Summer is the best time to dedicate yourself to reading. Why not use it as an opportunity to pass on a message of environmental awareness and respect? Here are 10 books for children and young readers on the theme of ecology.

Barbapapà. Il kit operativo dell'ecologia

Suitable from age 3, featuring the much-loved television characters. It contains a series of bindable educational cards dedicated to environmental protection, as well as an association game. Lisciani editore.

Libri per bambini: piccoli gesti di ecologia

This volume, recommended for children aged 5 to 8, contains information and advice on ecology, as well as activity ideas to enjoy alone or with family and classmates. The tips and activities cover many different aspects, from managing one's bedroom to behaviour at school and at home, through to food, games and outdoor life. Editoriale Scienza.

ABC dell'ecologia

This book for children aged 5 to 8 consists of twenty-six illustrated plates to introduce children to the great themes of ecology: air, critical consumption, renewable energy sources, environmental impact, the Kyoto Protocol, separate waste collection, zero emissions. Edizioni Girotondo.

L'ecologia siamo noi

From Edizioni Dedalo, a book for children and young readers from age 9, who will be able, through text and images, to learn how ecosystems work, their continuous transformations and the dangers that threaten them.

A come ambiente

Recommended from age 6, this volume brings together a series of good practices for being eco-informed and behaving responsibly in everyday life. It is divided into 5 sections (air, energy, food, waste and water) and contains simple explanations, experiments and quizzes. Published by Editoriale Scienza.

Léon e l'ambiente

Recommended from age 6. With little Léon as their guide, children will learn more eco-friendly alternatives to classic everyday actions, starting with the use of plastic bags and wasting water while playing in the bathroom. Irreverent and ironic. Published by EDT-Giralangolo.

Dieci cose che posso fare per aiutare il mio pianeta

This is a book for even very young children, from age 3. With large illustrations and surprise cut pages to discover, it shows children ten simple everyday actions that can help improve the health of the planet. Editoriale Scienza.

Il pianeta lo salvo io

A practical handbook that teaches children and young readers how to take care of a planet mistreated by their parents. It contains 101 concrete proposals ranging from how to make one's home greener to how to shop consciously, through to the 4 R rule – Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle. Recommended for ages 9 to 11, EDT-Giralangolo.

L'ape blu

For children aged at least 4, this is a collection of fables that addresses not only the theme of the beauty of nature, but also the importance of diversity and the intrinsic value of differences. Publisher Chouetteditions.com.

Il bosco, la mia città. Esplorare e giocare l'ecologia

Play is the cornerstone for educating children and getting them used to respecting the environment and loving nature, providing them with their first, fundamental lessons in ecology. Edizioni Elledici.