Stories and pictures are a universal language for humans to share messages and picture books are a wonderful way to introduce concepts to learners of all ages! April 23, 2022 is World Book Day. Since it falls only one day after Earth Day on April 22, we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to discuss our favorite environmental and science-y picture books. They are important stories and ideas that will hopefully prompt discussion in your home. Whether written as a story or as a meandering poem, there is something for everyone here!
 | We Are Water Protectors Written by Carole Lindstrom Illustrated by Michaela Goade |
1. We Are Water Protectors | Written by Carole Lindstrom, Illustrated by Michaela Goade
Weaving together her Anishinaabe and Metis heritage with current events at Standing Rock, Indigenous author Carole Lindstrom asks all those reading to remember that Indigenous peoples are very much here and that the fight for clean water affects all. “With our songs and our drums, we are still here.” The accompanying illustrations are gorgeous, filled with emotion, history, and love of the Earth.
Learn more about efforts to protect water close to home in Georgia with the Georgia River Network and The Water Tower. Connect with Indigenous efforts to protect the land with Honor the Earth.
 | Up in the Garden & Down in the Dirt Written by Kate Messner Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal |
2. Up in the Garden & Down in the Dirt | Written by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal’s ode to a garden will give you a new respect for the critters living just under the surface of your yard. The book follows a grandmother and granddaughter as they care for the garden over the course of the year. The variety of living things and how they interact will spark curiosity in those who love plants, nature, or animals.
Don’t have a plot to start your own garden? Gwinnett County residents can become members at Lanier Community Garden.
 | Fairy Science By Ashley Spires |
3. Fairy Science | By Ashley Spires
Ashley Spires’s Fairy Science is perfect for the kiddo that is always asking, “Why?” Join science-enthusiast Esther as she navigates life with her fairy-mates who all only believe in magic. Readers learn about how to design an experiment and see how Esther is able to use science to revive a wilting tree! This practical knowledge can then be applied with a simple science experiment in the back. The first step to lifelong caring for the Earth is caring for it early and often!
Join a volunteer clean-up and help a tree yourself with Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful.
 | A Rock Is Lively Written by Diana Hutts Aston Illustrated by Sylvia Long |
4. A Rock Is Lively | Written by Diana Hutts Aston, Illustrated by Sylvia Long
Some might think rocks are dull, but anyone who’s taken a hike with a kid knows that’s the farthest from the truth. Rocks can be bright, dull, round, sharp, and many more things in this fun book. Each page highlights a different attribute of rocks and is accompanied by dreamy illustrations of geodes, jasper, and sandstone. Other books by Diana Hutts Aston delve into the varieties of eggs, seeds, nests, butterflies, and beetles.
Young rock enthusiasts can join virtual and in-person programming at The Georgia Mineral Society.
Ready to add these or other new favorites to your bookshelf? Purchase local! Support Corner Bookstore in Winder by shopping in store. Shop with The Inside Story in Hoschton via Bookshop.org!
Don't forget about our libraries, too! Gwinnett County Public Library and the Piedmont Regional Library System have the best inventory. Use your library card to access all the benefits!
