From a picture book about whales to middle grade books on rescuing red wolves and honeybees, these informational texts will encourage burgeoning environmentalists to take on a cause.

Whales in the City by Nancy F Castaldo. illus. by Chuck Groenink. Farrar. 2025. ISBN 9780374308568 
Gr 1-2–Evocative illustrations and easy-to-understand text bring to life this story of whales living in the Hudson River in New York. Initially told from the whales’ perspective, the story depicts the river first as a wild place with clean water and plentiful fish. As humans arrive with their BIG boats, build a BIG harbor and eventually a BIG city, the BIG whales are either hunted or forced to leave due to the increasingly polluted water. When the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972, the river was cleaned up, and in 2016, a century after they left, whales returned to the river. VERDICT A fascinating and accessible story about whales and the water they live in. Great for a read-aloud, especially for Earth Day.

The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-Woman Anti-Poaching Unit by Kelly Crull. photos by Kelly Crull. Lerner/Millbrook. 2025. ISBN 9798765627259.
Gr 2-5–Crull returns with another environmentally focused book. Informational text showcases the work of the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-woman anti-poaching unit. First-person narration follows the day-to-day life of these women rangers, highlighting what led them to this career path and the dangerous but important work they’re doing to conserve South African wildlife. The photographs are dynamic, depicting the strong and dedicated Black women in action and the majestic creatures they care for. The energy, passion, and effort of this unit is made obvious through these images and will inspire readers to look around their surroundings for ways to care for neighboring wildlife. VERDICT A fascinating, kid-friendly title on wildlife conservation that will captivate and empower elementary school readers.
 
You Are a Wildlife Warrior!: Saving Animals & the Planet by Bindi Irwin with Smriti Prasadam-Halls. illus. by Ramona Kaulitzk. Random. 2025. ISBN 9780593428115.
PreS-K–Irwin notes that her father, Steve Irwin, coined the phrase “wildlife warrior” to describe her family’s work as conservationists who stand up for wildlife who cannot speak for themselves. Today her family runs the Australia Zoo and animal conservation projects around the world. Simple verses and colorful digital illustrations follow Irwin and her young daughter as they visit the zoo’s idyllic grounds. They see animals, large and small, cuddle with koalas and red pandas, and view crocodiles and rhinos from a safe distance. VERDICT An appealing design and upbeat message make this an acceptable choice for caregivers looking for a gentle introduction to the ever-popular topic of zoos and animal conservation.
 
Call the Bee Doctor!: How Science Is Saving Honey Bees by Sandra Markle. Lerner/Millbrook. 2024. ISBN 9798765626795. 
Gr 4-8–Beginning in 1998, European beekeepers were devastated to find that honey bees were disappearing from their hives. This phenomenon was called Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and by 2006, it had spread to the United States. As honey bees are responsible for pollinating many of the crops that provide food, the disappearance of honey bees due to CCD could have potentially devastating global consequences. Markle takes readers on a deep dive with apiologists (bee scientists) to learn about bees, what causes CCD, and how to prevent it from decimating more bee colonies. Although complex concepts are introduced, Markle presents the necessary background details readers need to follow along. VERDICT A great resource for research projects and nature enthusiasts, recommended for middle grade science collections. 
 
The Great Wolf Rescue: Saving the Red Wolves by Sandra Markle. Lerner/Millbrook. 2024. ISBN 9781728467962.
Gr 3-7–Markle’s latest offers fascinating insight into conservation efforts made to save the red wolf. Found only in North America, red wolves once roamed nearly half of the country, but by the 1960s, their numbers were quickly dwindling. In 1973, the red wolf was declared endangered and added to the Endangered Species Act. Since that time, groups working in the United States decided to capture the few that remained and keep them in captivity with hopes of breeding them and eventually releasing them back into the wild. Eventually, a fostering program was developed that allowed captive-bred red wolf puppies to be transplanted to a red wolf mother’s new litter in the wild. VERDICT This educational read is certain to be valued and enjoyed by all who seek to learn more about the native red wolf. A fabulous addition to all nonfiction library shelves.

Giant Rays of Hope: Protecting Manta Rays to Safeguard the Sea by Patricia Newman. Lerner/Millbrook. 2024. ISB 9798765607992.
Gr 4-8–Pollution, climate change, and overfishing threaten the lives of giant manta rays. To encourage fishers in her native Perú to help protect the species, scientist Kerstin Forsberg created her nonprofit, Planeta Océano. Forsberg’s desire to share her love of the natural world began at a young age, and she went on to study biology in college and complete an internship at a sea turtle conservation program. After helping recover a lost manta ray tag, her interest turned to that unique species. She established Planeta Océano and set out to accomplish her goals. The stories included in the book aren’t just from Forsberg, but also from the children and families that have joined her in her mission. VERDICT A fascinating and important tale of one scientist’s dedication to ocean conservation and community that will inspire many to follow in her footsteps.

Chomp! The Truth About Sharks by Annette Whipple. illus. by Juanbjuan Oliver. Reycraft Bks. 2024. ISBN 9781478885788.
Gr 3-5–With the right mix of full-color photos and fast, snappy facts, this book on sharks will appeal to all. Two pages are focused on one topic, e.g., “Do Sharks Lay Eggs?” The photos, large and small, call attention to specific details that are splashed across the pages. Most of the text is on a white background, with some color backgrounds surrounded by or incorporated into the photos; “But not all sharks lay eggs” is next to a photo of a cat shark hatching and a lemon shark pup shown below it. Each facing page contains a color drawing of shark(s) with cartoon features, and a play on words or another fact called out. Basic questions are covered; the writing is succinct and packed with easily digestible information on the anatomy, habits, and lives of sharks. VERDICT A delightful first buy, full of fun and interesting facts and photos that will appeal to shark fanatics and the merely curious.

Animals on Parade by Jane Yolen. illus. by Anne Yvonne Gilbert. Creative Eds. 2025. ISBN 9781568463919.
K-Gr 3–Yolen delivers a powerful celebration of Earth’s diverse wildlife, paired with a clear and urgent message about conservation. The book opens with animals “swimming, rolling, walking, stalking,” before poignantly reminding readers that they don’t need us—though humans have pushed them to extinction. Gilbert’s intricate illustrations capture creatures in motion, from the familiar to the obscure, the living to the extinct. In the touching final pages, children gather with banners, expressing their love for animals and the need to protect them. Though reviewed digitally, the book’s accordion-fold format promises an even greater impact in print. VERDICT A compelling read, reinforcing that today’s children are the future guardians of the planet’s wildlife.