My kids are getting a bit older, but there are a few good picture books that remain on our bookshelves.  Each of these  books has gorgeous illustrations, an excellent storyline and will send a great message to your children.  They teach us about basic principles of kindness, caring for the earth and caring for each other.  So grab a few of these great titles and cuddle up on the couch with the child ( might be your own inner child) in your life.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This touching story makes me cry every time I read it.  Originally published in 1964, it is a tale about a relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree always provides the boy with what he wants: branches on which to swing, shade in which to sit, apples to eat, branches with which to build a home.  The book shares the message with all ages about unconditional love.

George Saves the World by Lunch Time by Jo Readman and Ley Honor
George is determined to save the world by lunchtime, but he’s not quite sure how. Grandpa suggests they start by recycling his yogurt container, putting his banana peel in the compost pile, and hanging the wash to dry in the sun. The message to kids being that you can help save the world through simple everyday actions such as repairing items that are broken and recycling.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
Filled with gorgeous pictures, this book is one boy’s quest for a greener world… one garden at a time. While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden spreads throughout the dark, gray city, transforming it into a lush, green world.

Babar’s Yoga for Elephants by Laurent de Brunhoff
This book is a great way to share yoga with young children. Babar takes you around his hometown of Celesteville and to exotic locales throughout Europe and North America sharing his love and the joy of yoga everywhere he goes. The book comes with a great poster that my kids have studied over and over.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
This classic Dr. Seuss takes young readers on a journey with a powerful lesson about the dangers of abusing our natural resources.  If you haven’t shared this one-this is a must!

Can We Save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Vicky White
This book will be released on February 22, 2011.  With stunning portraits of animals,  the reader is introduced to  endangered species: tigers, partula snails, and many other animals in danger of becoming extinct.

Ants in Your Pants, Worms in Your Plants! by Diane deGroat
Gilbert the opossum goes green in a picture book that celebrates Earth Day.

 

Eco Babies Wear Green by Michelle Sinclair Colman, illustrated by Nathalie Dion
Urban babies and trendy tots have gone green! Readers will learn that eco babies not only wear green, earth-friendly fibres; eco babies also carpool, ride on the back of mom and dad’s bike and eat solely locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Just Grace Goes Green by Charise Mericle Harper
From the adorable Just Grace series, Grace’s class at school goes green and the book is filled with all sorts of  ideas and suggestions about what kids can do to make a difference by reusing, reducing and recycling.

The Giant Hug by by Sandra Horning, illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev
Owen’s hug travels across the country, via the post office, through heartfelt embraces between animals of different shapes and sizes. A fantastic book about how you can share a little bit of love with friends and family wherever they are.

Think about these titles for classroom gifts or donations to your local library.

Any more favorites to add to the list?

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* Disclosure: If you buy any of the items in this post through the Amazon links  it will put a few pennies in my pocket-thanks!