The damage we humans have done to our planet is immeasurable, and heartbreaking in the extreme. That is true when we consider climate change and its impact on life forms of all kinds, including on us humans. But some damage is very particular and has very specific effects.

Equally powerful, though, are stories of very specific and empowered efforts to change the immediate spaces in which we live. This can happen when someone observes carefully, listens to the wisdom of others, recognizes problems, and seeks a solution. Here is a bouquet of books that celebrate such efforts.

Mineditions 2021

ONE BOY'S CHOICE: A Tale of the Amazon is written by Sueli Menezes and illustrated by Anika Siems. This picture book is a rich cultural resource for young learners, especially in the English-speaking western culture. Lush illustrations draw readers into the loving relationship between a boy and his grandfather, sharing a universal experience of seeking peer esteem while treasuring the multi-generational wisdom and closeness they share. The stages of worry, disappointment, excitement, then facing the challenging decision that serves the greater good or his own social status are universal, although set in engaging specificity involving an unusual Amazon species of fish. 

This is a gorgeous book in theme, illustration, and gently direct text. 
It was named a 2020 NCSS (SocialStudies.org) Notable Book for Young Readers.

Kids Can Press. Citizen Kid, 2020

Next up is 111 TREES: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl, written by Rina Singh and illustrated by Marianne Ferrer. This is the true story of one man's insight, integrity, and love of his children and community led him to national acclaim for the transformative power of planting trees and valuing girls. There are so many significant cultural details within this story, and each one merits exploration and discussion. 
The book is well-written and illustrated with lush and illuminating detail. 
I'm counting on this title to make its way into several award categories, including recommended books for teachers of social studies and science/environmental studies. It has been praised by multiple review outlets, and requested by kids, which is the best review of all.

Tiger Tales, 2020

And last for today, but by no means finally, is LITTLE TURTLE AND THE CHANGING SEA: A Story of Survival in Our Polluted Oceans, written by Becky Davies and illustrated by Jennie Poh. This is a recent addition to an emerging collection of environmentally-themed fictional picture books. It adopts the point of view of a baby sea turtle growing into its long life that spans our one global ocean. 

Without referencing directly the decades of passing time, the colorful and biodiverse ocean she (sea turtle) traverses annually becomes dreary, polluted, gray, and dangerous. Human plastic pollution caused this, and humans finally appear to rescue sea turtle from torn netting, just in time. Then they proceed to work at restoring their tiny corner of the ocean by removing plastic and other litter. 

The seemingly happy ending is clearly not that, as back matter indicates the proliferation of human plastic and other waste, with specific suggestions that are practical and kid-friendly. There are so many questions raised in this appealing but appalling story. Some are answered, but an unmistakable invitation is issued to young readers to learn more, to care more, to act.

That will do it for the moment, but just as EARTH WEEK is only one small first step in an ongoing effort to undo our damage, so too are these books just a first step in inspiring and motivating readers of any age to make a positive difference in saving our planet and all of its dwellers.