Great Sustainable Books

Here you can find a list of some wonderful, inspirational books for children aged between 5 - 12 to help them learn about a range environmental solutions within energy, water, waste, trees, biodiversity, food and city planning.

If your school is taking part in one of our school workshops you can choose up to £50 worth of books to add to add to your school library to help consolidate the knowledge the children have learnt.

Biodiversity Books

The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth This book explains how our planet works, from its incredible ecosystems and the plants and animals that live there to the importance of biodiversity, weather cycles and more. Age: 7+	The Big Book of Blooms This book introduces young children to all kinds of colourful, carnivorous, weird and wonderful flowering plants from around the world. Age: 3-5	Betsy Buglove Saves the Bees If there’s anything to know about Betsy Buglove, it’s that, when she’s around, no bug ever has to worry about getting in trouble. Age: 3-6
Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth There are creatures on the tops of the tallest jungle trees, at the bottom of the coldest oceans, even under the feathers of birds and in boiling volcanic pools. Age: 6-8	Amazing Animal Homes Just like us, animals need a place to call home. From a beaver’s dam and a honey bee’s hive to a red ovenbird’s nest and a snail’s shell, explore the amazing homes of some incredible creatures from all over the world. Age: 3-5	Amazing Animal Journeys Non-fiction information book outlining the basic facts about migration. Illustrations and simple narrative make the book perfect for young learners. Age: 5-8
The Bear In The Stars Outlines the impact of climate change on animals, by following the white bear as she must leave her melting home to face a hot world. A story of loss, kindness and new beginnings in the context of climate change. Age: 7-11	The Lost Words An inspired book of poems, dedicated to words that have been lost, such as kingfisher, otter and dandelion. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, it is perfect to read out loud and immerse children in the beauty of nature. Age: all ages	The Wonders of Nature An educational exploration of the natural world; beautiful visuals accompany stories and facts about animals, plants, rocks and minerals. Age: 7-11
The Book of Brilliant Bugs A fascinating journey through the world of insects. Explores the variety of bugs, and their importance for our planet Educates children on the overlooked, but essential, role of insects in nature.	The Big Book of Bugs 2 Accessible and jam-packed with information, this is ideal for younger bug spotters. Age: 3-7	The Big Book of Birds Stunning illustrations complement educational and engaging facts about birds. Simple and digestible, this is a great start for younger nature lovers. Age: 3-7
Slow Down: Bring Calm To A Busy World A set of 50 short stories, covering a wide range of nature topics, from a kingfisher catching a fish to a hare outrunning a fox. Striking paintings immerse the reader in nature, and encourage children to slow down and notice the world around them. Age: 5-9	Poppy Goes Wild Poppy is on a mission to save her grandad’s farm by returning the countryside to a time when flower meadows grew wild and native animals flourished Age 7+	Lift-the-Flap Bugs and Butterflies Hardc A light and simple introduction into the world of bugs. This visually stimulating book is accompanied by Usborne Quicklinks, linking children to educational websites and immersive nature videos. Age: 6-9
Leaf When a polar bear arrives unexpectedly in the woods, the other animals fear and avoid him, suspecting him to be dangerous - and his odd habit of collecting leaves only adds to their distrust. Age: 3-7	Moth Moth is the remarkable evolution story that captures the struggle of animal survival against the background of an evolving human world in a unique and atmospheric introduction to Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. Age: 5-9

