Kirsten Long

Climate change information is abundant and can be seen everywhere we turn, exposing people of all ages to it and increasing environmental awareness. As more children hear about climate change, it is important for them to understand not only how it impacts the oceans, animals, and our air, but the underlying science behind it. Books about climate change are being created for children in order to provide them with facts about the concerns and dangers we are faced with and how their generation needs to help in protecting our world. The following is a description of some of the books that have been published for this purpose.

• The Digger and the Flower: written by Joseph Kuefler, this story is of a backhoe that is trying to protect a flower from urban sprawl. It also provides a message of how planting flower seeds of our own can help repair the damage we have caused.
• The Brilliant Deep: written by Kate Messner, this book sends a message about the ocean and coral reef restoration efforts being carried out by the Coral Restoration Foundation. This shows children that even though climate change is harsh, we can make the effort to repair some of the damage that has been done.
• Icebergs and Glaciers: written by Seymour Simon, explains the cause and effect relationship with temperatures warming, causing the ice to melt and oceans to rise, resulting in flooding. The book explores frozen regions, like Iceland, and how countries are turning to icebergs as a source of fresh water.
• Rising Seas: written by Keltie Thomas, provides information and facts on why our oceans are rising and how global temperatures are involved. It suggests 10 ways we can make a difference.
• The Global Warming Express: written by Marina Weber, tells the story of a group of animals determined to fight climate change, showing children that if they can do it, so can we.

These are just a few examples out of the numerous books teaching children about the environment and how they can take action in protecting it. These books are great tools for parents and teachers that struggle in their efforts to grab children’s attention when it comes to explaining the subject of climate change.