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Why use children’s literature to promote sustainability?
Foster personal connections with nature:
Chances are, the reason you care about the Earth stems from a personal experience outside. In addition, I bet one of your favorite children’s book contained images of nature or animals. In a world that limits children’s ability to be outside, let’s help establish a personal connection between nature and today’s children.
Promote critical thinking:
Environmental issues are incredibly complex. We want to raise a generation of critical thinkers, not young eco-warriors with a simplified view of environmental issues. Children’s literature can be one way to introduce a conversation about the issues.
Hone observation skills
Good children’s books provide visually interesting illustrations that offer an opportunity to notice details. Then take this skill outside to learn more about the natural world.
When?
To capture the attention of children/adult
I call this “The Hook.” When you captivate their imaginations and their attention, you will open the door to learning. Children (and adults!) are more receptive to learning if they are attentive and interested.
To “Anchor” a theme or a lesson
Many teachers plan their curriculum around a central theme, or “unit.” They integrate math, social studies, reading and science lessons around this theme. Using a book as the anchor or the glue that holds this all together allows children to make more connections and the learning is more powerful.
To introduce a hands-on activity
Use a children’s book to introduce vocabulary and concepts, then follow up with an activity that uses movement and our senses. This will appeal to many different types of learners.
What kind of books?
Visually interesting
You can tell the difference between fine art and basic illustrations. Choose a book that is beautiful and whose images promote the concept of the book, invite the children to notice details or ask questions.
Balanced viewpoint
Don’t oversimplify the issues that face the environment today by presenting one narrow or preachy message. Respect their intellect and give them a chance to see the whole picture in an age-appropriate way.
Content that is local
Choose books that reflect the world that the children see in their daily lives. We don’t want children in Colorado to think nature is something that happens far away on the other side of the world.
How?
Practice your delivery
Read the book a few times to make sure that your reading is smooth. Use expression when reading (soft voice, loud voice, pauses, expressions on your face, etc.). Slow down! Let children interrupt and ask questions.
Connect it to children’s personal lives
Ask, “Have you ever experienced/seen/heard of______? Tell me about it.” Or, “What do you think about _______?”
Ask open-ended questions
These questions do not have one right answer, but invite the children to evaluate, interpret, and connect ideas, using their own knowledge or feelings. Try, “What do you think____?” “Why did _______?” “How _____? If you get a yes or a no for an answer, it was not an open-ended question.
Natalie Carricarte’s passion for writing began when she was a kid herself. Her hope and inspiration for writing “The Skin I’m In” came from her two children, Nathaniel and Savannah-Lee. Nate’s turtle, Mr. Tickle, whispered the idea in her ear one sleepless night. Her dream is for children to see greatness within themselves. Read more at her 
se son and daughter went to Blue Lake Preschool, where his family’s experience sparked the idea for his self-published book, 
natural history field guides intended for use with children, but with facts that will catch the attention of adults as well. I first met him when he worked as an environmental educator for the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. He’ll show us how to use the book with a hands-on activity. See more at his 
ver they want to be. She currently focuses on writing affirmations to help those with eating disorders. Read more on her 
has written a series of books about a yellow lab in Aspen named Fraser who always saves the day when a young girl named Courtney and her friends find themselves in a predicament during an adventure in the mountains. In addition to these books for ages 4-9, Jill penned a cookbook, a book about Aspen holiday traditions, and a young adult book that stars a teenage Courtney. See more on her