This time of year is ripe with hatching chicks and skipping lambs, so it’s the perfect time to notice nature and get curious about conservation. What’s more, 22nd April is Earth Day, an annual event celebrated worldwide to support environmental protection. So make like David Attenborough and read on to find some exciting books to inspire your class to do their bit to save the planet!
The Orchid Thief
Oxford Reading Tree: Decode and Develop
Oxford Level 5 (Reception-Year 2/P1-3)
The children visit a nature reserve, where they are shocked to see a man digging up orchids, until they find out he is actually a botanist! But later on they really do see an orchid thief. Will they be able to stop her? Find out and use the story to start some interesting conversations about protecting endangered species.
Find it on Amazon, take a look at the whole Level 5 Decode and Develop pack, or read it now in the free Oxford Owl eBook library.
Extinct Giants
Oxford Reading Tree Explore with Biff, Chip & Kipper
Oxford Level 7 (Year 2/P3)
Explore issues surrounding extinction by discovering these animals of the past, including dinosaurs, dodos, megalodons and more! Read this book alongside its fiction companion: A Mammoth Task,in which Wilf and Wilma make a huge discovery on the beach after a storm!
Find it on Amazon, or take a look at the whole Level 7 pack.
Demolition Danger
Hero Academy
Oxford Level 10 (Year 2/P3)
The heroes discover that Ray Ranter has a plan to destroy Hero Academy by building a shopping centre over their secret entrance. When they find out that an endangered species of newt is living there too, they must use their powers to thwart his plans and protect it. The perfect book to inspire your class to be environmental super heroes!
Find it on Amazon, or take a look at the whole Level 10 pack.
Bee Boy
Tony De Saulles
Age 7+
Protecting bees is vital for the environment and this highly entertaining story about half boy, half bee, Melvin Meadly, is full of brilliant facts that will have your class buzzing about bees. As a bee, Mel is ready to defend his hive against all enemies, but as a boy, has he got what it takes to protect his bees (and himself) against the greatest menace of all, Nasty Norman Crudwell?
Buy it on our website or on Amazon.
The Beehive Fence
Oxford Reading Tree: Decode and Develop
Oxford Level 8 (Year 2/P3)
We already mentioned just how important bee conservation is, so find out how Biff overcomes her fear of our pollinating pals in this book that’s perfect for children who are finding the confidence to read independently.
Find it on Amazon, or take a look at the whole Level 8 pack.
The Power of Nature
TreeTops
Oxford Level 14 (Years 3-5/P4-6)
This book is packed full of fascinating facts and interesting information about climate change and renewable energy. Why not use it to start a classroom discussion on the arguments for and against wind farms?
Find it on Amazon, or take a look at the whole Level 14 pack.
Exploring the Deep
Project X Origins
Oxford Level 16 (Year 5/P6)
Oceans cover 71% of our planet, but we still know relatively little about what lurks beneath their surface. Travel to the midnight zone to find out what we do know with this Project X Origins book – great for guided reading!
Find it in the Level 16 Hidden Depths pack, or read it now in the free Oxford Owl eBook library.
Sky Dancer
Gill Lewis
Age 10+
Joe has always loved the moorlands above his home, but when the whole community is divided over the fate of the hen harriers that nest there in the heather, can he find the strength to fight for what he really believes in? This is a beautiful tale of loss, expectation, and change – with an important and thought-provoking environmental message.
Buy it on Amazon or take a look at Gill Lewis’ other environmental tales on our website.
What are you waiting for? Get out there and nurture nature!
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