By Sabbithry Persad, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 16, 2011
Many people are rediscovering the benefits of the natural environment and integrating “greener” practices and products into their modern lives. From green design to natural health to green living to green books, adults are learning how to transform their world to take better care of themselves and the planet, and they are sharing this with their children in many ways, especially with books.
Take Suzanne for instance, a mother of two, who recently won a copy of Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? After Suzanne received her copy of the book in the mail, she sat down with her two children and read it with them. Her response:
“My kids and I liked this book. We were interested before we read it and came out of it better informed. It is great for 3rd grade and up I think. My son was interested (5 years old) but I had to explain things a little further for him. My daughter is 9 so she got it. I am going to share it with her class for Earth Day at school.”
“Green” books, like any educational book, are important for children. There are many reasons why, and here are a few. “Green” books for children:
1. Help parents to relay important messages about preserving the Earth. They give parents the tools they need to explain complex topics to children.
2. Introduce children to the environment at an early age. Exposure to the environment early on will provide children with knowledge that they can take with them into adulthood.
3. Spark children’s interest in the environment. In a technologically driven world filled with gadgets and devices, “green” books offer an opportunity to reconnect children with the natural world.
4. Inspire children to take action and gets them involved. Children catch on quickly when they understand what to do for the environment. Once they learn, they are eager to participate.
5. Offer an opportunity for parents to spend time with their children. Parents have many day-to-day responsibilities, which may lessen the amount of time they spend with their children. Reading “green” books together allows parents and children to learn together.
No matter which “green” topic children’s book may cover, any one will help children better understand the importance of taking care of the environment around them. Caring for the environment starts with this generation, but it is also the responsibility of this generation to educate the next one so that they in turn can do the same for future generations to come.
Sabbithry Persad is the creator of “Garbology Kids™” and author of “Where Do Recyclable Materials Go?“ She is the founder and executive managing editor of “Green Solutions Magazine” and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Toronto.
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