopedia of life on Earth
This children's reference guide welcomes you to the animal kingdom where you can meet more than 1,500 species, ranging from ants to zebras and everything in between
Packs : strength in numbersA full-color, exquisitely illustrated celebration of animals who live in packs, herds, pods, and more. Packs shows how togetherness and teamwork help many creatures thrive.
Good trick, walking stick!
Walking sticks are among the world's most fascinating insects. And one many children can find right in their backyards!
Bees : a honeyed history
One part science, one part cultural history, and countless parts fascination, Bees celebrates the important role that these intriguing insects have played in our ecosystem throughout the ages
BugsInformation about and images of bugs, for beginner readers
The beetle book
An illustrated introduction to a variety of beetle species with information on unique characteristics and how these insects have adapted to survive.
Honeybee : the busy life of Apis mellifera
Describes the life cycle of the hard-working honeybee.
The butterfly houseStep inside the butterfly house, where wonderful, winged insects await. Spot the sleepy oranges mud-puddling, the monarchs migrating, or the green swallowtail beating its shimmering wings.
Butterflies belong here : a story of one idea, thirty kids, and a world of butterflies
A creative nonfiction story of an immigrant girl explaining how she learned English by reading about Monarch butterflies, and how, troubled by their decline, she got her classmates and neighbors together to build a butterfly garden.
Unseen worlds : real-life microscopic creatures hiding all around us
Discover some of the smallest - and strangest - creatures on Earth! From jelly-like amoebae to predatory centipedes, squirming worms, and millions of mites, microscopic creatures are everywhere you can think of.
Do not lick this book* : *it's full of germs
in is a microbe. She is small. Very small. In fact, so small that you'd need to look through a microscope to see her. Or you can simply open this book and take Min on an adventure to amazing places she's never seen before
A shot in the arm!Beginning with smallpox-perhaps humankind's greatest affliction to date-and concluding with an overview of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brown traces the evolution of vaccines and examines deadly diseases such as measles, polio, anthrax, rabies, cholera, and influenza.
There's a zoo on you!
Describes the variety of microorganisms that inhabit the human body, especially the ones that are harmless or helpful, and how we interact with them in various ways.
Protists : algae, amoebas, plankton, and other protists
Learn about such exotic organisms as algae, dinoflagellates, radiolarians, amoebae, and slime molds--all of them protists.
The universe in you : a microscopic journey
A book exploring the world of the very small, delving deep into the microscopic spaces just beneath our skin
Dear Little OneThis lyrical picture book celebrates all the wonder and beauty in the natural world, featuring Mother Nature personified. From the treasure of flowers to the mystery of insects this book encourages children to explore their world and be grateful for all that surrounds them
Hello, Earth! : poems to our planetWe walk on Earth's surface every day, but how often do we wonder about the incredible planet around us? From the molten cracks below to the shimmering moon above, Hello, Earth! explores the wonders of the natural world. This playful journey across our puzzle-piece continents does not hesitate to ask questions--even of the Earth itself! ... The book concludes with extensive scientific material to foster further learning about how the earth works, from water cycles to plate tectonics to the origin of ocean tides
What are natural structures?Discusses natural structures ranging in size from a seedling to canyons and human-made structures that mimic nature.
Lifetime the amazing numbers in animal lives
A counting primer that combines contrasting illustrations with animal facts, inviting young children to count a woodpecker's 30 roosting holes, a giraffe's 200 spots, and 1000 baby seahorses.
Brother eagle, sister sky : a message from Chief Seattle
A Suquamish Indian chief describes his people's respect and love for the earth, and concern for its destruction.
Nature and me : a guide to the joys and excitements of the outdoorsChildren are used to hearing about how important it is to protect nature, but they may not fully understand how the natural world can positively impact their emotional wellbeing. With that in mind, this book looks to show children how nature can be fun, uplifting, consoling and even offer companionship.
Earth's vanishing forestsDiscusses the ecology of rain forests, the problem posed by the present danger to rain forests, and possibilities for the future.
Wildlife of AotearoaLong before waka touched Aotearoa's shores, the land of the long white cloud was home to an array of creatures uniquely adapted to its environments and protected by its isolation. Encounter New Zealand's incredible wildlife in this spectacular visual exploration. Journey through ocean, sky and land to meet a marvellous range of organisms. Discover fascinating facts, and learn how we influence the survival of our living treasures
The boreal forest : a year in the world's largest land biome
The boreal forest is our planet's largest land biome. A scarf around the neck of the world, it spans a dozen countries, from Canada to the mountain peaks of Japan. Parts of the biome are so remote, few humans have ever seen them. But the forest plays a vital role on our planet. It is home to an incredible diversity of species. Its trees clean our air, and its wetlands clean our water.
