Okay, I know Earth Day is over, but I found an absolutely fantastic book that will help children, parents, teachers and librarians to truly find ways to celebrate it every day. I love this book so much that I'm giving away two copies of it this month!
National Geographic's book, True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet, by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin (with a foreword by David de Rothschild), is truly an essential resource for every home and classroom. I was amazed by the layout and design of this book, even before I had read one word of it! I can honestly say that I've never seen anything like it.
Here are some of the many things I love about this book:
- It's so colorful, and contains so many photographs and graphics that it instantly grabs your
attention.
- It's so well organized. After a foreword and an introduction, the 100 suggestions are separated by category as follows: "in your room, at home, outdoors, with friends, buying stuff, at school, teamwork, on vacation, fun things to make, and true green facts." At the end, there is a comprehensive listing of the many web sites relevant to the subject, as well as a glossary of important terms.
- Each of the 100 suggestions is written is such a clear and concise manner, and includes relevant and easy to understand information and facts. Important web sites are also mentioned (in addition to the comprehensive listing in the back of the book).
- People of all ages can learn something from this book!
It seems that nothing has been left out of this uniquely designed resource. Since one full page is devoted to each of the "100 things you can do to save the planet," it makes it easy for children to focus upon one suggestion at a time, and to find the ones that appeal to them the most. It would make a great "coffee table book" for parents and children to refer to at home (in small chunks), or for teachers and students in the classroom. I would say that it's most appropriate for children who are between the ages of 9 and 13, but younger children will appreciate reading it along with a parent.
I feel confident in suggesting that public libraries, school libraries, homes, and school districts across the world should have copies of this essential resource. It's important to note that this book has been recommended by the National Science Teachers Association. You can read the full review here.
I love this book so much that I have decided that it will be the very first book that I give away. Not only that, but I'm going to give away not one copy, but two! The first copy will be for a child (anywhere in the world) between the ages of 9 and 12, and the second copy will be for a teacher in the USA, in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week.
If you're interested in nominating someone to receive a free copy of this book, please answer the following question in the comments section:
- If you're nominating a child, how is she or he a "true green" kid? You might include how your child has inspired you, and other people, to "go green."
- If you're nominating a teacher, how is he or she a "true green" educator? You might include how this individual has inspired students or colleagues to "go green."
If your children or students are especially enthusiastic, and would like to submit illustrations to go along with your response (yes, teachers can nominate themselves as well), please email me to find out where to send the artwork.
Please submit your comment no later than Wednesday, May 20th! The winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 26th. Be sure to check back to see if you win, and to provide me with contact information if you do. Good luck!
There is an African proverb, which was quoted by Al Gore when he was awarded the 2007 National Peace Prize, on the very last page of this book:
"If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."
All I can say is that books like this help us all to work together to become better citizens and caretakers of the planet. Here's to living a "true green" life!
