Eco-friendly kids’ books plant seeds for sustainable futures

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.” ~Dr. Seuss Generations of us have grown up with Dr. Seuss’ classics like “The Lorax” and “Horton Hears a Who,” – always friendly stories that still contain vital messages about understanding one’s place in the world, how we all share the planet and how our actions — or inactions — can dramatically impact it. Though it’s hard to match the good doctor’s style and wit, today’s young readers can encounter no shortage of eco-friendly focused stories. From explaining how particulate matter is unhealthy for our lungs to the comeback of wolves from near extinction, the subject matter may be a little more sophisticated than decades-old kid stuff, like Woodsy Owl’s simple “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute” message. However, the newer material remains relevant to the more sophisticated environmental problems we are currently facing. For parents searching for suitable, sensible, and kid-friendly reading material in 2012, consider the following seven books, which will not only help stimulate imaginations, but open up windows on the world and teach that today’s choices can affect the whole world tomorrow. “Santa Claus Is Green! How to Have an Eco-Friendly Christmas by Alison Inches Christmas is over, but Santa still wants to share the importance of being greener by recycling the Christmas tree, and using newspaper for gift wrap. Printed on 100 percent post-consumer waste recycled paper, this jolly story is full of creative tips and ideas on how kids and families can make Christmases green. Also included are stickers made from 10 percent recycled paper. “The Polar Bears’ Home: A Story About Global Warming” This Arctic adventure features a little girl and her father who discover two polar bear cubs floating on a piece of ice, without their mother. When the little girl asks where their mother is, the father explains how global warming could be to blame. Can the girl and her father help them find their mother? Also features kid-friendly tips on other ways to be kind to the earth. Beautifully illustrated, this 8 x 8 paperback book is perfect-bound and printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-ink. “The Wolves Are Back” by Jean Craighead George This stirring tale tells the story of how, over a century, wolves were persecuted in the United States and nearly became extinct. Gradually reintroduced, they are thriving again in the West, much to the benefit of the ecosystem. This book teaches a new generation to appreciate the grace, dignity, and value of wolves and promotes awareness of the environment’s delicate balance. Paired with gorgeous paintings by landscape artist Wendell Minor, Jean Craighead George’s engaging text will inspire people of all ages to care about the protection of endangered species. “The Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up” written by Scholastic Books and EPA With the help of the EPA, this addition to the popular Magic School Bus series was written to promote the Clean School Bus program. Join Ms. Frizzle and the children as they take another wild trip in the name of education, this time through a diesel engine to learn how particulate matter from the old Magic School Bus’ diesel exhaust gets into people’s lungs and causes problems. It includes a clean-air checklist with important tips like, “ask your bus driver to turn off the engine when the bus is parked.” “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss This environmental classic tells the story of the Lorax and his beloved Truffula Trees which the greedy industrialist Once-ler decides he’s going to hack down to make Thneeds (“which everyone needs”). Despite protests, the Once-ler won’t stop until the last Truffula is felled and the surrounding ecosystem hopelessly polluted. This cautionary tale is one of environmental stewardship, and the necessary balance between human need and conservation of the natural world. “The Curious Garden” by Peter Brown This magical story is about a boy’s dream and how the efforts of one small person can help change the world. When Liam decides to explore his city, he discovers a neglected garden and decides to take care of it. As time passes, the garden takes on a life of its own and spreads across the city, changing everything in its path. Bit by bit, the city is transformed, becoming a lush green world. With whimsical illustrations, this hardcover book will inspire young and old alike with the power of one. “A World Without Fish” by Mark Kurlansky Aimed at tweens, this story explains how our oceans are changing, fish are being affected and ultimately, the entire ecosystem is being compromised. The author, a former fisherman, factually explains the economic, political, historical, cultural and social aspects of overfishing and how supporting sustainable fishing helps. Also included are tips for kids to empower them to ask about the fish they are consuming.