Under earth : under waterDive below the surface and find out what happens under earth and under sea--from early submarines and deep-sea life to burrowing animals and man-made tunnels. You will never look at the world in the same way again!
Wilderness : Earth's amazing habitats
Through fantastic illustrations, you will get to know sixteen natural landscapes that are home to countless species of animals and plants.
50 simple things kids can do to save the earthExplains how specific things in a child's environment are connected to the rest of the world, how using them affects the planet, and how the individual can develop habits and projects that are environmentally sound.
You can change the world : the kids' guide to a better planet
Kids around the world are working together to make our planet a better, safer, happier place--and now you can join in with this practical guide!You Can Change the World empowers kids to make changes in their lives and communities with the powerful message that anyone can make a difference in the world. This colorfully illustrated book is packed with information, ideas, and activities for everyday sustainability--like mending clothes, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics. Interspersed throughout are features on children around the globe who are making a difference, such as Greta Thunberg or Solli Raphael, reminding kids that ordinary people can spark extraordinary change.
Old enough to save the planet
Meet kids just like you taking action against climate change. Learn about the work they do and discover how the future of our planet starts here ... with you.
Stand up! Speak up! : a story inspired by the Climate Change RevolutionCelebrate young climate change activists in this charming story about an empowered girl who shows up, listens up, and ultimately, speaks up to inspire her community to take action against climate change. After attending a climate march, a young activist is motivated to make an effort and do her part to help the planet ... by organizing volunteers to work to make green changes in their community, from cleaning a lake, to planting trees, to making composting bins, to hosting a clothing swap and more! Here is an uplifting picture book that is an important reminder that no change is too small--and no person is too young--to make a difference.
Miss Fox's class goes green
The students in Miss Fox's class lead their school in making choices to help keep the planet healthy, such as turning off lights when leaving a room, taking shorter showers, and using cloth bags instead of plastic ones.
The story of more : how we got to climate change and where to go from here : adapted for young adults
Jahren takes us through the science behind the key inventions that, even as they help us, release untenable amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. She explains the current and projected consequences of greenhouse gases, and shares the science-based tools that could help us fight back.
Evelyn the adventurous entomologist : the true story of a world-traveling bug hunter
Introduces readers to Evelyn Cheesman who forged her own path at a time when women rarely went to college, much less worked as veterinarians or entomologists.
Marjory saves the Everglades
Marjory Stoneman Douglas didn't intend to write about the Everglades but when she returned to Florida from World War I, she hardly recognized the place that was her home. The Florida that Marjory knew was rapidly disappearing--the rare orchids, magnificent birds, and massive trees disappearing with it. Marjory couldn't sit back and watch her home be destroyed--she had to do something. Thanks to Marjory, a part of the Everglades became a national park and the first park not created for sightseeing, but for the benefit of animals and plants. Without Marjory, the part of her home that she loved so much would have been destroyed instead of the protected wildlife reserve it has become today.
Small wonders : Jean-Henri Fabre & his world of insects
Meet Jean-Henri Fabre, one of the most important naturalists of all time, whose own life was as unusual as the lives of the creatures he studied.
John Muir : America's first environmentalist
A biography of John Muir, naturalist and founder of the Sierra Club, whose travels, speeches and writings led directly to the creation of the Yosemite National Park in 1890 and other national parks that followed.
Darwin's rival : Alfred Russel Wallace and the search for evolution
Everyone knows Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist who proposed a theory of evolution. But not everyone knows the story of Alfred Russel Wallace, Darwin's friend and rival who simultaneously discovered the process of natural selection.
Darwin : an exceptional voyage
When the young amateur naturalist Charles Darwin boarded the HMS Beagle in 1831, he had no idea what lay in store on his five-year voyage across the world. This long, perilous exploration was a journey that changed a man, and in doing so, the course of science itself
New Zealand nature heroes
New Zealand Nature Heroes is designed to inspire and empower New Zealand kids to be naturalists and conservationists. The book features stories of 15 different nature heroes, people, who, in the past, or currently, are working to protect and understand New Zealand's natural world.
