My children loved all the little books by Thornton Burgess bush as The Adventures of Jimmy Skunk, The Adventures of Bobby Raccoon and The Adventures of Old Man Coyote. Each book is from the viewpoint of a different animal living in the Green Forest or the Green Meadows, in the Smiling Pool or along the Babbling Brook.

Most 2nd graders can read them by themselves but we always liked reading them aloud together.

Have you tried The Magic Schoolbus Goes Upstream any Magic School Bus series books? They teach about science and the world we live in, some are about environmental issues. He may be too old for them, but take a look anyway. They are excellent.

Chandra wrote: "I'm not sure if picture books are what you're looking for, but a couple I've read recently are:

The Wonder Thing - all about the magic of water. It's a wonderful book!

The Salamander Room - ..."

Just read this book with my son last week. Great story and I even love the illustration. I just posted a review for this book.

Thank you so much for all your thought and suggestions. All the books seem interesting and look so GREEN! Looking forward to find and read those books.

Hi Christine,

I write a chapter book series for boys and girls, ages 8-11, called DOYLE AND FOSSEY: SCIENCE DETECTIVES. There are four science/environmental episodes in each book, with corresponding activities and experiments in the back. The series features a pair of science detectives (also best friends), Drake Doyle and Nell Fossey. Nell is "Nature's Naturalist," concerned for the planet and all things environmental. Her bedroom is called "Nature Headquarters" and is decorated like a jungle. She's supported in her environmental enthusiasm by her mother, Professor Fossey, wildlife biology professor at Mossy Lake University. The fictional story approach followed by additional information and activities is a fun way to get kids excited about science and the environment. Teachers also use the series in their classrooms. (New paperback editions of books 1-2 have just been released by Sterling. Books 3-4 will be out in September, book 5 in June 2010, and book 6 in Sept. 2010.)

I applaud your decision to help educate your son regarding environmental issues. There is so much young people can do today to help. They can be some of our most impassioned activists.

Peace,
Michele Torrey
www.micheletorrey.com

Hi Christine,

I think you will find a lot of interesting books in another one of the discussion threads here, it's been "quiet" for awhile so likely is down toward the bottom of the list. I think it is something like "Green Family Values."

In any case, I just read a fun little story that focuses on the environment--at least, trying to be aware of nature and the family tries to save a tree on their street. It is
What Planet Are You from Clarice Bean?

Also, although it features a girl protagonist, her brother is the primary environmentalist so I think it would work well for both boys and girls.

I'm not sure if picture books are what you're looking for, but a couple I've read recently are:

The Wonder Thing - all about the magic of water. It's a wonderful book!

The Salamander Room - about a little boy who brings home a salamander and through a discussion with mom realizes how important natural environments are for animals.

Both are beautifully illustrated!

That's all I can think of off the top of my head, but I'll keep thinking and see what I can come up with! It's a great topic!

Here's a blog that focuses on nonfiction children's books about nature:

http://wildaboutnaturewriters.blogspot.c...

One that I want to explore is
S Is for Save the Planet A How-to-be Green Alphabet

My son is 8 years old. I want him to learn and care about environment. I need book(s) that show/teach about environment. Any suggestions anyone? Thank you in advance.