Clean Water & Sanitation | Picture Book List For United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #6

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, this book issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption.

Ages 3-6 | Pages 40

Song of the River by Joy Cowley & Kimberly Andrews

One little boy who lives in the forest near a stream longs to see the sea. One day, he follows the stream as it becomes a babbling brook, turns into a river, and eventually flows out into the sea. His dream comes true as he takes in the breadth of the ocean and grows even more enamored with the water that starts as a tiny stream near his house. I absolutely loved this book and thought it had great illustrations. 

Ages 5-8 | Pages 32

The Secret Of Black Rock by Joe Todd-Stanton 

Too often, we don’t appreciate nature when we can’t understand it. Such is the case when a seemingly large rock formation routinely creates apparent danger for local fishermen. The town residents decide to destroy the rock, but a little girl saves the rock after discovering how much life it supports just below the surface of the water. The book encourages children to respect our environment and look beyond what something might initially appear to be. First impressions aren’t always true.

Ages 3-7 | Pages 40

Let’s Investigate with Nate #1: The Water Cycle by Nate Ball

Ever wonder where water comes from and where it goes? Or why sometimes it rains and sometimes it snows? This book goes on an adventure with curious scientists as they shrink down smaller than a raindrop to see firsthand what the water cycle is all about. This book mixes just the right amount of story with science and text with illustration to teach young learners the basics of the water cycle. Most adults will probably learn a thing or two as well!

Ages 4-8 | Pages 40

Hey Water! by Antoinette Portis

Join a young girl as she explores her surroundings and sees that water is everywhere. But water doesn’t always look the same, it doesn’t always feel the same, and it shows up in lots of different shapes. This is a fun book about all the ways and forms in which water shows up in our lives.

Ages 4-8 | Pages 48

Save The Ocean by Bethany Stahl

With beautiful and charming illustrations, as well as a lovable sea turtle named Agwe, I loved reading this to my boys. The book has a heartwarming lesson of recycling and conservation that is just right for kids.

Ages 0-8 | Pages 34

Down, Down, Down: A Journey To The Bottom of the Sea by Steve Jenkins 

This non-fiction picture book takes the reader through the sea starting from the surface and gradually moving deeper into the ocean. With each page, the readers learn about the creatures that live in that part of the ocean and how they rely on each other. It’s a really interesting book, but maybe a little complicated for younger readers. This is best suited for elementary-aged students and older. 

Ages 4-7 | Pages 40

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne 

Supported by bright and colorful illustrations, readers learn the story of a world-famous sea explorer and oceanographer who fell in love with the sea at an early age. The story highlights some of the wonderful and important discoveries Cousteau shared with the world that he uncovered during his dives. In order to appreciate and take care of our oceans and water, it helps to understand the beauty of what’s beneath the surface, and I think this book shares that in a way children will enjoy.

Ages 6-9 | Pages 40

The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord

This book explores the environmental impact of trash and plastic on the ocean and marine life, and it inspires kids to do their part to combat pollution. The first half of the book portrays the growing magnitude of the issue, and the second half rallies children and adults to make the necessary changes to save our oceans.

Ages 5-7 | Pages 32

Blue Planet: Life In Our Oceans and Rivers by Moira Butterfield

Water covers most of our planet and is imperative to our world. This book highlights the many different ecosystems that thrive in the water around the world and the animals that live in each of them. It also discusses why water is important, how humans use water, and how we can protect the water to keep it clean and safe. My little guy loves this book as well as its sister book Green Planet: Life In Our Woods and Forests.

Ages 6-9 | Pages 32

Saving Tally: An Adventure into the Great Pacific Plastic Patch by Serena Lane Ferrari

Tally and Ara are curious little friends who sometimes get into trouble. The most dangerous part of the ocean is about to shock Tally and Ara and make them realize that their underwater world isn’t always charming. Will they be able to escape the danger of plastic pollution in the ocean?

Ages 3-12 | Pages 37

River by Elisha Cooper

Through flowing prose and stunning watercolor scenes, readers follow a traveler’s trek down the Hudson River as she and her canoe explore the wildlife, flora and fauna, and urban landscape at the river’s edge. Through perilous weather and river rushes, the canoe and her captain survive and maneuver their way down the river back home.

Ages 4-8 | Pages 48

I Can Save The Ocean by Alison Inches

A little green monster heads to the beach and realizes how much trash is in the ocean. He decides to start cleaning up the beach and follows the trash back to its source to help readers understand how trash ends up in our ocean and how we can prevent it from getting there. It’s a cute story told in a way that is really accessible to younger children. 

Ages 4-6 | Pages 24

Ocean: A Peek-Through Picture Book by Britta Teckentrup

This colorful picture book with cutouts on each page shows readers so many wonderful and interesting creatures that live in the ocean. The book is written in rhymes and is simple enough for the young listeners while also holding the interest of older children. 

Ages 3-7 | Pages 32

Why Should I Save Water? by Jen Green

This is a great book for young children to hear the story about saving water through the eyes of a little boy and his neighborhood friend. His friend stops by and they talk about why they need to be careful about how much water they use and all the ways kids can save water in their own homes. This is great for children of all ages and includes bright, engaging illustrations as well.

Ages 4-7 | Pages 32

Touch The Earth by Julian Lennon

While not exclusively about water, this book takes readers on an adventure around the world on the White Feather Flier showing them all the ways that water is important to the planet and our communities. Readers push buttons and interact with the book to learn ways they can help ensure we have clean and sufficient water for all living organisms on our planet.

This book is part of the White Feather Flier series that includes Love The Earth and Heal The Earth | Check out the Entire White Feather Flier Box Set

Ages 3-6 | Pages 40

Jen Panaro

Jen Panaro, a co-founder of Raising Global Kidizens, is a self-proclaimed composting nerd and an advocate for sustainable living for modern families. She’s also a serial library book borrower and a messy gardener.

As a mom to two boys, she is passionate about helping families be more responsible stewards to their communities and the planet. She also owns Honestly Modern, an online space focused on eco-friendly living for modern families.