The Rev. Pressley Cox, Foothill Presbytery’s associate for shared ministry and mission in western South Carolina, has created a wonderful book list for children, relating the offerings to various lessons of my Horizons Bible Study Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation.

Below is the list, or you can download a pdf version here.

The parenthetical numbers refer to the nine lessons of Let Justice Roll Down.

Children’s Books

God’s Big Plan by Elizabeth Caldwell (2, 3, 8, 9)
The world is full of so many different things: animals, plants, foods, languages, people. But it might not have been that way if it weren’t for God’s big plan . . . This vibrant picture book illuminates a new understanding of the story of Babel in Genesis, revealing God’s plan for wonderful diversity throughout the world. God’s Big Plan includes a note for parents and educators.

I Am Earth’s Keeper by Lisa M. Hendey (2, 9)
Inspired by St. Francis and his famous love song “Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon”, this warmhearted book sparks the imagination of young listeners to connect more deeply with God’s creation and develop an ever-deepening sense of commitment to living in solidarity with nature. I Am Earth’s Keeper offers an empowering message that children are ready to act as stewards of the natural world

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (1, 2, 5, 6, 9)
I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. Dr. Seuss’s beloved story teaches kids to treat the planet with kindness and stand up and speak up for others. Experience the beauty of the Trufula Trees and the danger of taking our earth for granted in a story that is timely, playful, and hopeful. The book’s final pages teach us that just one small seed, or one small child, can make a diference.

Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too by Jennifer Grant (8, 9)
A timely and powerful book that features a young, biracial girl who asks her mother, “Who is my neighbor?” As Mom explains, “Everyone is your neighbor,” the book goes on to show multiple ways people show love throughout their urban neighborhood. Author Jennifer Grant helps children develop a worldview beyond themselves with her powerful and wise ideas around compassion, diversity, kindness, community, love, and empathy, creating an opportunity for adults to talk with children about what it really means to live out the Golden Rule.

The Mess That We Made by Michelle Lord (1, 9)
Explores the environmental impact of trash and plastic on the ocean and marine life, and inspires kids to do their part to combat pollution. Children can imagine themselves as one of the four multi-ethnic occupants of the little boat surrounded by swirling plastic in the middle of the ocean, witnessing the cycle of destruction and the harm it causes to plants, animals, and humans. 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.

My Breathing Earth by Paul Many (2, 4)
In this poignant and lyrical tale, author Paul Many and artist Tisha Lee evoke the joy that a little girl experiences as she thrills to the beauty of what she calls “Earth’s breath”—the air surrounding her. An author’s note provides fun facts about the atmosphere, as well as actions children may take to help their Earth breathe better.

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of Gambia by Miranda Paul (5, 8, 9)
Discover the inspiring true story of Isatou Ceesay, an African woman who started a recycling movement to combat the pollution caused by plastic bags in her community. Her eforts not only helped to clean up the environment, but also provided income for women in her community who had been struggling to make ends meet.

Saving Delicia: A Story about Small Seeds and Big Dreams by Laura Gehl (8, 9)
Kari’s favorite parts of summer are eating juicy fruit from the delicia tree and listening to stories from Old Otis. But now the last remaining delicia is in danger. What if this beloved tree dies out? Is there anything one girl can do? With inspiration, information, and a pocketful of seeds, Kari sets out to craft a surprise for Otis—and for the future. This tender story celebrates the connections between generations, emphasizing that small steps can have a big impact when one looks beyond the present. An author’s note about seed banks around the world is included.

A Very Big Problem by Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Sasso (1, 9)
In the beginning, God’s garden is beautiful and peaceful, but it doesn’t stay that way. Everyone has something to say! Rain brags that it’s the most refreshing. Birds boast that they’re the most splendid. Earthworms bluster about their busyness. Then Children come along, claiming to be the best of all. And it’s only fair that the best is loved most, isn’t it?

