January 22, 2009

Get Your Kids Interested in the Environment

Remember the Dr. Seuss book The Lorax? We may have had no idea what it was about when we read it on our own, but if you had a parent who read the book to you and explained that it was about the steadily decreasing environment or you figured it out as you got older. I still love that book and it is now more than ever before where we really need to pay more attention to the world around us. More importantly, as we become more and more passionate about the environment, we will want to instill those same priorities in our children and the most exciting and fun way to do that is to share the love of books.

Children learn a great deal from books, including books that are read to them when they are younger. There are a great deal of books written specifically for children about the environment.

First and foremost, we have The Lorax:
Definitely inspired by the “save the planet” mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is a warning of ecological deterioration of clear-cutting, pollution and the complete disregard humans have for the environment.

A Walk in the Rainforest:
An ABC book that presents ecological information for young audiences featuring animals and plants found in the rain forest accompanied by a paragraph of each with warnings about endangered species, deforestation and the harm to native people.

I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle:
A book all about how children can do their part in saving the planet by being more eco-friendly featuring a little monster named Max who, after being an environmental nightmare, learns how he can make a difference in the world around him.

Planet Earth Gets Well:
A book that encourages kids to think about the world around them and pinpoints how to initiative meaningful change in order to make the planet a healthier place.

Follow the Line Around the World:
This book follows the line through the Sahara Desert, Greenland, Kenya, Australia’s Outback and many other places to take young children around the world and see animals in their natural habitats with a subtle environmental message.

Eco Babies Wear Green:
A book specially for babies and preschoolers about babies going the extra mile to reduce, reuse and recycle.

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About the Author: Holly Ord

In addition to being the Founder and Editor of Woman Tribune, Holly Ord is a freelance writer, web designer and developer, feminist activist and blogger, and hopeless video game addict. She lives in Northeastern Pennsylvania and has been blogging on liberal politics and gender equality on her personal website, Menstrual Poetry since 2007.

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26 Comments on Get Your Kids Interested in the Environment / Add Your Comment

  • UK Homeowner says:

    I think it’s really important these days to get kids interested in the environment and nature. We need to raise our kids to care about the environment in their home area and further afield. kids tend to naturally be interested in animals and stuff like that anyway so we have a head start trying to keep that interest sparked. Good book suggestions.
    Maddy

  • Lisa says:

    My one year old daughter loves books. I always try to get her books that not only are fun for her but are educational as well. I’ll definitely check out a few of your suggestions.

  • Andy says:

    The Lorax is a good tip. Thanks

  • Anna K. says:

    Boys at the house always ask about how you can get the gas, energy, etc. I think we will have to teach them in wise way so that they can see the fact clearly and get prepared for it when they grow up.

  • As a parent we need to encourage children about environmental protection and care, Such books provide good information to kids about environment related issues. Thanks for providing a good list of books.

    Kate

  • Chelle says:

    Great list of books for kids about the environment. We actually had to watch the Lorax movie in school a few times, lol.

  • Kelly says:

    Great list! A couple other titles I could think of:
    Our Tree Named Steve
    Michael Recycle (but I haven’t read this one yet!)

  • Paulette says:

    That’s funny you have mentioned The Lorax, my young son has just read this at school as part of their little environment awareness project. I do agree with you about not understanding it until a parent explained the story – I am sure I just liked the pictures :)

    • Holly says:

      I can definitely understand what you mean about the pictures. Seems like most of Dr. Suess’ books are equipped with not only a message, such as The Lorax, but also vivid and exciting pictures that scream out to kids. Definitely a reason why all adults remember Dr. Suess when they grow up!

  • Mickymar says:

    Great using a visual as the Lorax. Now that so many of us are older..we get it!

  • Erik G says:

    I think this is a great idea, they do learn from books, also TV. Our environment is what keeps us alive, so I think it’s time to get our kids involved so we have a safe future for them. There really is too much pollution going on and our governments haven’t done enough to stop it.

  • Steve says:

    It is important that children learn to read books. Most children watch television and in this process lose the habit of reading books. Books on environment will teach children to love and respect their environment.

  • ringenvy says:

    Its really important to cultivate good habit of reading int he little ones ! The books mentioned here are some really good titles to enlighten our little ones about the importance of environment . Good Share!

  • Important habits to start instilling early on. We get our kids involved with recycling and they think it’s really cool when we go drop off huge bags of aluminum cans and get paid for them :)

  • Tracy says:

    Kids tend to lean toward wanting to save the planet and the resources on it naturally. It is the parents in many cases that need the lesson in environmentalism.

  • Vanessa says:

    Most of the kids loves the environment.
    They just play around, read books, but i know they love the environment.
    They don’t even know how to do harm on it.
    As they grew mature, what they have observed from mature people is what they are going to imitate the moment they reached maturity also.
    Its the mature people who needs to be a lot of care about this…
    Then later on our young ones will see the good things we do to our world.

  • Kids do love books having many graphics.
    They also love to play.
    Through this, we could attach some Environmental activities that will make our youngsters enjoy their playing and reading at the same time getting close with the environment.
    As early as possible teach them on how to be responsible in taking care the Planet.

  • There is another GREAT book for kids about the environment called Why Should I bother about the Planet? from Usborne Publishing.

    Here’s the link:http://www.myubam.com/ecommerce/details.asp?sid=B0126&gid=79611921

  • Kindermode says:

    Can you tell me , where I can buy this book in german language ?

  • Holly says:

    Kindermode–

    I received this email in response to your comment from Nancy Lotinsky and wanted to make sure you received your answer:

    If you are in Europe you should be able to get it from Usborne Publishing. Try Amazon or one of the other big booksellers. Unfortunately, here in the US we do not have German language versions of Usborne books.

  • Daddy39 says:

    One small quibble: is the side dented in or is that an illusion? ,

  • Ui33Lily says:

    I know that some thesis writing services and dissertation writing services would employ you to create such kind of hot thesis papers connecting with this topic.

  • Mark says:

    You can also think about the toys and playthings that you buy your kids. A durable one that will have a lasting appeal is a good start. Like these Bounce House for sale

  • Kilmore says:

    Hi Mark:

    That should put Bounce House Sales
    right over the top!

  • Vanessa,

    That’s exactly what I wanted to say after reading this post. Excellent point!

  • This is a great idea, teaching kids caring about the environment in their early age is essential.

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