Our new children’s sustainability book: Helping children care for the planet

At Grandir UK, we believe that caring for the world around us begins in the very earliest years. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our brand-new children’s sustainability book, The Planet Protectors, a special creation brought to life with the help of children across our nurseries.

This eco-themed storybook has been thoughtfully designed to make sustainability simple, engaging and meaningful for young children. Through storytelling, imagination and everyday examples, it gently educates children by introducing the idea that even the smallest actions can make a big difference to our planet.

More than just a book, it’s a shared experience that connects nursery learning with family life and helps children feel proud of the positive choices they make every day, big or small.

What the children’s book is all about

The Planet Protectors follows Ernie on an exciting adventure to earn his Eco Badge, meeting a cast of friendly characters along the way who each share simple ways to care for the planet.

Children will meet Ernie, our eco explorer, and learn how small actions can create big change. They will meet Reggie the Recyclable Robot, who introduces recycling and reducing waste. Penny the Penguin teaches children about growing food and caring for nature. Buzz the Astronaut explores sustainable ways to travel (tackling climate action), while Terry the Turbine brings renewable energy to life in a child-friendly way. All these fun characters also have great World Book Day dress-up opportunities!

With colourful illustrations, songs and fun facts, the story encourages children to think about everyday habits such as turning off lights, reusing materials and being gentle with nature in a way that feels fun and achievable.

Why sustainability matters in early years

Young children are naturally curious about the world around them. By introducing sustainability early on, we can help nurture that curiosity into an understanding that their actions matter.

Teaching children about the environment in an age-appropriate way helps build early awareness of the world around them, encourages responsibility and empathy, helps develop positive lifelong habits and boosts confidence as they begin to see the impact of their actions.

Stories are one of the most effective ways to support this learning. By connecting ideas to characters and adventures, children are more likely to engage, remember and feel inspired to take action themselves.

Introducing children to the book in our nurseries

Over the coming weeks, our nursery teams will be bringing The Planet Protectors to life through engaging storytime sessions and hands-on activities. Children will take part in a range of experiences linked to the story, including recycling and sorting waste, exploring nature on walks, creative projects using reused materials and simple habits to save energy.

Alongside beneficial aspects like Eco-Schools and Forest School activities, these experiences support children in understanding sustainability in a practical way, helping them learn through play while building awareness of the environment. They also support school readiness by introducing themes that children will continue to explore as they grow.

How families can get involved at home

Parents and carers play an important role in continuing this learning at home. Reading together is one of the best ways to support young readers and encourage meaningful conversations.

By sharing this story, families can:

• Help children explore ideas about sustainability and the natural world in a relaxed way
• Encourage children to talk about what they have learned and build a community around positive environmental choice
• Introduce simple, sustainable habits into everyday life

Top tips for getting started at home include turning off lights to save energy, reducing waste by reusing items, recycling plastic and paper, planting seeds or herbs, and taking time to explore nature together. These small actions help children feel involved and build a sense of responsibility for protecting the world around them.

How to get your copy

Families can purchase a copy of The Planet Protectors directly from their nursery. We have kept the process simple and accessible so every family who would like to can enjoy the story at home.

Supporting a bigger cause

We’re proud to share that all proceeds from the book will be donated to UNICEF UK. Through their work, UNICEF supports children across the world, including initiatives linked to climate change, conservation and supporting a safer, more sustainable future for young people.

Building a planet-friendly future together

The Planet Protectors reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability at Grandir UK. From reducing waste in our nurseries to encouraging children to care for the environment, we are focused on creating positive change.

This book is just the beginning. As part of our wider programme, we will continue to share ideas, resources and activities that support children, families and educators on their sustainability journey. Together, we can nurture a generation that understands the importance of protecting the planet, feels confident exploring solutions and is inspired to make a real difference.

Because when children from a young age learn to care for the earth, they help shape a better future for everyone.