When things get tough, many of us often turn to books for new information, inspiration or simple entertainment. Well, we’ve got you covered on all three counts, with 14 great new environmental books coming out this month. The list includes books for eco-interested kids, dedicated activists and everyone in between.
The publishing industry isn’t immune to the economic threats posed by the current pandemic. Most local bookstores and libraries have closed their doors to customers and patrons, and many authors have needed to cancel their planned promotional tours. Publishers themselves are feeling the pinch, and at least three additional books that would have appeared on our list this month have been pushed back to later in the spring or summer.
But we’re all adapting. Many publishers and bookstores will happily ship new books to you (or, in the case of local shops, offer curbside pickup). E-books may also be great options (they’re often available through publishers or your local library website). The links below go to publishers’ sites for each new book, which should provide you with a variety of options.
No matter how the books end up coming your way, may they offer the ideas and inspiration you need to keep you going and continuing to find ways to protect the planet.
1. Nature Obscura: A City’s Hidden Natural World by Kelly Brenner
With many of us currently restricted to our homes or neighborhoods, now’s the perfect time to become a backyard naturalist (as we wrote recently). This magnificent book offers stories about the varied plants and wildlife that lives around us — even in the hearts of big cities — and ideas about how to make our urban ecosystems even wilder.
2. The Not BAD Animals by Sophie Corrigan
An utterly delightful kids’ book that tries (and succeeds) to soften the reputation of the critters “that make us squirm and wriggle in our seats,” but which, beneath their sharp teeth and odd habits, fulfill important roles in the world. You’ll never look at a spider or vulture the same way again.
3 – 4. Becoming Wild and Beyond Words by Carl Safina
Two new books from the famed ecologist and bestselling author. The first, for adult audiences, examines “how animal cultures raise families, create beauty and achieve peace.” The second, for younger readers, adapts one of Safina’s earlier adult books and discusses the inner lives of wolves and dogs. Both are must-reads. Read more…
