If We Were Gone -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

World Environment Day

Title: If We Were Gone: Imagining a World Without People

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.

Perfect Picture Book Friday -- Grumpy Monkey

It is Perfect Picture Book Friday time. No matter what mood you are in, I hope have enjoy this book.  

Title: Grumpy Monkey
Author:  Suzanne Lang
Illustrated by: Max Lang
Publisher: Random House, 2018


First Lines: One wonderful day Jim Panzee woke to discover that nothing was right. The sun was too bright, the sky was too blue, and the bananas were too sweet.

Themes: Emotions, Grumpiness, self-awareness, self-expression

Synopsis and Why I love this book:

Sometimes you wake up and you are grumpy. No secret reason. Just grumpy. Jim Panzee wakes up grumpy one morning and everyone tries to help him enjoy the wonderful day. It doesn't help. Read Grumpy Monkey to find out how Jim deals with his grumpy mood.

The illustrations and characters make me think of Rudyard Kiplings The Elephant's Child. Which would pair well with this book if you were going on a theme of African animals, problem solving, and fun stories.

It also reminds me of the animated movie The Jungle Book (Again by Rudyard Kipling).

Fun emotive characters that any child can relate to.

Did you catch the name? Jim Panzee! How clever is that?

Activities:

The more we talk about and understand emotions and their transience, the better off we are in dealing with them when they occur. Have conversations about emotions. Discuss where the emotions are coming from. How does it feel? What does the child's face look like in the midst of the emotions? Provide acceptance for all of the emotions. The happy ones too..

Parenting tips of dealing with negative emotions.

Transient emotions and how to navigate through them.

Expressing Emotions Activities


Finally, if you want to find more cool picture books check out Susanna Hill's Blog where you can look for reviews by book, title, and by themes.