River, Ocean and Water Conservation Books

Wonderfully quirky illustrations show off all kinds of slippery, shimmery and surprising sea creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, rays and seahorses! Age: 4-6	Through a series of detailed landscape scenes, it demonstrates the degree to which flora and fauna depend on each other for survival, and the unique tactics the fish and marine life use to protect themselves. Age: 6-8	Join your sea turtle guide as you navigate every inch of our oceans, from the sunlit surface to the deepest, darkest depths. Age: 6-9
A beautiful book that provides a gentle insight into the water cycle, through illustrations and simple text. This picture book serves to inform children about water in a simple but inspiring way. Age: 5-8	Following a river through a variety of landscapes, from natural to urban. Poetic narration, alongside enchanting drawings allow children to appreciate the different landscapes that rivers flow through. Age: 5-8	Following a mother and her son as they canoe through a pond, with a gentle mix fiction and non-fiction. This exploration of wetland ecosystems is as informative as it is enchanting. Age: 7-9
More of an illustrators guide to rivers, the books focuses upon a variety of information relating to rivers, such as geography, zoology, religion and history. A good background read into the role rivers play within our societies. Age: 8-12	The most dangerous part of the ocean is about to shock Tally and Ara and make them realise that their underwater world isn’t always charming. Will they be able to escape the danger? Age: 4-9	Helps to bring awareness to the importance of water and how to conserve it. Inspiring children to be better global citizens, this beautifully illustrated book provides valuable and informative insights on everything water. Age: 8-10
A fabulous flap book with over 80 flaps to lift and extra pages to open up to explore life under the sea. Shows coral reefs teeming with fish, the icy waters of the Arctic and the dizzying depths of ocean trenches, and shipwrecks and pirate booty too. Flaps reveal extra facts, information and surprises. Age: 7-9	When Mr Noah builds the ark, he makes two lists - one for all the animals who will come on board and one for those troublesome creatures he will leave behind. Meanwhile, Mrs Noah gets out her sewing machine and makes a coat with very deep pockets. Lots of pockets. Age: 2-7

Tree Books

Waste Books

Discover a world of wonder on a woodland walk, as you set off on an outdoor adventure to find natural treasure, from prickly pine cones to swirly snail's shells, then learn more about the found object with irresistibly illustrated and informative nature notes. Age: 3-5	Read aloud story about a girl who plants trees to protect from the wind. Highlights the importance of trees and caring about the world around us. Age: 4-8	Introduction to the variety of life on earth, showing how living things are interconnected and classified. Simple pictures and content, it's perfect for classroom use. Age: 7-9
Why are trees so important? How many types are there? How do they benefit the environment and wildlife? This book, by the award-winning author Piotr Socha, answers these questions and more, tracking the history of trees from the time of the dinosaurs to the current day. Age: 7-9	A wide and engaging account of trees, from its seeds, to birds, to the destruction of whole forests. Perfect for KS2, it's a feast of information that will foster an appreciation of the role of trees. Age: 7-11	A classic environmental fable that raises awareness of destruction and the need to conserve our natural world. Age: 4+
A guide to woodlands, their plants, wildlife and history. Delve into the practical side of environmental studies, through tracking animals, identifying plants and drawing maps. Age: 6-9	Informative overview of the natural science of trees; ranging from an individual trees growth to the communication of the whole ecosystem. Age: 7-9

Looking after our planet is an inspiring flap book, exploring the problems facing our planet today and what we can do about them. It sets out why conditions on Earth are just right for life, how our modern lives are putting the planet at risk and what we can all do to work towards a greener future. Age: 6-9	Journey through the life cycle of plastic ― how plastics are produced, the many uses of plastics throughout the last century, how our plastic use has spiralled out of control, and what we can do about it. Age: 6-10	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. Age: 4-7
Follows a young boy called Finn in Stromhead, who sets out to save dolphins from the threat of plastic pollution in the seas. An emotive adventure story about friendship and the dangers of plastic waste. Age: 8-11	Find out where waste goes, how it impacts the planet and how to reduce the problem. This factual overview will encourage young eco-warriors to take action. Age: 7-9	Flap book covering where rubbish comes from, the process of recycling and what happens to waste. This busy and colourful book is packed full with information for younger readers. Age: 6-9
Engaging and colourful non-fiction book that encourages younger readers to make a difference. Including basic overviews of the dangers of plastics and what we can do to help the environment. Age: 4-7	Follow the story of Amara and her dad, as they delve into the issues of food waste and how to reduce it. Insightful and simple, it perfectly highlights current issues of food waste. Age: 6-9	From reusing clothes, composting food and reducing water waste, children will be given an action plan of how they can help protect our planet. Age: 8-11
Everybody has a taste for Stanley - and the other ocean creatures just keep mistaking him for a delicious treat - but this is no ordinary jellyfish. Age: 3-6

