Here are some of our must-read children’s book recommendations, teaching children about the problem of ocean plastics and inspiring them to make a difference.

1. Be Plastic Clever

Written by Amy and Ella Meek

Join teenage activists on their mission to rid the world of single-use plastics in this practical book, perfect for budding eco-warriors. Be Plastic Clever will teach young activists about the dangers of plastic pollution and climate change, but also to help them find their voice. Amy and Ella want their book to help young readers shout about the issues they are passionate about and inspire them to become young activists in their own right.

 

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

Written by Jess French

Everything you need to know about what we’re doing to our environment, good and bad, from pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling. This environmental book will teach keen young ecologists about our actions affect planet Earth.

3. Kids Fight Plastic: How to be a #2minutesuperhero

Written by Martin Dorey & Illustrated by Tim Wesson

Have you got 2 minutes? That’s all the time it takes to become a #2minutesuperhero. Plastic is everywhere. It is in the rivers and it is in the sea. We need superheroes to fight plastic and help save our oceans.

 

4. A Planet Full of Plastic: and how you can help 

Written by Neal Layton

Everything is made of stuff. Some things are made of paper, like this book. And some things are made of PLASTIC. If you look around you, plastic is everywhere. Even in places where it’s not meant to be. If it drops to the ground, it doesn’t rot away – it sticks around for ever.

5. The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story about Recycling

Written by Alison Inches

Learn about recycling from a new perspective! Peek into this diary of a plastic bottle as it goes on a journey from the refinery plant, to the manufacturing line, to the store shelf, to a garbage can, and finally to a recycling plant where it emerges into it’s new life…as a fleece jacket!

 

6. Harry Saves The Ocean!: Teaching children about plastic pollution and recycling

Written by N. G. K, Sylva Fae & illustrated by Dimmett Janelle

From the bestselling children’s picture book series, Harry The Happy Mouse, a children’s picture book teaching about the problem with plastic pollution, and how to help! Whilst on holiday Harry meets a whale who is in trouble. The whale then tells Harry about the growing problem of plastic pollution, and decides to do something about it.

 

7. The Tale of a Toothbrush: A Story of Plastic in Our Oceans 

Written by M. G. Leonard & Illustrated by Daniel Rieley

Children use their toothbrush each morning and evening, and get new ones every few months. That’s billions of toothbrushes! What happens to them all when they’re no longer needed? And if toothbrushes take thousands of years to break down, what does that mean for our planet?

 

8. Marli’s Tangled Tale: A true story about the problem of balloon releases

Written by Ellie Jackson & Illustrated by Laura Callwood

Marli’s Tangled Tale is a true and gentle story about the global problem of balloon releases and plastic rubbish. Aimed at primary and preschool children, this book invites readers to question the impact of plastic on our environment. Marli’s Tangled Tale will inspire children to make changes to the world around them.

 

9. Duffy’s Lucky Escape: A True Story About Plastic In Our Oceans 

Written by Ellie Jackson & Illustrated by Liz Oldmeadow

Duffy’s Lucky Escape is a true and gentle story about the global problem of ocean plastic. It highlights to children the relationship between humans and wildlife and the dangers animals face in their own natural habitats.

 

10. Pesky Plastics

Written and Illustrated by Leticia Colon De Mejias

Sally the sea turtle, Allen the albatross, and Pat the pelican are sea animals looking for food. How do sea animals know what to eat? What happens when animals eat plastic instead of food? Discover the dangers of “pesky plastic” in our oceans. Learn what you can do to help Sally, Allen, Pat and all the sea animals survive “pesky plastic.”

 

11. Theo and The Giant Plastic Ball

(Tunza Environmental Series for Children) Contributors: United Nations Environment Programme

This book is part of a UNEP series that aims to inspire caring for the earth through creative literature that sparks the interest and awareness of children, their parents and teachers. In it, a boy called Theo alerts communities to the menace of discarded plastic bags by collecting and rolling them into a giant ball.

 

12. Lorac

Written by Neus Figueras & Illustrated by Evan Piccirillo

From a marine scientist and writer, Lorac is the story of a young man making his way in the sea and in the readers’ hearts to protect our planet. Lorac will have to make difficult decisions, live in worlds where he doesn’t belong, and prove his worth for the good of all. Science and fantasy come together in an adventure of hope and courage that transmits an important message to protect our environment.

 

13. 1, 2, 3, Who’s Cleaning the Sea?: A Counting Picture Book About Protecting Our Planet

Written by Janina Rossiter

Janina Rossiter’s 1, 2, 3, Who’s Cleaning the Sea? A Counting Picture Book About Protecting Our Planet is an adorable book that will make young readers aware of the wonderful living beings that exist on our planet and who play an important role in cleaning and protecting the planet.

 

14. Saving the Seas for the Purple and Green 

Written and illustrated by Nancy Carlisle

A young girl loves the tide pools that she sees on her runs by the oceans, but one day notices garbage amongst the colourful creatures she finds there. Along the beach she meets conservationists cleaning up the beach who educate her about the dangers that trash pose to ocean life. She decides to help also.