An Earth Day list for young (and young at heart) readers.
As April comes to a close, there is one celebration we have yet to mark. Last week, on April 22nd, the world observed Earth Day in honor of our much-beleaguered and beautiful planet. While the day is often given to community action, such as recycling events, beach clean-ups, or tree-planting, it is also a day to recognize and feel grateful for the incredible biodiversity hosted by our blue planet, and to think about our own part in it.
Bookstore events range from raffles to author readings, games to free snacks, storytimes to open mics. Many stores invite other local businesses to celebrate with them — local restaurants and food vendors, brew pubs, artists and artisans, and in one case, a local plant nursery. As the Book Wyrm and Other Oddities in Douglasville, GA says, “Come for the books, stay for the community.”
A Young Reader’s List on Nature and the Environment
Cora and Ada are excited to embark on a wonderful expedition of the nature surrounding them and make up playful words to describe their amazing experiences. Now it’s up to you, the reader, to see what amazing words you can create!
– Judith, Octavia Books in New Orleans, LA
The Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk
What a beautiful story based on a real house in Cape Cod that stood in the sand dunes for half a century, then was taken away by a storm. I will keep on dreaming that the little mouse landed on a safe place and was able to still enjoy the house, and they had a lot of fun adventures.
– Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA
The Weedy Garden by Margaret Renkl
This book is a delightful visit to the weedy garden, from birds, butterflies, and bumblebees flying about to animals hopping, scurrying, and slithering through.
– Rae Ann, Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee
A beautiful book with gorgeous artwork and a gentle, thoughtful tone. It’s a wonderful introduction for kids to a great contemporary poet, while still being meaningful and enjoyable for adults.
– Erika, Righton Books in St Simons Island, GA
This book uses simple language and gorgeous drawings to capture the strange push-and-pull of the changing season. Cozy and perfect for reading aloud!
– Charlie, Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Find more recommendations at SBR
Featuring reviews of:
-
-
-
-
Poetry Says It Better by Ellen Burstyn, reviewed by Jan, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Only a Little While Here by María Ospina, reviewed by Doloris, Book No Further in Roanoke, VA
-
-
-
The Motherload by Sarah Hoover, reviewed by Kimberly, Square Books in Oxford, MS
-
-
-
Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner, reviewed by Amanda, Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, AR
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Wombat Waiting by Katherine Applegate, reviewed by Kate, Plaid Elephant Books in Danville, Kentucky
-
-
-
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, reviewed by Emoke, Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina
-
-
-
-
- Bookseller Buzz: Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein, reviewed by Matt, A Cappella Books, Atlanta, Georgia; Amanda, Tombolo Books, St. Petersburg, Florida; Joshua, The Underground Bookshop, Carrollton, Georgia