World Environment Day
Author: John Coy
Illustrator: Natalie Capannelli
Publisher: Millbrook Press, 2020
Themes: Environment, Earth Day, Call to Action
For ages: 5 and Up
We are in a time where the list of hard and scary topics feels completely overwhelming. Yet, we need to talk about them. We need to take action. No, not need. We must have conversations. We must take action.
I believe that the place to begin any conversation or action is with kindness, empathy, listening, and using our imaginations.
This book imagines a world without us in it. It asks important questions and offers opportunity for thought, discussion, and action.
It begins:
People need water to live.
We need air to breathe.
We need plants to survive.
But do they need us?
Maybe not.
Imagine what would happen
if people were no longer here.
We are all in this world together. In the natural world, diversity means survival.
Activities and Resources
Learn more about World Environment Day
Spend time exploring, wondering, asking questions.
Take a walk. Move slowly and see what you notice. Take note. Take that same walk every week for a year. What changes do you see?
Draw a picture of the world around you. What is important to your survival? What needs you to survive?
Pick up some garbage.
If we are the intelligent life forms on this planet we call home, how can we create a world of caring, community, equality, sustainability, health, and peace?
Watch Jane Goodall: The Hope
In the documentary about her, Jane Goodall said, "Even if it's no use, I'm going to die trying." Later she said, "Every person makes some sort of impact o the planer every single day. We get to choose what sort of impact that is."
How we treat our fellow man. How we treat the trees, the insects, the birds, the land that we live upon all have an impact. Your actions or inaction show what you have chosen. How do you want to be seen?
Support your Local Indie Bookstore when you purchase a book.
Check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog post each week to learn about more cool books to read with your kids and add to your collection.
Very intriguing cover and premise. I am excited to add this one to my TBR pile. Thanks for featuring it!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great way to think about our planet. I've often thought about this myself. Looking forward to reading this and sharing it with kids. Thanks for the rec!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful book with a sense of urgency to it! This truly belongs in every school. I like the comment "in the natural world, diversity means survival." What a great way to launch a discussion! It accentuates our need for diversity in all kingdoms.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and thought provoking story. During our strick lockdown where noone was out much and there were hardly any cars on roads that would normally be traffic jams we have noticed some wildlife such as birds returning to venture some areas of the cities. So this is very timely. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool concept for a book... especially now when we read stories about (during Covid-stay-at-home) how wild animals have moved into spaces once occupied by noisy, busy humans.
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