BOOKS

WITH THE CHANGE IN SEASONS AND SPRING JUST AROUND THE CORNER, IT IS NEVER TOO EARLY TO HELP CHILDREN TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD AROUND THEM AND THE IMPACT THEY CAN HAVE ON ITS FUTURE By SHARON JONES

WHEN WE WENT WILD

by Isabella Tree, illustrated by Allira Tee Printed in the UK and made with 100% recycled paper this wonderful story tells the tale of Nancy and Jake, two farmers who use harsh chemicals to raise their cows and pigs. Upon noticing the animal’s sadness, they decide to make a drastic change, much to the disapproval of the neighbouring community. Loosely based on the experiences of the author who is also a farmer and has real-life rewilding experience, this book will definitely get young minds thinking about their surroundings.

FISH

by Brendan Kearney (DK) £6.99 This sweet story of a fisherman and his dog Skip weaves in the serious message of plastic pollution. When the pair head out on their boat all they seem to be catching are plastic bags and bottles. When they head back to shore with a mountain of rubbish, they stumble across the beach cleaners who help to recycle and repurpose everything and explain why it’s important to care for the oceans and its inhabitants. A lovely introduction to caring for the sea with cartoon-style illustrations which makes the message even more attractive.

THE TINDIMS AND THE TURTLE TANGLE

by Sally Gardner, illustrated by Lydia Corry (Zephyr) £6.99 Budding ecologists everywhere will love this book written and illustrated by mother and daughter powerhouse Sally Gardner (Mr Tiger and Betsy series) and Lydia Corry. When Bottle Mountain snaps due to the sheer volume of rubbish, the intrepid duo Captain Spoons and Brooms are taken along with it. A big threat awaits them all. Pacy, with fun characters and gorgeous black and white illustrations this story cleverly weaves ecological themes into an action-packed adventure.

FORESTS

by Jess French, illustrated by Alexander Mostov (Ivy Kids) £14.99 Why do forests matter? Because without them the world would struggle to function. This coffee table book explores the power of trees, their importance to two-thirds of the world’s animals who need them and the how their destruction is having a devasting impact on the planet. Including great tips on what you can do to change your habits in order to help the forest, this book is simple for young children to understand and empowers them to take action.

CLIMATE CHANGE

by Tom Jackson and Cristina Guitian (QED) by £9.99 For teenagers with an interest in the environment, this book aims to answers the broad questions around the topic of climate change. Not only that, it helps with critical thinking using history, science and social considerations to explore the subject from a range of angles. Engaging graphics by Cristina Guitian bring arguments to life like: Who is responsible? How do we move to a circular economy and discussions to help young people form their own opinions. Informative, engaging and tackling big theories in a way that makes you want to find out more.

CLIMATE EMERGENCY ATLAS

foreword by Liz Bonnin (DK) £12.99 This graphic atlas teaches older children about the environmental crisis and is packed full of facts and figures to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the situation. With a foreward from environmental broadcaster Liz Bonnin, 30 dynamic maps show how different countries compare on a range of areas including fast fashion, deforestation and population growth. Liz says: “Each of us needs to play our part…Our voices are far louder than we might imagine! Perfect for STEM learning, this book is evidence-based and will help children to think about what action they can take - however small - to make a difference.