Abstract: This paper deals with environmental education from the perspective of literature teaching. We discuss two research projects, one focusing on descriptions, interpretations and evaluations of landscape paintings and the other on the concept of ′nature′ in Robinson Crusoe, a prototypical example of modern European literature. In both cases, the teaching materials were developed, implemented and evaluated through feedback (action research) in teacher training (pre-service and in-service). The article seeks to illustrate the importance of art and literature for developing environmental literacy and awareness.