10 Things I Can Do To Help My World by Melanie Walsh

Not new, copyright 2008, but I stumbled across this book on a site and thought the cover was cool! Yes, I just said that. And it IS a cool cover, with the lightbulb being cut out. In addition each page after has a figure cut out in some way. Throughout the pages, the reader is introduced (or hopefully, reminded) of a simple way he/she can make a small difference in changing and conserving the world. Kids will LOVE this book because of the shapes of all the items. It is also simple enough that even preschoolers (like the 3 year old at our house) can understand, and follow. Awesome book that I am glad I stumbled across!

Story: 5 Buckeye Leaves - simple yet full of valuable and practical info for kids
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye Leaves - so cool!!!

Energy Island by Allan Drummond

The island of Samso in Denmark is no different than any other place....except over the course of the last ten years, the citizens of Samso have become almost completely energy-independent. The transformation began when teacher Soren Hermansen was selected to lead the energy independent project. Hermansen quickly learned that the kids of Samso was much easier to convince then the older residents of the island. When a storm of sleet and snow knocks out electricity to the whole island except to the one resident who has turbine, the residents do not need any further convincing. Based on the true account of the people of this island and their journey of energy conservation. A nonfiction story, told as a narrative, including side bars with factual information, this book could be used in conjunction with energy, Earth Day, and renewable and nonrenewable lessons.

Story: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

The Green Mother Goose by Jan Peck and David Davis

I know there is a much deeper meaning...BUT this book cracked me up! I have said before I always like when there are GOOD new "remakes" and this is no exception. The author's definitely worked on this book to be able to create something educational in the form of the well-known Mother Goose rhymes. One of my favorites would be Hickory, Dickory, Dock and One, Two, We Can Renew. Kids will love these catchy rhymes and hopefully learn some Earth saving techniques as well!

Story: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Arthur Turns Green by Marc Brown

Arthur is a current favorite at our house, so I was very happy to get my hands on the latest. Arthur's class is working on a project - "Big Green Machine". Each student must find ways to make the planet a better place. Students will present their ideas at school family night. As Arthur works on his project over the next few weeks, DW is very worried as she sees him "turning green"! DW is quite surprised on family night to find out the truth about the Big Green Machine. Another soon-to-be-Arthur-classic which brings home the ideas of conservation in simple terms that kids can understand.

Story: 5 Buckeye Leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants!

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! is the latest Gilbert book by Diane deGroat. With so much emphasis on going "green" and Earth Day coming up this month, this book came out at a perfect time and Gilbert/deGroat fans will not be disappointed. Gilbert is having a horrible time coming up with a spring poem and then he has to also come up with an Earth Day project idea. As Gilbert's class presents their projects, readers will learn many ways everyone can help save our planet and go green. And of course, Gilbert is finally able to come up with a great idea!

Story: 5 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: 5 Buckeye leaves

Curious George Plants a Tree

"George was a good little monkey and always very curious."...and so begins another Curious George adventure. And to not be out done by other furry book characters, he is going GREEN!!! On a trip recent trip out, George learns that the science museum will be sponsoring a “Green Day” dedicated to recycling and planting trees. George wants to help out but in true George style, he takes it a bit far. Young and old that knew George growing up will be delighted to see him back in this latest adventure.

Story: 4 Buckeye leaves
Illustrations: "Illustrated in the style of H. A. Rey"