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Early Literacy - April, 2008 |
Books for Earth Dayby Susan Ramsay, Early Literacy Specialist, HFL&A7:55 p.m. Computer? Off. Television? Off. Lights? Off. We powered down for Earth Hour, hoping that the symbolic burning of candles instead of electricity will spark environmental action worldwide. But whether it’s Earth Hour or Earth Day, which falls on April 22, we know that concern and hope for our environment will depend on something that lasts longer than one hour or a single day. It will depend on our ability as individuals, businesses and politicians to respect and love our natural world. For those of us who are parents, grandparents or caregivers of children, this respect and love is easy to share with our youngest global citizens. Children are born with curiousity and fascination for our world that is enviable. Without a single lesson, children know how to make mud pies. They are captivated by birds’ nests and sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with gusto. By exploring the natural world together outdoors, and by thinking, talking and reading about nature, children learn to treat the world kindly. There are many great books about nature that your librarian or book seller can suggest. “The Waterhole” by Graeme Base exquisitely illustrates plains, jungles, woodlands and deserts throughout our world. The waterhole, which is die cut into each page, shrinks and disappears as animals arrive to drink from it. Then the rain comes and the waterhole grows, giving life to the animals once more. This storybook is also a counting and puzzle book. “Varmints” by Helen Ward is another artistic treasure. Through detailed drawings and the use of light and dark, we see the value of caring for and giving the best that we have to create a better world. The sounds of nature have been drowned out by busy city life. No one seems to notice or care except for one little creature. By making one small change he triggers a new beginning for the world. “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers celebrates the magnificence of nature. A little boy loves stars so much that he tries to catch one. His efforts to hold a star in his hands end in a beautiful discovery that stars are in the sea as well as the night sky. In Mercer Mayer’s book “It’s Earth Day!” Little Critter learns that the warming of our planet is harming polar bears. He invents an ingenious Climate Control Machine that he hopes will cool off the earth and save the polar bears. But Little Critter comes to realize that it is people who can act in ways that become the best Climate Control Machines. For children who are beginning to read alone, “Earth Smart” by Leslie Garrett is a factual book about caring for our world. This book includes simple text, pictures and information boxes with interesting facts. Igniting a flame of passion for our environment may start with a candle. It may also start with the knowledge and love for our earth that we explore and share with, and for, our children. Susan Ramsay is the Early Literacy Specialist for Hastings, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. You can contact her at 613-354-6318 (ext 32) |
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