The Water Walker (English and Ojibwa Edition) by Joanne Robertson (2, 4, 8, 9) The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water). Nokomis walks to raise awareness of our need to protect Nibi for future generations, and for all life on the planet. The walks are full of challenges, and by her example Josephine-ba invites us all to take up our responsibility to protect our water, the giver of life, and to protect our planet for all generations.

We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom (1, 2, 4, 9)
Water is the first medicine. It afects and connects us all . . . When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred resource.

What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting our Planet by Jess French (1, 9)
In this informative book on recycling for children, you will find everything you need to know about our environment. The good, the bad and the incredibly innovative. From pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling. This educational book will teach young budding ecologists about how our actions afect planet Earth and the big impact we can make by the little things we do.

What Do You Do with an Idea? by Kobi Yamada (9)
This is the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child’s confidence grows, so does the idea itself. And then, one day, something amazing happens. This is a story for anyone, at any age, who’s ever had an idea that seemed a little too big, too odd, too difcult. It’s a story to inspire you to welcome that idea, to give it some space to grow, and to see what happens next. Because your idea isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s just getting started.

What Do You Do with a Problem by Kobi Yamada (9)
This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite diferent than it appeared. What Do You Do With a Problem? is a story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had a problem that they wished would go away. It’s a story to inspire you to look closely at that problem and to find out why it’s here. Because you might discover something amazing about your problem… and yourself.

What Grew in Larry’s Garden by Laura Alary (1, 3, 8, 9)
Inspired by a real person, author Laura Alary has written a heartwarming story about how amazing things can grow when you tend your garden with kindness. In this case, Larry, a teacher, is helping to grow community. It ofers a powerful lesson on the influence of generosity, while encouraging young children to become community activists in their own neighborhoods. This uplifting story fosters an appreciation for neighborhood and community at a time when that sentiment seems to be eroding.

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan (8, 9)
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” In this imaginative take on that popular saying, a child is surprised (and disappointed) to receive a lemon tree from Grandma for her birthday. After all, she DID ask for a new gadget! But when she follows the narrator’s careful—and funny—instructions, she discovers that the tree might be exactly what she wanted after all. This clever story, complete with a recipe for lemonade, celebrates the pleasures of patience, hard work, nature, community . . . and putting down the electronic devices just for a while.

You are Revolutionary by Cindy Wang Brandt (9)
In this inspiring picture book, the author speaks to every child who sees injustice in the world, revealing that they already have inside themselves everything they need to make big, transformative change in the world–just as they are. Every kid is a revolutionary! You don’t need to wait until you grow up. You don’t even need any special skills.

The Tide Is Rising, So Are We: A Climate Movement Anthem by Shoshana Meira Friedman (publishing date March 18, 2025)
The Tide Is Rising, So Are We! is an inspiring picture book in verse that invites readers into the sweeping story of the climate justice movement and ofers a framework for hope and action. Written by climate activist Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman, this book speaks to readers’ spiritual and emotional needs. How do we grieve, organize, and express our love for the world all at once? How do we find our own place in the climate movement at this late hour?

Other Resources

Creation Justice Ministries: 52 Ways to Care for Creation

The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible
Come to God’s peace table, where there’s room for everyone. From beginning to end, the Bible reminds us that we are made in God’s image and that God’s table has room for us all. The Peace Table is a comprehensive family storybook Bible that makes God’s presence and peace real to children of all ages. A resource section includes ideas for how to experience peace with God, self, others, and creation, as well as maps, background information on the Bible, interactive ways to pray, and prayers for many occasions. The Peace Table is an excellent resource for families and faith communities who want their children to love Jesus, grow in faith, and become peacemakers who change the world!

Protect the Planet Activity Pack from Beaming Books
This packet includes several kid-friendly exercises and activities that promote eco- conscious living, like:
• 10 ways kids can save the planet, right from their own home;
• Exploring green careers;
• Earth-Care bingo;
• And more!
The world might be changing, but the situation isn’t hopeless, and we aren’t helpless. This activity pack helps kids explore the small things they can do in their daily lives to live smarter and protect the planet.