Respecting Mother Nature means you’re leaving the natural environment the way you found it. You leave no trash behind or evidence that you were ever there.
Having fun with Mother Nature (while also being respectful) includes things like listening to bird songs, observing the trees, gathering leaves, laying in the grass, and appreciating wildlife. But being respectful and kind to Mother Earth also means being respectful and kind to her inhabitants. The reality is that we are all sharing this world that we call home and, as a result, there are endless issues and struggles that have us all at odds with each other.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. This message bears repeating: peace is meant for all of us.
A habit that includes nature and relaxation, along with cultivating a passion for peace, can be found in one of our favorite pastimes; reading.
Children’s books also help young readers to see and appreciate that everyone is unique. This promotes tolerance, understanding of different struggles or victories, open-mindedness, and a desire for PEACE.
Here are some amazing Earth Day Books that Promote Peace and Respect
This is the Earth by Deedee Cummings
This is the Earth is not a book about Mother Earth, but instead, it’s a much-needed story of how all of the inhabitants of the planet can live better together. A Purple Dragonfly Award First Place winner, Cummings uses bold and bright illustrations in This is the Earth to share a message of peace, love, respect, compassion, inclusion. Published in early 2019, the book’s message shares that peace is meant for all of us and it is everyone’s responsibility to care for each other like the united family that we really are.
This exceptional and timely book shares the reality that we are all sharing this world that we call home instead of acting as though each continent, each, country, and each neighborhood is like a completely different planet. Within the pages of This is the Earth, readers will discover thought and conversation-invoking concepts on issues and struggles that have our world at odds with each other. Kids and adults will love the lyrical message and thoughtful artwork that reinforces the fact that every human being is our neighbor on Planet Earth; a place also known as Home. {ages 4 and up}
Once Upon Another Time by Matt Forrest Esenwine and Charles Ghigna
Once upon another time,
the world was young and new.
If you want to know this world,
there’s something you can do…
With sweeping landscapes and up-close details of the natural world, Once Upon Another Time takes readers through a lyrical exploration of the world as it was before humans made their mark. Contrasting the past with the present, this expansive picture book serves as a warm invitation for children–and all people–to appreciate, explore, and protect the magic and wonder of this planet we call home.
Written by award-winning authors Charles Ghigna and Matt Forrest Esenwine, and illustrated by Andrés F. Landazábal, Once Upon Another Time is a stunning portrait of a world that used to exist, and can still be found–if you just know where to look.
Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter
A paperback picture book based on the true story of Wangari Maathai, an environmental and political activist in Kenya and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something—and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans . . .
This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman’s passion, vision, and determination inspired great change.
The Children’s Peace Book: Children Around the World Share Their Dreams of Peace in Words and Pictures by Jolene DeLisai
This book is sure to get your family talking and thinking about different paths to peace.
The Children’s Peace Book is also a book filled with messages of hope. Delisai asked children around the world to share what peace means to them during her global travels, peace marches, and everyday encounters. Their words and drawings have been brought together in this memorable book.
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty
This vibrant picture book is a lighthearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the Earth–told from the perspective of the Earth itself!
“Hi, I’m Earth! But you can call me Planet Awesome.”
Prepare to learn all about Earth from the point-of-view of Earth herself! In this funny yet informative book, filled to the brim with kid-friendly facts, readers will discover key moments in Earth’s life, from her childhood more than four billion years ago all the way up to the present day. Beloved children’s book author Stacy McAnulty helps Earth tell her story, and award-winning illustrator David Litchfield brings the words to life. The book includes back matter with even more interesting tidbits. McAnulty is also the author of diverse books for kids like Brave and Beautiful.
Be The Change: The Grandfather Gandhi Story.
In this remarkable personal story, Arun Gandhi, with Bethany Hegedus, weaves a stunning portrait of the extraordinary man who taught him to live his life as light and facilitator of peace.
At Grandfather Gandhi’s service village, each day is filled, from sunrise to sunset, with work that is done for the good of all. The villagers vow to live simply and non-violently. Arun Gandhi tries very hard to follow these vows, but he struggles with one of the most important rules: not to waste.
How can throwing away a worn-down pencil hurt anyone? How can wastefulness lead to violence? With the help of his grandfather, Arun learns how every wasteful act, no matter how small, affects others. And in time he comes to understand the truth of his grandfather’s words: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox and Stephanie Graegin
Peace is an offering.
A muffin or a peach.
A birthday invitation.
A trip to the beach.
For children concerned with war, mass shootings, and unrest in our society, this book will help ease their fears and remind them that there are peaceful and helpful, people everywhere. This lovely illustrated story stresses to readers that people try to be good to one another. The reminder that for the most part, we all coexist together in a caring and calm community is an excellent, and timely, message of peace for you and your children. (3-5 years)
What books do you recommend for making our world a better place?
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess Series Book One in this amazing FIVE BOOK series is HERE!
Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess: is a heartwarming story about family, role models, dreams, and discovering a determination for growth. This five-part diverse picture book series shines the spotlight on a little brown girl who loves musical theatre and never lets anything get in the way of her dreams. It seems that everyone else has an idea for who she should be, but in the end, she discovers that she is the one who gets to decide.
The story also reveals the very special family dynamic that Kayla shares with her mom- a hard-working woman who struggles with the guilt of not being as available for her young daughter as she would like. But as the story progresses, Kayla and her mom realize the impact of valuing the time they have together as well as the importance of seeing each other acknowledge (and pursue) their individual dreams. {ages 4 to 8}
GO HERE to order your copy of Kayla: A Modern-Day Princess by veteran author, Deedee Cummings, the Kayla: Modern-Day Princess series is inspired by her own real-life princess and Broadway actress, Kayla Pecchioni.
