Children's books for a better planet: A mini-roundup

From unprecedented heatwaves in India to torrential rains and heavy flooding in the UAE, Bangalore and Brazil and other such extreme weather events the world over – all serve as a glaring reminder that the climate emergency is upon us.?But reflecting on the climate emergency also presents a unique opportunity to empower and inspire our children to become catalysts for change. ?

?And what better agents than books to inspire children! ?

?That’s why, at LiSo – the Library of Solutions, we have curated a little list of books that will empower your children with insights and resources to help understand the complexities of climate change. These books might just inspire them to also imagine and implement innovative solutions. ?

So here goes. ?

Name of the Book - When Fairyland Lost Its Magic??

Author - Bijal Vachharajani

Illustrator - Rajiv Eipe?

Publisher - HarperCollins Publishers India

This enchanting book takes the readers on a remarkable journey through a magical land caught in the throes of climate change.

“When Fairyland Lost Its Magic” written by Bijal Vachhrajanani and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe follows Maya, a young girl who together with the other denizens of Fairyland embarks on a quest to restore its waning magic. The book utilizes tropes from beloved fairytales as a vessel to deliver an important message on climate change.

Name of Book - Old Enough to save the Planet?

Author - Loll Kirby

Illustrator - Adelina Lirius???

Publisher - Magic Cat Publishing

This one’s one for the?books (pun totally intended!). Old Enough to Save the Planet written by Loll Kirby and illustrated by Adelina Lirius features stories of real kids from around the world taking meaningful climate action to make the planet a much better place for all its inhabitants.

Right from India's eco-warrior Himangi’s story of campaigning to reduce the effects of traffic pollution outside her school to Australia’s Shalise protecting the oceans by cleaning up human pollution from the shore - each story is a testament to the power of youth activism and the incredible impact it can have on our communities and the planet. The layout of the book with the floating sentences and charming illustrations adds to its appeal and makes it even more engaging for little readers. It is not just a book but a reminder for kids that all the solutions they can imagine matter.

Name of the Book - I’m a Climate Optimist?

Author - Aakash Ranison / I’m A Climate Optimist

Publisher? - Penguin Ebury Press

Climate conversations can often be very jargon-heavy and technical. This can easily intimidate children and put them off. I’m a Climate Optimist by Akash Ranison is a book that demystifies climate concepts like “climate emergency,” “carbon emissions,” and “net zero”, thereby simplifying climate change and sustainability.

It is a comprehensive book filled with personal anecdotes, expert points-of-view and loads of guidance for conscious decision-making in everyday life. ?

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We hope this list of wonderful books on climate change helps you initiate a conversation with your children. Happy (belated) #WorldEnvironmentDay! ?