There’s a lot to be said for the power of storytelling, especially when it comes to our kids. While it might seem overwhelming to explain to little ones the complexities of global warming or why a plastic bag causes so much damage, there are many good books out there designed beautifully to navigate such issues, simply. Our actions now will affect their future, so jump on board with these eco-friendly reads for little ones.

10 Things I Can Do To Help My World, Melanie Walsh

This green manual for kids has simple tips little ones can easily follow as well as beautiful illustrations to help them navigate why it’s important to protect our planet. Have they remembered to turn out the light? Or turn off the tap after brushing their teeth? It offers engaging advice for little ones to easily put into practice in their day-to-day lives.

The Lorax, Dr Seuss

For generations, Dr Seuss has delighted big and little kids alike with conscious subject matter, subtle political undertones and of course, iconic illustrations. The Lorax is no exception, dissecting the relationship between corporate greed and its effect on the environment, in a way that only Dr Seuss could articulate.

Bag in the Wind, Ted Kooser

Written by Pulitzer Prize winner, Ted Kooser, Bag in the Wind follows the story of a seemingly innocuous plastic bag as it escapes from landfill and into the lives of several characters living in a nearby town. It’s printed on 100 per cent recycled post-consumer waste and includes a note from the author about recycling plastic bags.

All The Water In The World, George Ella Ryan

Where does it come from? Where does it go? George Ella Ryan’s tome about one of our most precious resources expertly explains the cycle of water in short poetic prose. Its watercolour illustrations bolster the theme and add to its all-round appeal.

The Down to Earth Guide to Global Warming, Laurie David and Cambria Gordon

Global warming isn’t just an issue for grown-ups , this kid-friendly read offers easy ways we can all reduce our carbon footprint. It comes from the award-winning producer of enviro-doco An Inconvenient Truth, and features lots of colourful graphs, photos, tips and relatable (and easy to digest) metaphors to introduce children to the complexities of global warming. It’s also printed using soy-based inks on recycled paper.

Here we are, by Oliver Jeffers

A simple, beautiful picture book introducing children to planet Earth, as if for the first time. Like all of Jeffers books it immediately evokes emotion for the adult reader, and it captivating for little ones too.

This is the mess we made, by Michelle Lord

Aimed at kids aged 5 years to 9 years, this is another gem with a beautiful turn of phrase that takes young readers on a journey to the mess that is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It then empowers readers (parents and children alike) to make the necessary changes to save our oceans, before it’s too late.

RELATED: 3 products that have changed my second-time-mum life

RELATED: Our favourite natural baby balms