Kids are like sponges—they learn a little bit with every new experience. Whether you have a pre-schooler or an older child, it's never too early or too late to teach your kids about environmental issues.

Teaching by example is vital since kids learn a lot from the habits of their parents. But there are tons of great books out there to teach kids about everything from recycling to alternative energy (you'd be surprised what kids can grasp if you make it simple).

With Earth Week swiftly approaching, we decided to unearth the best recently released and upcoming eco books for kids. The list includes additions to your kids' favorite book series, activity-packed books for hands-on learning, and titles that make the complex issues easy to understand.

Get ready to read!

Charlie and Lola: We Are Extremely Very Good Recyclers
By Lauren Child
Fans of the Charlie and Lola series will love the latest book, which focuses on recycling and trees. The book starts off with Charlie talking Lola into recycling her old toys, which leads Lola to a recycling competition. If Lola can recycle 100 items she gets to tree to plant-but she only has two weeks so she enlists her classmates to help! Not only does the book encourage good recycling habits, it includes a list of tips for recycling and a poster to keep track of recycling projects-exactly like the one Lola uses in the book. Oh, and the book itself is printed on FSC-certified paper. Ages 3-5, available now.

Earth Day
By Margaret McNamara, Mike Gordon (illustrator)
The latest book in the Robin Hill School Series, Earth Day follows little Emma, who worries her ideas for saving the earth aren't good enough. But with some help from her teacher and her dad, Emma learns that little ideas can have a big impact. Ages 4-6, available March 10.

Michael Recycle Meets Litterbug Doug
By Ellie Bethel, Alexandra Colombo
Eco-hero Michael Recycle is back, and he's set to teach Litterbug Doug the error of his ways. It seems Doug leaves heaps of garbage everywhere, and the mess is so stinky even the rats are thinking of finding a new friend! Thankfully Michael Recycle sets them straight, teaching Doug and the rats that recycling is necessary to keep garbage from taking over the world. This is a great option for the kids who can't get enough of superheroes. Available March 15.

Sammy and Sue Go Green Too!
By Suzanne Corso, Samantha Corso
This first book in the Sammy and Sue series follows Sammy and Sue as they learn about organic farming, hybrid cars, green cleaning products, natural ice cream (yum!), and other ways to help the earth. Along their adventure, Sammy and Sue teach kids how they too can make eco-friendly choices every day. We love this book because it goes beyond the basics of recycling into the fundamentals of a more natural, eco-friendly lifestyle. Available April 22.

Save the Earth Science Experiments: Science Fair Projects for Eco-Kids
By Elizabeth Snoke Harris
This is the ultimate book for kids who love science. With detailed instructions on projects that show how to harness the wind for energy, make a biogas generator or be a "garbage detective," this book is sure to inspire an interest in the planet that lasts long after the model for the project has broken. Ages 7-9, available now.

365 Ways to Live Green For Kids: Saving the Environment at Home, School, or at Play-Every Day!
By Sheri Amsel
The children's version of the popular eco-guide features stories about the environment, fun facts, games, activities and hands-on projects for kids ages 9 to 12. The book offers up lessons on pollution, organic food, protecting wildlife and of course, the three Rs-reducing, reusing and recycling. It also contains information on Earth Day celebrations, and features projects like making your own compost, starting a tree planting club and measuring your eco-footprint. For the whole family. Available March 18.

Mission: Planet Earth
By Sally Ride, Tam O'Shaughnessy
This book takes the complex science of climate change and makes it accessible to tweens. Famed astronaut Sally Ride explains how the Earth's water, air and other climate systems shape the planet, and explains the latest scientific research on climate change alongside helpful diagrams and images. Ages 9-14, available March 17.

Cara Smusiak