Start With a Book
By Amy Houts
It’s important to read books on climate change to children. Why? Climate change is already happening. Children can see it in their everyday lives. Weather extremes —heat, floods, and drought—cause school closings, food shortages, and health issues.
Sure, climate change is an overwhelming, complicated, and frightening subject. That’s why reading age-appropriate children’s books on climate change is so important, not only for your child, but for you. Children’s books explain complicated issues using text and illustrations to make it easier to gain understanding and knowledge about the world where you live. Gaining a better understanding makes the subject easier to think about, less overwhelming. The best children’s books focus on positive solutions that offer hope. And many books offer ways children and families can help. Taking action makes climate change less frightening.
At what age should you start? Some people think it’s never too early to start. The board book Climate Change for Babies is described this way on the publisher’s (Sourcebooks) website: “Teach Global Warming and Empower Kids to Help Keep Our Planet Healthy with this STEM Board Book from the #1 Science Author for Kids.” Maybe you think that’s too young. Maybe not.
Climate change books are available in every age range in general market and faith-based editions. My book, God’s Earth is Something to Fight For (Sunbeam/Bushel & Peck Books) is described this way: “A groundbreaking, Christian picture book about God's call to take care of the Earth and fight climate change.” Seeing climate change through a faith lens helps children to be compassionate about people who are less fortunate.
Climate change will continue to affect children throughout their lives. As children grow, they will be able to build on the basis of their knowledge. Reading books can foster conversations, a safe space for you to discuss this important issue. You can dispel myths, give encouragement, and to point out ways people are working to fight it. Reading, learning, and discussing climate change will strengthen the bond between you and your child. What could be better than that?
Please share your favorite climate change children’s books in the comments.
Link to God’s Earth is Something to Fight For by Amy Houts (Sunbeam/Bushel & Peck Books, 2023)
https://bushelandpeckbooks.com/products/gods-earth-is-something-to-fight-for
https://amyhouts.com
For a digital review copy, contact amysase (at) gmail.com.
Creation Justice Webinar, Amy Houts and Betsy Painter:
Amy’s “Best Christian Earth Day Books For Kids” Reviews:
https://shepherd.com/best-books/christian-earth-day-books-for-kids
Amy’s website:
https://amyhouts.com
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