BOOK REVIEW

from Expat Parent November 2020

NEWS

The Green Dragon and the ‘Oh No’ Bird Suzanne Younan teaches children the importance of keeping our country parks clean in her new book. By Charmaine Ng

What’s the story?

The book is set in the country parks of Hong Kong and tackles the problem of picnic waste. Willy, The Green Dragon, meets some new, colourful friends and comes across several distressing environmental situations.

What inspired you to write the book?

I felt compelled to write the book after witnessing firsthand the state of country park picnic areas once weekend visitors have left. It is truly distressing. It looks as though the people just disappeared mid-picnic, with everything left behind for someone else to pick up.

Where is the story set?

The book is set in Aberdeen Country Park and features the marina, reservoirs and a view over Ocean Park. I spend a lot of time with my dog hiking the trails, so the park is very beautiful and familiar to me. I write from personal experience. That’s why I chose Hong Kong as the backdrop – children love to be able to identify places they know and feel a connection with.

Can you tell us a bit more about the characters?

The characters came to me almost immediately. Aiya the Asian Koel had to be a neurotic mess – if you have ever heard an Asian Koel, you will hear and feel its panic. Wild boars lend themselves to be the perfect, naughty character. After seeing lots of antics on my hikes, it was easy to see how Herbert the Boar had to feature in the book. His ballet dancing talent comes from my awe at how light on their feet wild boars are. Lastly, Wendy is an elegant wagtail. I just love the way these birds swoop and dive along the waterways – just like the rollercoasters at Ocean Park.

How can parents raise environmentallyconscious children?

Parents can lead by example. It’s imperative to show how we are all connected to nature and that we cannot live without it. Speaking to children about the importance of our decisions and how we impact the environment is key. We are the only species that pollutes the very thing that keeps us alive.

What’s your hope for the book?

I really hope that the book inspires families and educational bodies to get outside to enjoy and appreciate nature. There are so many family trails in Hong Kong that can be easily managed by youngsters or inexperienced hikers. Sharing a love of nature can bring family and friends closer together.

And where can people buy the book?

The Green Dragon and the ‘Oh No’ Bird can be found at the WWF HK online store, Bookazine, Bookwise, Swindon book stores, Edgar, Vibe, Bleak House Books and Tree Children’s Lodge – hopefully, more stockists coming soon.

Suzanne Younan runs Green Dragons HK, a community of dragon boat teams combating plastic pollution in Hong Kong. Facebook: Green