Our summer reading picks for kids

Who doesn’t love a good kids’ book? The following list of green reads is for you to share with your own children, other people’s, or to delight in yourself.

We Planted a Tree. An illustrated poem and simple book shows how trees planted in very different parts of the world bring many gifts—from the pleasure of watching them grow to shade to sit in to sweet fruits to eat. Beautiful and diverse, it just might make you tear up (I know I did) and then plant your own seedling.  (Diane Muldrow and Bob Staake.)

All the World. A bestselling picture book for good reason, this little lovely affirms how we are all connected, to each other and to the world around us. A family moves through a community in one pleasure-filled day, complete with the beach, the farmers’ market, and good friends. (Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee.)

All in a Day. Featuring artist/activist Nikki McClure’s bold cut paper images, this one captures the magic that each day can hold—like sun, rain, chickens and wishes on dandelions. But make it count: “This day will soon be over and it won’t come back again.” (Cynthia Rylant and Nikki McClure.)

Heroes of the Environment.  I read this while eating breakfast a number of mornings and it totally filled me up—with motivation! Hearing about eco-heroes who are teen-aged or middle-aged who’ve made a real difference in their communities makes anybody want to take some action after their bowl of oatmeal.  (Harriet Rohmer and Julie McLaughlin.)

Fiction Picks: Rebecca Stead’s engaging novel First Light has all the makings of a great story with a good dose of Greenland, global warming and glacial mysteries as well. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jaqueline Kelly is told by Miss Calpurnia, or Callie Vee, who is growing up in Texas at the turn of the last century and is determined to be a naturalist, even though she’s a girl. At least she has her grandpa, an acquaintance of Darwin himself, to give her hope.

Any to add?

Images via My Daily Find,  PBS Parents: Booklights,  Buy Olympia, Chronicle Books