Date : September 5, 2022
Encouraging children to ask questions about sustainability
With the world experiencing unprecedented weather events of late, it’s more important than ever to help your child navigate such an important, complex issue – and the best way to do this is with books! Books help your child make sense of global issues such as sustainability and climate change, allowing them to relate to what they might be seeing on the news or hearing from their friends or teachers at school. These 5 must-read children’s books encourage young ones to think and to ask questions. It also shows them that they aren’t powerless – they too can make a difference.
The books
Flood by Jackie French
Inspired by the Queensland floods, Flood by Jackie French is a moving, sensitive story of a natural disaster as seen through the eyes of a cattle dog separated from his family. With the recent floods in February this year, your child may have had questions you didn’t know how to answer. Flood helps fill in some of those gaps and allows your child to empathise with people who had a different experience of the floods.
Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker
Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker is an Australian classic, told by a master storyteller and artist. In this story, a boy and his father travel to a tropical rainforest. While exploring amongst the ancient trees, the boy imagines the forest as it might have been millions of years ago, and the animals and people that used to live there. He contemplates just how much longer the forest has before people and development encroach on the natural world. Children can see the effects of uncontrolled human development and how it spoils important ecosystems vital to both the survival of humans and our planet.
All the Wild Wonders by Wendy Cooling
All the Wild Wonders is an anthology of poetry celebrating the Earth, chosen to make children think and ask questions like ‘why are trees important?’ and ‘what can we do about rubbish?’
The Lorax by Dr Seuss
When it comes to storybook characters, the Lorax is the original eco warrior. Dr Seuss’ beloved book details the plight of nature and the environment, and how people are responsible for environmental destruction. The Lorax speaks to trees and confronts the person responsible for their decimation. This book encourages children to respect the environment and all living creatures, calling on them to help preserve it for future generations.
Tales from the Bush
Tales from the Bush by May Gibbs
Tales from the Bush is a picture book containing stories and characters from May Gibbs’ beloved series Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. May Gibbs’ love for the Australian wilderness and the beautiful animals who live there shines through on every page. The book beautifully showcases how unique and enchanting Australian forests and the animals that live there can be – and it encourages children to care about them and protect them.
May Gibbs loved nature and the environment – especially the Australian bush! Inspire and foster this love in your children through her beautiful books, or discover our fun and educational arts and crafts.
Librarian Bec
Right now, Librarian Bec’s hard at work at your local library, sharing a passion for reading with little people and big. Bec writes about inspiring little readers and embracing lovely literature.
