Plastic Free July Booklist

July is the perfect time to dive into books that help children understand the world around them - and this Plastic Free July, we've pulled together a collection of stories to spark big conversations about our planet. Whether children are just starting their reading journey or powering through chapter books, these picks explore nature, the environment, and the small changes we can all make, in ways that feel inspiring rather than overwhelming.

For Early Years Readers (ages 3-5)

Ten Things I Can Do to Help My World

by Melanie Walsh

A simple picture book that shows young children ten everyday actions they can take to care for the planet, such as saving energy and walking more.

Charlie and Lola: Look After Your Planet

by TBD

Lola learns to think differently about waste and recycling, with Charlie helping her understand how to reuse things instead of throwing them away.

Don't Throw That Away!

by Lara Bergen and Betsy Snyder (Illustrator)

A lift-the-flap style book where an eco-minded character shows children how common household items can be reused and recycled.

For Key Stage 1 Readers (ages 5-7)

Rocket Says Clean Up!

by Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola (Illustrator)

Rocket goes on a seaside adventure and discovers how important it is to protect the beach and ocean from litter and plastic waste.

What A Waste: Rubbish, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet

by Jess French

This book explains what happens to rubbish and recycling, and shows children how waste affects the planet and what can be done about it.

George Saves the World by Lunchtime

by Dr Jo Readman and Ley Honor Roberts (Illustrator)

George tries to help the planet before lunch, with practical ideas like recycling, composting, and using less wasteful habits.

For Key Stage 2 Readers (ages 8-12)

Fantastically Great Women Who Saved the Planet

by Kate Pankhurst

A lively collection of stories about real women who made a difference for the environment, including action on recycling and plastic pollution.

Kids vs. Plastic: Ditch the straw and find the pollution solution to bottles, bags, and other single-use plastics

by Beer and Julie

An informative book that explains why recycling matters, how recycling works, and how readers can do more to reduce waste.

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