Renewable Energy Books

Children take electricity and other energy sources for granted, until one day their community has a power blackout. They come to realize that in lighting homes and keeping houses warm, we are using up natural resources that can't be easily replaced. Age: 4-8	What are fossil fuels, and how did they come to exist? Now, in a very short time, we are digging them up and burning them, changing the carbon balance of our planet's air and water. What does this mean, and what should we do about it? Age: 7+	The sun is a source of energy for living things. Energy that comes from sunshine is called solar energy. But how does solar energy work? Age: 4-8
A gentle introduction into the creative changes people around the world are making to live more sustainably. From solar to tidal energy, children will discover how we can put the planet first through our energy choices. Age: 7-9	Complete with photographs and illustrations, this memoir details the real life story of how William created a windmill to power his village. Its easy writing style makes it perfect for engaging older children in energy innovation. Age: 8-10	An inspiring true story of how a Danish island became 100% renewable in 10 years, by harnessing wind energy. Age: 6-10
Colourful lift-the-flap book, introducing children to the science of weather through engaging and detailed information. Age: 7-12	Informative book, that teaches children about what weather is, and how it impacts our planet. Also offers insight to the exciting energy technologies of the future. Age: 6-9

Food and Sustainable Farming Books

We are the Gardeners recounts the endeavours of starting a family garden; it brings alive the excitement of gardening alongside the importance of resilience and hard work. Age: 5-8 years.	A colourful exploration of the workings of a small, organic family farm through the seasons. Incredibly detailed and jam-packed with information; easily read in broken down, small sections. Age: 7-11	Learn how to garden with this stunningly illustrated book. A great starting point to make gardening more accessible for younger ages, alongside sections based on seasonal produce and local wildlife. Age: all ages
A beautiful children's education book introducing the crucial role of bees and what we can do to help them. The Bee Book celebrates every aspect of bees and encourages children to appreciate their role within our food systems. Age: 5-9	An uplifting true story of how one man and a school created a lush garden on abandoned land in New York. A lovely story accompanied by equally lovely illustrations that demonstrates the power of community gardens. Age: 4-8

Sustainable Cities Books

This book encourages a different perspective on sustainable cities, through a tour of the animals that we share our cities with across the world. Helps children link urban space with nature. Age: 7-11	A double-sided fold out book, taking readers deep underground of a city and the countryside. Allows children to understand the city below ground, and the variety of landscapes under our feet! Age: 4-7	An immersive book into the cultural, social and historical identities of 10 famous cities in the world. Exposes children to the very different make-up of major cities. Age: 5-12
Follow the true story of rebuilding a sustainable town after a tornado, narrated through the eyes of a young boy. This book allows young children to explore what it takes to build an environmentally sustainable and resilient town. Age: 5-9	An exploration of how engineers and scientists are designing our future cities, from rooftop farms to floating settlements. Age: 9-12	The story of a girl who goes on to make one of the hardest things anyone can ever make...a difference. Age: 3+

Great Sustainable Books

Biodiversity Books

The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth

This book explains how our planet works, from its incredible ecosystems and the plants and animals that live there to the importance of biodiversity, weather cycles and more. Age: 7+

The Big Book of Blooms

This book introduces young children to all kinds of colourful, carnivorous, weird and wonderful flowering plants from around the world. Age: 3-5

Betsy Buglove Saves the Bees

If there’s anything to know about Betsy Buglove, it’s that, when she’s around, no bug ever has to worry about getting in trouble. Age: 3-6

Lots: The Diversity of Life on Earth

There are creatures on the tops of the tallest jungle trees, at the bottom of the coldest oceans, even under the feathers of birds and in boiling volcanic pools. Age: 6-8

Amazing Animal Homes

Just like us, animals need a place to call home. From a beaver’s dam and a honey bee’s hive to a red ovenbird’s nest and a snail’s shell, explore the amazing homes of some incredible creatures from all over the world. Age: 3-5

Amazing Animal Journeys

Non-fiction information book outlining the basic facts about migration. Illustrations and simple narrative make the book perfect for young learners. Age: 5-8

