The first official Earth Day was held in 1970 and this celebration encourages education and stewardship of the planet's natural resources. These titles show off the wonders of this planet we live on and encourage everyone to treasure what we have. Information about Earth Day obtained from the National Park Service website.
My First Summer in the Sierra
In the summer of 1869, John Muir, a young Scottish immigrant, joined a crew of shepherds in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. First published in 1911, My First Summer in the Sierra incorporates the lyrical accounts and sketches he produced during his four-month stay in the Yosemite River Valley and the High Sierra. His record tracks that memorable experience, describing in picturesque terms the majestic vistas, flora and fauna, and other breathtaking natural wonders of the area.
Today, Muir is recognized as one of the most important and influential naturalists and nature writers in America. This book, the most popular of the author's works, will delight environmentalists and nature lovers with its exuberant observations. -Goodreads
Check AvailabilityFull of Life: Exploring Earth's Biodiversity
This artful and accessible guide to Earth's Tree of Life - the reference tool used by scientists to organize the incredible variety of living things on our planet - helps young readers understand how every living creature, from the tiniest germ to the biggest blue whale, is part of one big family tree.
Stunning layouts feature fascinating facts and stories behind some of the most extraordinary species on Earth, from familiar plants and animals to newly discovered microorganisms and viruses. With a comprehensive introduction, conclusion, and glossary, this is the perfect introduction to the 2 million+ life forms on our planet. -Amazon
Check AvailabilityPlanet Earth (DVD)
In one of the most ambitious landmark series, Planet Earth allows us to experience the world from the viewpoint of the animals themselves. Travelling through jungles, deserts, mountains, islands, grasslands and cities, this series explores the unique characteristics of Earth’s most iconic habitats and the extraordinary ways animals survive within them. New technology has allowed individual stories to be captured in an unparalleled level of detail. For the first time viewers are immersed in incredible landscapes and share the most dramatic moments in the lives of animals. From spellbinding wildlife spectacle to intimate encounters, Planet Earth will take you closer than ever before. -Amazon
Check AvailabilityThe Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its Ecosystems
Beautifully combining art and science, The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth is an illustrated tour of the planet that reveals ecosystems large and small, from reefs, deserts, and rainforests to ponds, backyard gardens, and even a drop of water. Through exquisite drawings, maps, and infographics, New York Times best-selling author Rachel Ignotofsky makes earth science accessible and entertaining, explaining how our planet works, from its diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants, to the levels of ecology, the importance of biodiversity, the carbon cycle, weather cycles, and more. -Goodreads
Check AvailabilityBack to Earth
In Back to Earth , Stott imparts essential lessons in problem-solving, survival, and crisis response that each of us can practice to make change. She knows we can overcome differences to address global issues, because she saw this every day on the International Space Station. Stott shares stories from her spaceflight and insights from scientists, activists, and changemakers working to solve our greatest environmental challenges. She learns about the complexities of Earth’s biodiversity from NASA engineers working to enable life in space and from scientists protecting life on Earth for future generations. Ultimately, Stott reveals how we each have the power to respect our planetary home and one another by living our lives like crewmates, not passengers, on an inspiring shared mission. -Goodreads
Check AvailabilityAbout the Author
Megan is the Head Librarian of Youth Services at Edwardsville Public Library and she loves reading stories to children, seeing kids get excited about books, and learning new board games. Megan has worked at EPL since 2014.