Planting Stories: Celebrating Earth Day and Arbor Day 2025
As the buds bloom and the breeze carries the scent of fresh soil, two special days mark our calendar each April: Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (typically the last Friday of April in the U.S., 4/25/25). These observances remind us of the vital connection between people and the planet—and what better way to foster that connection and inspire children to be agents of change for our planet than through the power of stories?
Earth Day 2025: "Our Power, Our Planet"
Earth Day began in 1970 as a grassroots movement to protect our environment, and it has since grown into a global event celebrating nature, sustainability, conservation and environmental stewardship. For children, Earth Day is a moment to explore the wonders of the natural world—whether it’s digging in the dirt, identifying birds, or learning about recycling. Earth Day provides an opportunity to inspire children to have a positive impact on our planet.
Wonderful books like "The Earth Book" by Todd Parr or "We Are Water Protectors" by Carole Lindstrom introduce young readers to these big ideas in a way that’s accessible, empowering, and visually captivating. These stories don’t just teach—they inspire action and empathy.
This year’s Earth Day 2025 theme is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET” calling for everyone to unite around renewable energy so we can triple clean electricity by 2030. Visit the Earth Day website for activities, stories and ways to get involved.
Arbor Day 2025: Planting Trees, Planting Hope
Where Earth Day calls us to awareness, Arbor Day asks us to act—specifically, to plant trees. Trees are one of nature’s greatest gifts: they clean our air, shade our neighborhoods, and provide homes for wildlife. Arbor Day invites children to roll up their sleeves, dig a little, and plant something lasting. Discover how you can get involved at the Arbor Day Foundation.
Books like "The Tree Lady" by H. Joseph Hopkins or "A Tree is Nice" by Janice May Udry illustrate how trees shape our lives and landscapes. They’re beautiful reminders that planting a seed today can grow into a legacy tomorrow.
Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax” implores us to understand the importance of trees for all living things and provides a stark warning about the implications of ignoring that importance. It’s signature line, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." reminds us of the power each person has to make a change. It is a wonderful read aloud for Earth Day or Arbor Day to inspire conservation efforts.
Why Children’s Literature Matters to Celebrate our Earth
Children’s literature has a unique ability to plant seeds of curiosity, care, and consciousness. Through powerful stories, children meet characters who love the Earth, face and conquer environmental challenges, or find wonder in a single leaf. Reading these stories helps kids see themselves as part of a bigger world—and encourages them to become stewards of change.
A few titles to explore:
- "The Curious Garden" by Peter Brown – a story of urban transformation and the quiet power of one child’s care.
- "Miss Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney – the classic tale of making the world more beautiful, one lupine at a time.
- "Because of an Acorn" by Lola M. Schaefer – a poetic look at ecosystems and interdependence.
Growing Together: Saving our Planet, One Story at a Time
Whether you're planting a tree, picking up litter, or reading a story about the beauty of our planet, like butterflies and bees, Earth Day and Arbor Day offer meaningful opportunities to grow closer as a family—and to grow more connected to a planet that needs saving.
So this April, let’s nurture young minds and grow roots for change. After all, every story planted with love can bloom into meaningful action.