Once a year in April, we mark Earth Day. But it's important for children to think about the impact we all have on our world all year round. This month, we've teamed up with Audible to create a list of recommended audiobooks which will help you and your child explore the environment and our responsibility to look after planet Earth.
Discover 10 audiobooks to listen to together or share with your child that are all available with Audible. With options for children from 0 to 11-years-old, there is something to suit all ages and stages.
We hope you enjoy listening to some new stories together and we hope it will open up conversations in your family around the environment and climate change as you explore our wonderful world in these stories.
The Last Bear
Written by Hannah Gold, narrated by Helen Phillips
April thinks that there are no surviving polar bears on Bear Island, until she meets one herself. A powerful story about climate change, animal conservation, and a message that you're never too young to change the world.
Suitable for ages 8 to 11. Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
A Nature Poem for Every Week of the Year
Assorted anthology, narrated by Samantha Bond
A glorious collection of nature poems from some of the most celebrated poets of all time. We loved being immersed in these beautiful poems - one for each week of the year.
Suitable for ages 7 to 11. Publisher: Nosy Crow
Force of Nature: A novel of Rachel Carson
Written by Ann E Burg, narrated by Kate Siegel
We were transfixed by this moving narration of Rachel Carson's life, and how she grew up to love and care for our planet. An inspirational book which is perfect for older children.
Suitable for ages 7 to 11. Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Wild Child: A Journey Through Nature
Written and narrated by Dara McAnulty
In this magical and poetic book, multi-award-winning author Dara McAnulty brings listeners on a journey through nature whilst helping them see the world differently. With activities at the end of each chapter, this book is wonderfully engaging and interactive.
Suitable for ages 8 to 11. Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books
Dr Wangarĩ Maathai Plants a Forest
Written by Rebel Girls (Corinne Purtill), narrated by Yvonne Grundy and Imogen Church
Dr Wangarĩ Maathai was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. This historical novel follows Wangarĩ's journey from growing up in rural Kenya to becoming an environmentalist. This is an inspiring real-life tale for young listeners.
Suitable for ages 6 to 11. Publisher: Audible Studios
Listen Up! A Rocket Collection
Written by Nathan Bryon, narrated by Yasmin Finney
This collection contains the title 'Clean Up!' in which beloved character Rocket travels to the Caribbean to visit her grandparents, and starts a movement to clean up the local beaches. Follow Rocket on her adventures in this delightful collection.
Suitable for ages 5 to 8. Publisher: Penguin Audio
The Great Paper Caper
Written by Oliver Jeffers, narrated by Harry Enfield
Trees have started going missing from the forest - who could be the culprit? We loved this humourous story by Oliver Jeffers, with its gentle ecological messages and a mystery theme suitable for younger listeners.
Suitable for ages 0 to 8. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Where the River Runs Gold
Written by Sita Brahmachari, narrated by Tania Rodrigues
Set in a dystopian future where children are forced to pollinate plants by hand, this empathetic and thought-provoking story follows Shifa and her brother Themba. Together they escape the Freedom Fields farm, uncover secrets, and find their way back home.
Suitable for ages 10+. Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Don’t Panic! We Can Save the Planet
Written and narrated by James Campbell
A funny, relatable and light-hearted take on climate change. This book is a perfect way to spark discussions about the effects that our actions have on the planet, and what we can do about it.
Suitable for ages 7 to 11. Publisher: Bloomsbury
Mermaid School: Save Our Seas
Written by Lucy Courtenay, narrated by Amaka Okafor, Ryan Sampson, Clare Corbett and Chloe Massey
In this instalment of the Mermaid School series, the mermaids set about clearing plastic pollution from their lagoon. A great story to introduce children to the importance of keeping our oceans clean.
Suitable for ages 6 to 9. Publisher: Audible Studios
