Calling all Early Climate Optimists! Our ECO Bookworms book club invites parents, caregivers and educators to start conversations about climate change and the environment with their little ones. Knowing how to talk about climate change with children can be difficult. We all want to nurture the next generation and encourage a sense of hope and personal power. Reading stories about climate change and our changing planet is a great place to start. Check back at the beginning of each month for a new featured book.

July 2025 ECO Bookworm

July is Extreme Heat Awareness Month and this month’s ECO Bookworms pick, “Heatwave” by Lauren Redniss, is a striking, immersive exploration of extreme weather through art and storytelling. Using only two bold, contrasting colors and minimal text, Redniss captures the sweltering intensity of a heatwave when the air is thick, movement slows and reality begins to shimmer. Saturated in red, the book itself radiates heat, offering readers a visceral experience that blurs the line between visual storytelling and environmental meditation.

Discussion questions:

• What do you notice about the colors and pictures that help you feel the heat?
• What do you think this book is trying to tell us about the weather and the world? Why might learning about heat be important?
• How can art help people understand big problems, like very hot weather or climate change?

June 2025 ECO Bookworm

Our June ECO Bookworms reading selection is “My Friend Earth,” written by Patricia MacLachla, illustrated by Francesca Sanna and published by Chronicle Kids Books.

This interactive picture book brings our planet to life through vibrant illustrations, poetic storytelling and playful features like flaps and cut-outs. Young readers will explore Earth’s seasons, animals and ecosystems while learning the importance of caring for our world. A joyful blend of science, art and environmental awareness — perfect for curious kids and Earth-lovers of all ages. Hear the book read aloud.

Discussion questions:

• How does Earth help animals and plants in the story?
• What are some things you do — or want to do — to help take care of our planet?
• If you could write or draw your own page in this book, what would you include?

May 2025 ECO Bookworm

Our May ECO Bookworms reading selection is “I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark,” written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley.

From an early age, Ruth Bader Ginsburg understood the sting of prejudice and dedicated her life to fighting injustice. As the first Jewish woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, she stood firm against inequality, using her voice to challenge unfair treatment and advocate for the rights of all people. Beyond her groundbreaking work on gender equality, Ginsburg also played a key role in environmental protections, supporting Supreme Court decisions that empowered the EPA to address climate change.

This inspiring picture book introduces young readers to Ginsburg through the lens of her famous dissents — powerful disagreements that helped shape history. At the end of the book, readers will discover how Justice Ginsburg wore a special collar when she dissented from a ruling, and make their own!

Discussion questions:

• In this story, Ruth thinks many rules are unfair and works to change them. Can you think of any rules that you would like to change? Why?
• Ruth’s children receive confused looks when they say that their mother argues before the Supreme Court while their father makes dinner. Why are people confused? What do you think about it?
• If you could talk to Ruth, what questions would you ask her? What advice do you think she might give you?

April 2025 ECO Bookworm

In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, our April ECO Bookworms selection is These Olive Trees: A Palestinian Family’s Story, written and illustrated by Aya Ghanameh. The book, inspired by the author’s own family experiences, reflects her deep connection to the land, shaped by a childhood in exile.

Set in 1967 Nablus, Palestine, the story follows young Oraib, who cherishes the olive trees growing near the refugee camp where she lives. Each harvest, she and her mother harvest olives to make olive oil. Through her mother’s stories, Oraib learns of a home that existed before war reshaped their lives. When conflict forces her family to flee once again, Oraib makes a promise to her beloved olive trees: their legacy will endure.

Discussion questions:

• Why does Oraib feel a connection to the olives and olive trees? 
• Why is telling your own story important to preservation of culture and your community?

March 2025 ECO Bookworm

Our March ECO Bookworms reading selection is “Rise Up and Write It,” written by Nandini Ahuja and illustrated by Anoosha Syed. In this story, a young community member named Farah Patel realizes that the butterflies have disappeared from her neighborhood and discovers that it’s likely because there aren’t enough flowers to attract them. Farah suggests to community developers to create a garden that will bring back the butterflies. “Rise Up and Write It" combines a celebration of civic engagement with the hands-on fun of real examples of activism tools and is sure to encourage young readers to want to get up and get involved.

The book comes complete with a pull-out letter to the mayor, a ready-to-sign petition, a community meeting poster, a protest sign — and more!

Discussion questions:

• Have you noticed any animals or plants in your community appearing less often? If so, why do you think that is?
• Based on the book, what are different ways you can make a change in your community?

February 2025 ECO Bookworm

In celebration of Black History Month, our ECO Bookworms selection for February is “Jayden’s Impossible Garden” written by Mélina Mangal and illustrated by Ken Daley. This 40-page book talks about Jayden, a Black boy who loves imaginative play, being outdoors, and making things with his hands. This book explores a child’s connection to nature within an urban area. Jayden’s love of nature will inspire readers to see their environment and surroundings as bursting with opportunities for growth and connection. At the back of the book, readers will find a note from the author, nature facts and activities to make items featured in the book, such as the milk jug bird feeder.

 “Jayden’s Impossible Garden” is the winner of the 2019 African American Voices in Children’s Literature writing contest, cosponsored by Strive Publishing and Free Spirit Publishing, and the recipient of the 2021 Foreword INDIES Honorable Mention, Picture Books, Early Reader (Children's).

Discussion questions:

• Where can you find a space to connect with nature in an urban environment?
• What ways do you connect with nature in your home?
• What could you do to connect your friends and your community to the natural world?

Books can convey big and scary subjects like climate change in ways that inspire young people to act with optimism. Our stories focus on solutions to help young readers feel empowered, rather than overwhelmed.

Our selected books target readers 8 years old and younger, but we encourage everyone to follow along and read. Let’s empower our young climate optimists by equipping ourselves with the right tools to start a conversation. Check with your local library or bookstore to find a copy of each month’s book.

We are excited to be on this book club journey with the APHA community and friends. Tell us about your favorite environmental or climate change children’s book.