Saturday 22nd April is World Earth Day: a day to celebrate our planet and focus on what we can do to help preserve it. First celebrated in the US in the 1970s, World Earth Day is supported by environmentalists, celebrities and politicians the world over.
To encourage your little one to learn more about the world they live in and how they can care for our precious resources, wildlife and climate, we’ve put together a list of Living Painting picture books and topical packs with an environmental theme.
Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethal and Alexandra Colombo
A picture book adapted with feely pictures for braille grade 1 & 2, Michael Recycle follows the story of a caped crusader on a mission to save planet Earth! Join Michael Recycle as he rescues his town from over-flowing rubbish while proving that recycling can actually be quite good fun!
Young Explorers: Dipping into Science and Nature
This pack for Key Stage 1 (5 – 7 years) introduces children to a tactile representation of the water cycle and the erosion facing our cliffs and sea fronts. It also travels way back in time to the ice age where animals survived in an environment vastly different from the one we live in today
Tippu by David Day and Abigail Pizer
Tippu tells the story of a family of elephants who struggle to stay alive as ivory hunters invade their home. Separated from their parents, the young elephants are frightened and alone until a wise old stork leads them to safety.
Science Alive! The Wonder of Life
Introduced by Lord Robert Winston, The Wonder of Life starts with cells, the building blocks of life. Hear how life in humans, animals and plants begins before exploring the immense variety of life on earth and we all depend on one another.
Young Explorers: Forest School – Nature Detectives
Part of our Young Explorers series, Nature Detectives encourages children to explore the wonderful wildlife and countryside around them. Aimed at Key Stage 3 (11 – 14 years), this tactile and audio book introduces the reader to ancient woodland, rivers and beaches, and the wildlife that call these habitats home.
Click to borrow Nature Detectives
Explore the Seashore
Designed for Key Stage 2 children (7-11 years), this book describes the journey round the coast of the British Isles, introducing the reader to wonderful wildlife along the way. It’s introduced by actor Timothy Spall who sets sail as Captain of the Living Paintings ‘Treasure Seeker’ boat.
Don’t forget, coming soon to the Living Paintings library will be the next in our Science Alive! series. Introduced by TV presenter Dallas Campbell, The World Below includes a chapter on the carbon cycle and what this means for the environment and our warming climate.
Head to Earth Day’s website to discover what you can do to help our planet and stay up-to-date on social media using #WorldEarthDay.