Posted by April Shetrone on Apr.08, 2010

©iStockphoto.com - kate_sept2004

During a recent trip to the bookstore, I was admiring all the inspirational and helpful green lifestyle books available for adults, and I became curious about the publications available for children. Books are a fantastic way to educate children because they engage the children’s imagination and express complex ideas in terms that youngsters can understand. Wandering through the colorful children’s section, a discovered a number of books that introduce children of all ages to the concept of a green lifestyle and that use children’s lust for adventure to instill the powerful beliefs of conservationist. After reading several publications, I compiled a list of three books that are inspiring to both adults and children.

Fancy Nancy: Every Day is Earth Day by Jane O’Connor

Written at a stage one reading level, Jane O’Connor’s book is perfect for engaging young children in a conversation about living green. With simple, clear language and relatable ideas, the book depicts environmental issues in a way that young children can understand. The pages are sprinkled with useful advice for both children and adults such as “Less than a mile? Then bike in style” and “Get clean, but stay green.” In addition to lifestyle tips, the author addresses the issue of flexibility and respecting other people’s choices. While Nancy sees herself as a superhero trying to protect the Earth, she learns that a green lifestyle involves a level of compromise. This book is perfect for children who love adventure and independence because it encourages children to make positive choices on their own and to be an activist in the green mission.

One Child, One Planet: Inspiration for the Young Conservationist by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn

Geared towards a slightly older reader, the beautifully illustrated publication introduces children to large concepts such as global warming. The poetic prose and striking photography is inspiring to readers of all ages. It is difficult not to appreciate the magnificence and importance of the environment when one is admiring the striking landscapes and captivating wildlife. The end of the book offers practical steps that both adults and children can take to protect the planet.

The Lorax by Dr. Suess

Though Dr. Suess published this piece almost forty years ago, the environmental message is still relevant. Under the silly rhymes and unusual creatures, the author warns the reader about the dangers of materialism, greed, and destruction. The story of the Once-ler depicts the effects our wasteful habits have on the planet and pleads for the younger generation to fix the mistakes of the past and to save the future. To help children make connections between this fictional story and real life problems, The Lorax Project website teaches visitors about the depleting rainforest and endangered species. It also provides readers a way to get involved. While this book may take more explaining to help children see the connections, The Lorax is a great way to engage children in a conservation about the environment and to demonstrate that issues such has pollution have been around for years and are not going away unless someone helps make a change.

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Posted under Book Reviews, GDM Books.