When Sue found Sue : Sue Hendrickson discovers her T. rex
In 1990, at a dig in South Dakota, Sue made her biggest discovery to date: Sue the T. rex, the largest and most complete T. rex skeleton ever unearthed.
Barnum's bones : how Barnum Brown discovered the most famous dinosaur in the world
Documents the work of an early twentieth-century paleontologist, named after the famous circus icon by his ambitious parents, who grew up to work for the American Museum of Natural History and discovered the first documented skeletons of the Tyrannosaurus Rex and other noteworthy species.
Night walk to the sea : a story about Rachel Carson, Earth's protector
One night after a storm, environmental activist Rachel Carson takes her nephew Roger out for a walk by the sea. Includes notes about Rachel Carson, the story, and bioluminescence.
The boy who grew a forest : the true story of Jadav Payeng
As a boy, Jadav Payeng was distressed by the destruction deforestation and erosion was causing on his island home in India's Brahmaputra River. So he began planting trees. What began as a small thicket of bamboo, grew over the years into 1,300 acre forest filled with native plants and animals.
The bluest of blues : Anna Atkins and the first book of photographs
Fascinated with the plant life around her, Anna became a botanist. She recorded all her findings in detailed illustrations and engravings, until the invention of cyanotype photography in 1842. Anna used this new technology in order to catalogue plant specimens--a true marriage of science and art.
Moth : an evolution storyCreative nonfiction picture book explains evolution and natural selection. A newly-emerged peppered moth blends in with other speckled-winged moths on lichen-covered branches, but over time the moths with black wings increase as trees are blackened by soot from man-made machines. A light peppered moth sleeps, hidden among the lichen and bark on a tree. A black peppered moth sleeps, its dark wings standing out against the same tree's pale branches. The light moth is better camouflaged from predators. So more of the light moths will survive and pass their wing colors on to their offspring. Until one day the world starts to change. Then the moths start to change too. This true story of the peppered moth is a remarkable introduction to the scientific concepts of natural selection and evolution.
Pollen : Darwin's 130 year prediction
This pollen science book includes backmatter information on the moth, the orchid, Charles Darwin, and Lutz Wasserthal.
Amazing evolution : the journey of life
This book explores what evolution is, how it works, and who discovered its secrets. It shows the journey of life, from the very first, simple life forms that developed on Earth 3.8 billion years ago, all the way up to the incredible talking apes that inhabit the planet today, otherwise known as human beings!
The wonders of nature
This compendium of amazing rocks and minerals, microscopic life, plants, and animals will wow children and many adults, too. With 100 remarkable items from the natural world, from orchids to opals and lichens to lizards, everyone will find something to be captivated by.
Fox : a circle of life story
In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies. Her body goes back to earth and grass and air, nourishing the world around her and bringing the forest to life. Death is not just an end; it's also a beginning
NestingTwo robins build a nest together and raise their chicks, navigating a year of changing seasons and serpentine predators.
Winged wonders : solving the monarch migration mystery
Monarch butterflies swooped through and people wondered, "Where do they go?" In 1976 the world learned: after migrating, the monarchs roost by the millions in an oyamel grove in Mexico. This was a mystery that could only be solved when people worked as a team
Inside animals
In this book, there are 21 cross sections of some of the most amazing birds, bugs, and beasts in the animal kingdom
When fish got feet, sharks got teeth, and bugs began to swarm : a cartoon prehistory of life long before dinosaurs
Describes life on Earth approximately 430 million years ago.
A small history of a disagreement
Introduces young readers to the power of civil debate through a story about some upper-elementary-aged Chilean students who are divided on the issue of whether a much-loved old monkey puzzle tree should be cut down to make room for new science classrooms and computer labs at their school. Includes monkey puzzle tree facts.
We are water protectorsInspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade. Water is the first medicine. It affects and connects us all. When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people's water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.
Stuff! : reduce, reuse, recyclePinch is a pack rat who does not want to give up the possessions that are cluttering his house, but when he finally is persuaded to sell them at a neighborhood tag sale, he discovers the beauty of recycling. Includes tips on "reducing, reusing, and recycling."
Buried sunlight : how fossil fuels have changed the Earth
Bang and Chisholm present a clear, concise explanation of the fossil-fuel energy cycle that began with the sun and now runs most of the manufacturing, transportation, and energy use in our world.