The Bear In The Stars

Outlines the impact of climate change on animals, by following the white bear as she must leave her melting home to face a hot world. A story of loss, kindness and new beginnings in the context of climate change. Age: 7-11

The Lost Words

An inspired book of poems, dedicated to words that have been lost, such as kingfisher, otter and dandelion. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, it is perfect to read out loud and immerse children in the beauty of nature. Age: all ages

The Wonders of Nature

An educational exploration of the natural world; beautiful visuals accompany stories and facts about animals, plants, rocks and minerals. Age: 7-11

The Book of Brilliant Bugs

A fascinating journey through the world of insects. Explores the variety of bugs, and their importance for our planet Educates children on the overlooked, but essential, role of insects in nature.

The Big Book of Bugs 2

Accessible and jam-packed with information, this is ideal for younger bug spotters. Age: 3-7

The Big Book of Birds

Stunning illustrations complement educational and engaging facts about birds. Simple and digestible, this is a great start for younger nature lovers. Age: 3-7

Slow Down: Bring Calm To A Busy World

A set of 50 short stories, covering a wide range of nature topics, from a kingfisher catching a fish to a hare outrunning a fox. Striking paintings immerse the reader in nature, and encourage children to slow down and notice the world around them. Age: 5-9

Poppy Goes Wild

Poppy is on a mission to save her grandad’s farm by returning the countryside to a time when flower meadows grew wild and native animals flourished Age 7+

Lift-the-Flap Bugs and Butterflies Hardc

A light and simple introduction into the world of bugs. This visually stimulating book is accompanied by Usborne Quicklinks, linking children to educational websites and immersive nature videos. Age: 6-9

Leaf

When a polar bear arrives unexpectedly in the woods, the other animals fear and avoid him, suspecting him to be dangerous - and his odd habit of collecting leaves only adds to their distrust. Age: 3-7

Moth

Moth is the remarkable evolution story that captures the struggle of animal survival against the background of an evolving human world in a unique and atmospheric introduction to Darwin's theory of Natural Selection. Age: 5-9

River, Ocean and Water Conservation Books

Wonderfully quirky illustrations show off all kinds of slippery, shimmery and surprising sea creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, rays and seahorses! Age: 4-6

Through a series of detailed landscape scenes, it demonstrates the degree to which flora and fauna depend on each other for survival, and the unique tactics the fish and marine life use to protect themselves. Age: 6-8

Join your sea turtle guide as you navigate every inch of our oceans, from the sunlit surface to the deepest, darkest depths. Age: 6-9

A beautiful book that provides a gentle insight into the water cycle, through illustrations and simple text. This picture book serves to inform children about water in a simple but inspiring way. Age: 5-8

Following a river through a variety of landscapes, from natural to urban. Poetic narration, alongside enchanting drawings allow children to appreciate the different landscapes that rivers flow through. Age: 5-8

Following a mother and her son as they canoe through a pond, with a gentle mix fiction and non-fiction. This exploration of wetland ecosystems is as informative as it is enchanting. Age: 7-9

More of an illustrators guide to rivers, the books focuses upon a variety of information relating to rivers, such as geography, zoology, religion and history. A good background read into the role rivers play within our societies. Age: 8-12

The most dangerous part of the ocean is about to shock Tally and Ara and make them realise that their underwater world isn’t always charming. Will they be able to escape the danger? Age: 4-9

Helps to bring awareness to the importance of water and how to conserve it. Inspiring children to be better global citizens, this beautifully illustrated book provides valuable and informative insights on everything water. Age: 8-10

When Mr Noah builds the ark, he makes two lists - one for all the animals who will come on board and one for those troublesome creatures he will leave behind. Meanwhile, Mrs Noah gets out her sewing machine and makes a coat with very deep pockets. Lots of pockets. Age: 2-7

Tree Books

Waste Books

Discover a world of wonder on a woodland walk, as you set off on an outdoor adventure to find natural treasure, from prickly pine cones to swirly snail's shells, then learn more about the found object with irresistibly illustrated and informative nature notes. Age: 3-5

Read aloud story about a girl who plants trees to protect from the wind. Highlights the importance of trees and caring about the world around us. Age: 4-8

