Please welcome my guest author today, Lydia Lukidis. She has a list of 10 STEM Picture Books About Planet Earth.
We are giving away a copy of her newest book, Up, Up High: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.
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I’m a big fan of nonfiction STEM books, and I’m so pleased they’re becoming more popular in the world of kidlit. Our planet is a wondrous place, full of awe-inspiring locations and animals, and it’s important for children to be aware of the beauty that surrounds them. Keeping our planet clean and putting sustainable practices in place is equally important. That’s why I curated a list of picture books that celebrate the beauty of our planet and call for its protection. I’ll start with my own book about Earth’s atmosphere, and then I’ll mention other amazing titles. Enjoy!
10 STEM Picture Books about Planet Earth
Up, Up, High: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere by Lydia Lukidis, illustrated by Katie Rewse
Look up–into the blue and beyond. What do you see? The sky–our atmosphere–may seem empty or invisible. But is it? Using spare, lyrical language, this narrative takes readers on an imagined journey up, up high to discover the surprising and wondrous things flying, floating, and happening between the treetops and the stars. [picture book, ages 8 and up]
Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth by Oliver Jeffers
This is a heartfelt and beautifully illustrated guide to life on Earth. Written as a message to his newborn son, Jeffers gently introduces the planet’s landscapes, people, animals, and wonders. With humor and warmth, the book encourages kindness, curiosity, and care for the world and each other, offering a hopeful, compassionate view of our shared home. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by David Litchfield
Told from Earth’s point of view, this lively and humorous picture book shares the planet’s 4.54-billion-year journey. From its fiery beginnings to the age of dinosaurs and humans, Earth explains its history with charm and personality. Fun facts and vibrant illustrations make science accessible and entertaining for young readers, inspiring curiosity about our amazing planet. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Our Planet! There’s No Place Like Earth by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by David Litchfield
Yes, another McAnulty book. This one invites children to explore the beauty and diversity of Earth’s landscapes, animals, and ecosystems. Filled with colorful illustrations and engaging facts, it encourages young readers to appreciate and protect the planet. Celebrating nature’s wonders, it inspires curiosity and a sense of responsibility toward preserving our shared home for future generations. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet by April Pulley Sayre
This poetic tribute celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature through vivid photographs and lyrical text. Expressing gratitude for Earth’s skies, waters, animals, and seasons, it encourages readers to notice and appreciate the natural world. A gentle reminder to care for the planet, it blends science, art, and emotion to inspire environmental awareness and love. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
Inspired by Indigenous traditions, this powerful and lyrical book calls for the protection of Earth’s water. Narrated by a young girl, it highlights the sacredness of water and the dangers of pollution and pipelines. With rich, flowing illustrations, it delivers a passionate message of environmental justice, unity, and the importance of standing up for our planet. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall
Framed as a letter to a visitor from outer space, this thoughtful and beautifully illustrated book introduces the diversity of life on Earth. It celebrates people, places, animals, and emotions, emphasizing connection and empathy. With warmth and curiosity, it invites readers to reflect on what makes Earth special and the importance of caring for one another. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Outside In by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Cindy Derby
This lyrical picture book gently reminds readers that nature is all around us—even indoors. It invites children to notice the natural world through sights, sounds, and sensations, fostering a deep connection with Earth. With warm, inviting illustrations and poetic text, it encourages mindfulness and appreciation for the environment in everyday moments. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat, illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell
This poetic picture book illustrates how individual actions, though seemingly small, can collectively drive significant change. Through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations, it introduces young readers to the causes of climate change and emphasizes the power of community efforts in environmental activism. The narrative inspires hope and encourages proactive steps toward a healthier planet. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
An Anthology of Our Extraordinary by Cally Oldershaw
Okay, this one is not a picture book but I had to include it. This vibrant collection celebrates the wonders of the natural world, highlighting extraordinary plants, animals, and landscapes. Through engaging facts and stunning visuals, it inspires awe and curiosity about Earth’s diversity. The book encourages readers to appreciate and protect our planet’s unique treasures, fostering a deep connection to nature. [picture book, ages 6 and up]
Up, Up High: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere Picture Book GIVEAWAY
We are giving away a copy of her newest book, Up, Up High: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. We can only mail to U.S. and A.P.O. addreses.
Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024) and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, and Cybils Award nominee. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program.
Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency. For more information, please visit her website and blog, and follow her on Twitter/X, Bluesky, and Facebook. www.lydialukidis.com.
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My books:
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The Traveling Taco:
- Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025
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We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
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Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year
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Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Great list–thank you!
The ones I can think of are by Ruth Spiro and are great at educating, like, “How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up”. She has many more and they are all winners! There is also another book I love, with a completely different vibe, about how incredibly beautiful our world is, and I simply cannot think of the name of it. sigh.