Something stinks!Dead fish are washing ashore on the Higdon River, and seventh grader Emily Sanders decides to find out why. Mocked by fellow students and abandoned by her best friend, Emily investigates farms, a golf course, and local factories. Gradually she persuades friends to help her test the waters. Their investigations lead them into trouble with the law and confrontation with the town's most powerful citizen. Can a handful of determined seventh graders find out the true source of the stink in the Higdon River?
The end of the wildEleven-year-old Fern helps to take care of her impoverished family by foraging for food in the forest, but when a fracking company rolls into town, she realizes that her peaceful woods and her family's livelihood could be threatened
Home, and other big, fat liesEleven-year-old Termite, a foster child with an eye for the beauty of nature and a talent for getting into trouble, takes on the loggers in her new home town when she tries to save the biggest tree in the forest.
Hello from Renn Lake
In Wisconsin, as her adoptive parents open their lake cabins for summer visitors, twelve-year-old Annalise, abandoned as an infant and able to communicate with the lake, discovers a growing toxic algae bloom and teams up with her friends to save the beloved body of water.
Operation Redwood
In northern California, Julian Carter-Li and his friends old and new fight to save a grove of redwoods from an investment company that plans to cut them down.
Music for tigers
Middle-schooler Louisa wants to spend the summer practicing violin for a place in the youth symphony, but is instead sent to the Tasmanian rainforest camp of her Australian relatives. There she learns that her family secretly protects the last of the supposedly extinct Tasmanian tigers. When an encroaching mining operation threatens the hidden sanctuary, Louisa realizes her music can help.
Nature's art box : from t-shirts to twig baskets : 65 cool projects for crafty kids to make with natural materials you can find anywherePresents more than sixty projects made from natural materials that are available almost anywhere.
My nature craft bookProvides instructions for over thirty-five craft projects using a selection of natural materials.
Nature crafts for kidsProvides instructions for using leaves, flowers, twigs, and shells to make fifty craft projects, including kites, kaleidoscopes, and clocks.
Science adventures : nature activities for young childrenWith more than 125 activities, Science Adventures will open up an amazing world of exploration and discovery through nature activities in urban, suburban, or rural settings. Each chapter focuses on one of the standards set by the National Academy of Sciences as adapted by the authors to address the developmental and educational needs of preschoolers. The activities within each chapter progress from simple to more complex. Each activity has information on how it relates to other curriculum areas, plus an assessment component and related science standards. Many of the activities feature suggestions for including families, adaptations for ESL students, modifications for children with special needs, or appropriate ways to use technology with young children. Children need to explore their environments, and this book makes it an adventure!
Ecology crafts for kids : 50 great ways to make friends with planet earth
Provides instructions for a variety of craft activities using recycled materials or items from nature and teaching a respect for the environment.
Organic crafts : 75 Earth-friendly art activities
Learn with fun-filled craft activities about reusing, reducing, and recycling.
The kids' natural history book : making dinos, fossils, mammoths & more!
Common shell families
Skull bird toucanThe toucan is native to parts of central and eastern South America. They can be found in semi-open areas with more scattered trees. The toucan has distinctive coloring, with a black body, white throat, and bright orange and yellow beak
Comparison of wildlife scatDisplay containing wildlife scats that has been freeze-dried from across North America.
Pinecone & seedpod setThe set features 10 various pine cones and seedpods that can be found in the forest.
Animal track replicasTracks include: muskrat, deer, squirrel, skunk, fox, beaver, wood chuck, raccoon, coyote, mountain lion, opossum, bobcat, rabbit, weasel, young black bear, and wolf.
BacteriaThese models are highly detailed, scientifically accurate reference models to help you study cell and microbiology.
Water cycle modelWith the application of ice and a lamp, the model demonstrated the principles of evaporation and condensation as they operate in the environment on the water cycle.
Twig identification kit
Leaf identification kit
Plant & animal cell model activity setModels illustrate features of a typical eukaryotic plant cell and an animal cell.
Venomous creatures toobThe set features models of some of the most venomous species in the world.
Endangered species - land toobThe set features endangered animals which has been categorized as very likely to become extinct.
Ostrich egg, texturedOstrich egg with a textured, glossy surface.
North American wildlife toob
Predator-prey skull setThis set of replica skulls aids in the demonstration and investigation of the anatomical differences and the relationship between predators and prey with five natural skulls from a coyote, bobcat, rabbit, squirrel, and turkey.