CHILDREN’S BOOKS

2030 Not a Fairytale: An introduction to the UN Global Goals for young children by Arlene Gormley (2015-12-02), Paperback – More here

The following 10 books are recommended for Primary School Pupils.

1. “Just a Dream”

“Just a Dream” by Chris Van Allsburg

The book is about a young boy who travels to the future to discover a world where trees are cut down for one toothpick, pollution is so bad you can no longer see the Grand Canyon, and cars are stuck in an endless traffic jam. Because of his journey, the young boy realizes how important it is to keep the planet healthy.

2. “The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean”

“The Pout-Pout Fish Cleans Up the Ocean” by Deborah Diesen

In the book, the fish realize that the big mess they see in their ocean was created by them. They learn how to work together to get rid of the mess and what they can do to make sure it never comes back. It’s a good book to help children understand that everyone needs to work together to help protect our environment.

3. “The EARTH Book”

“The EARTH Book” by Todd Parr is a great way to help kids learn about conservation and environmental protection.

The book highlights incredibly simple ways children can help take care of the environment, such as turning off the water when they brush their teeth or taking reusable shopping bags to the market. It follows these actions with a “because” statement to show why these steps matter.

Even better, this eco-friendly book is printed with recycled materials and non-toxic soy inks.

Related: Where to Donate Used Books

4. “Can We Save the Tiger?”

Extinction is an intimidating concept for children to understand. Yet Martin Jenkins handles it with facts and a touch of optimism in “Can We Save the Tiger?”

The book highlights endangered species — from the tiny partula snail to the mighty tiger — and features beautiful illustrations by Vicky White.

Children learn that we can save endangered animals if we make sustainable choices.

5. “One Plastic Bag”

We all know how important it is to reduce our plastic use. “One Plastic Bag” by Miranda Paul tells the inspiring story of a girl named Isatou Ceesay who finds a way to recycle plastic bags and help her community.

It shows how one person’s small idea can make a big difference.

6. “The Lorax”

The book teaches that it’s never too late to save the environment. One seed and one small child can change everything.

Related: How to Reduce Paper Towel Use

7. “10 Things I Can Do to Help My World”

“10 Things I Can Do to Help My World” by Melanie Walsh offers practical eco-tips for kids, like using both sides of paper or turning off the water while brushing teeth.

The book empowers kids to take action and build lifelong eco-friendly habits.

8. “Why Should I?” Series

Jen Green’s “Why Should I?” books use children’s natural curiosity to teach sustainability topics. Titles include:

9. “We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers”

“We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers” by Lauren Child follows a girl named Lola who enters a recycling contest and learns about teamwork and sustainability.

It’s a fun story that teaches recycling habits and comes with a tree poster.

10. “Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth”

Composting is easy and important. “Compost Stew” by Mary McKenna Siddals is a great introduction for kids.

The book covers how to start a compost pile, what to include, and why it matters.

We are currently building this page. If you have recommendations for books suitable for primary school pupils, please send your suggestions to:
info@GlobalCitizenshipSchool.ie

“ELMER” by David McKee is a picture book for 3 to 7 yr. olds. Elmer is a patchwork elephant with lots on his mind. A wonderful book for exploring difference and celebrating diversity.
“The Worms That Saved The World” by Kevin Doyle is an action-packed story about standing up for your rights, concern for the environment, and collective action. Suitable for 7 to 10 yr. olds and centres around a proposed golf course and people’s homes.
“No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference” by Greta Thunberg is a collection of her speeches including ‘Our Lives Are In Your Hands’, ‘Can You Hear Me’, and ‘Wake-up’.
Farid’s Rickshaw Ride: This book is available in big book and small book format – please see prices below. Packs of 30 story books available on loan from Trócaire. See
this link.