Introduction to the variety of life on earth, showing how living things are interconnected and classified. Simple pictures and content, it's perfect for classroom use. Age: 7-9

Why are trees so important? How many types are there? How do they benefit the environment and wildlife? This book, by the award-winning author Piotr Socha, answers these questions and more, tracking the history of trees from the time of the dinosaurs to the current day. Age: 7-9

A wide and engaging account of trees, from its seeds, to birds, to the destruction of whole forests. Perfect for KS2, it's a feast of information that will foster an appreciation of the role of trees. Age: 7-11

A classic environmental fable that raises awareness of destruction and the need to conserve our natural world. Age: 4+

A guide to woodlands, their plants, wildlife and history. Delve into the practical side of environmental studies, through tracking animals, identifying plants and drawing maps. Age: 6-9

Informative overview of the natural science of trees; ranging from an individual trees growth to the communication of the whole ecosystem. Age: 7-9

Journey through the life cycle of plastic ― how plastics are produced, the many uses of plastics throughout the last century, how our plastic use has spiralled out of control, and what we can do about it. Age: 6-10

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. Age: 4-7

Follows a young boy called Finn in Stromhead, who sets out to save dolphins from the threat of plastic pollution in the seas. An emotive adventure story about friendship and the dangers of plastic waste. Age: 8-11

Find out where waste goes, how it impacts the planet and how to reduce the problem. This factual overview will encourage young eco-warriors to take action. Age: 7-9

Flap book covering where rubbish comes from, the process of recycling and what happens to waste. This busy and colourful book is packed full with information for younger readers. Age: 6-9

Engaging and colourful non-fiction book that encourages younger readers to make a difference. Including basic overviews of the dangers of plastics and what we can do to help the environment. Age: 4-7

Follow the story of Amara and her dad, as they delve into the issues of food waste and how to reduce it. Insightful and simple, it perfectly highlights current issues of food waste. Age: 6-9

From reusing clothes, composting food and reducing water waste, children will be given an action plan of how they can help protect our planet. Age: 8-11

Everybody has a taste for Stanley - and the other ocean creatures just keep mistaking him for a delicious treat - but this is no ordinary jellyfish. Age: 3-6

Renewable Energy Books

Children take electricity and other energy sources for granted, until one day their community has a power blackout. They come to realize that in lighting homes and keeping houses warm, we are using up natural resources that can't be easily replaced. Age: 4-8

What are fossil fuels, and how did they come to exist? Now, in a very short time, we are digging them up and burning them, changing the carbon balance of our planet's air and water. What does this mean, and what should we do about it? Age: 7+

The sun is a source of energy for living things. Energy that comes from sunshine is called solar energy. But how does solar energy work? Age: 4-8

A gentle introduction into the creative changes people around the world are making to live more sustainably. From solar to tidal energy, children will discover how we can put the planet first through our energy choices. Age: 7-9

Complete with photographs and illustrations, this memoir details the real life story of how William created a windmill to power his village. Its easy writing style makes it perfect for engaging older children in energy innovation. Age: 8-10

An inspiring true story of how a Danish island became 100% renewable in 10 years, by harnessing wind energy. Age: 6-10

Colourful lift-the-flap book, introducing children to the science of weather through engaging and detailed information. Age: 7-12

Informative book, that teaches children about what weather is, and how it impacts our planet. Also offers insight to the exciting energy technologies of the future. Age: 6-9

Food and Sustainable Farming Books

We are the Gardeners recounts the endeavours of starting a family garden; it brings alive the excitement of gardening alongside the importance of resilience and hard work. Age: 5-8 years.

A colourful exploration of the workings of a small, organic family farm through the seasons. Incredibly detailed and jam-packed with information; easily read in broken down, small sections. Age: 7-11

Learn how to garden with this stunningly illustrated book. A great starting point to make gardening more accessible for younger ages, alongside sections based on seasonal produce and local wildlife. Age: all ages

A beautiful children's education book introducing the crucial role of bees and what we can do to help them. The Bee Book celebrates every aspect of bees and encourages children to appreciate their role within our food systems. Age: 5-9