In this day and age, it's hard to teach kids about the natural world without coming up against the tricky topic of climate change and the importance of sustainability. Fortunately, these incredible picture books are designed to make explaining the state of our world a little easier, and to help inspire little ones to do what they can to care for the planet. 🌱

Now for the Good News by Planet Ark

Showcasing fantastically positive environmental advances, initiatives and inventions, Now for the Good News delivers a strong WE CAN DO THIS message, encouraging kids to engage and act through informative and inspiring stories that reveal what is already being done to reverse the damage to our planet.

Afloat by Kirli Saunders, illustrated by Freya Blackwood

From award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes Afloat, a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way.

Ultrawild by Steve Mushin

Join maverick inventor Steve Mushin as he tackles climate change with an avalanche of mind-bending, scientifically plausible inventions to rewild cities and save the planet. Developed over seven years, Ultrawild is an optimistic book about creative thinking, STEM and the potential for massive change.

Australia's Endangered Bush Creatures by Myke Mollard

Myke Mollards signature illustrations and engaging text bring kids up close and personal with 134 of Australia’s most endangered creatures, highlighting both the common and uncommon threats to each species and revealing the fragile balance existing in nature and how our human impact is collapsing ecosystems and unbalancing the natural world.

The Trees by Victor Steffensen, illustrated by Sandra Steffensen

Take a walk with Uncle Kuu in The Trees, a picture book about caring for Country and respect for Indigenous knowledge. Looking after the trees is important for keeping Country happy and healthy. First Nations People have cared for the trees on Country for thousands of years. In return, the trees look after the people and provide them with gifts of seeds, flowers, wood and more.

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Willow's Gumboots by Beverley McWilliams, illustrated by Helene Magisson

From the author of The Readings Children’s Prize shortlisted Spies in the Sky, comes a delightful new picture book with an excellent environmental message. Willow’s Gumboots is a beautifully illustrated book with simple text that educates children about upcycling and recycling, and how these activities can help our environment.

Greta Thunberg by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Anke Weckmann

When young Greta learned of the climate crisis she stopped talking. She couldn’t understand why people in power were not doing anything to save our Earth. One day she started striking from school in her ‘School Strike for Climate’.

Soon, lots more young people joined her in a global movement that shook adults and politicians alike.

The Earth Book by Todd Parr

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book. Featuring a circular die-cut on the cover, and printed entirely with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, this book includes lots of easy, smart ideas on how we can all work together to make the Earth feel good.

Can We Really Help the Trees? by Katie Daynes, illustrated by Roisin Hahessy

A positive, creative, colourful and really useful introduction to protecting our trees, and the animals living in them.

The trees are in trouble, and they’re not the only ones. Meet the endangered forest animals in search of solutions. Fortunately they find a treehouse of sparky kids who are bursting with ideas, and together they plan a way to save the world’s woodlands.