There is no better time than World Environment Day to ignite young minds with curious questions about the earth and environment; to inform them about the climate crisis and the harmful ways we unmindfully contribute to it. For those young minds, to whom books are still preferred over screens, and those open to contributing to make a greener and safer planet, here are a few page-turning recommendations…
Tiger Boy
Sensitising young minds about the importance of the Sunderbans, the Bengal tigers, how many species are facing extinction, and why protecting the mangroves is essential, Tiger Boy is a book that covers all bases. The story revolves around Neel, a young boy from the Sunderbans, who is fighting to save a tiger from a black marketeer, and also debating whether to move to the city or staying at his native land.
It reminds the reader of climate crisis refugees, because no account of displacement evades the thought of the climate refugees today. It is also a good book to introduce children to the concept of climate refugees, and why it is important to conserve nature.
Authored by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Jamie Hogan, Tiger Boy is the recipient of the South Asia Book Award for Grades 5 and Under, and the Charlotte Huck Honor Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children. There is also an audiobook version by Sunil Malhotra. Find it here. You can order the book here.
The Story of Climate Change
What causes climate change? What if a little one trying to understand it asks this question? Would you have a ready answer? The Story of Climate Change: A first book about how we can help save our planet helps break down the journey of Earth and documents the history of climate change in simple language.
It blends history with science, talks about the industrial revolution and the advent of the mechanical age. It also talks about introduction of factory farming, pollution, global warming as well as about avenues of using renewable sources of energy.
The book has been penned by Catherine Barr and Steve Williams, and illustrated by Amy Husband and Mike Love, published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. You can order it here.
A Tree Named Ganga
To inculcate ethics and morals in children is vital. And books like A Tree Named Ganga are among the best mediums to impart life lessons. It is a story of a seed that grows into a large tree. The tree grows in the embrace of a community. But, a character flaw takes over all good qualities, and the tree’s arrogance makes it lose what made it grow.
The book touches on subjects like the importance of non-toxic family and friends who contribute to one’s personal growth. It also deals with traits like arrogance and selfishness.
The book has been written by famed chef Vikas Khanna. It has been illustrated by Loki Muthu, and published by Bloomsbury India. You can order it here.
365 Ways To Save The Environment
There is nothing more harmful to the earth than human greed. And it is important to teach children how greed is a primary contributing factor to the climate crisis. 365 Ways To Save The Environment imparts knowledge in a lyrical way, touching upon the problems that the Earth faces today, and provides simple yet effective DIY ways to contribute towards the health and healing of the planet.
Author and ecologist Nita Ganguly’s book, published by Om Books International, can be ordered here.
Let’s Catch the Rain!
Adults today reminisce about kalbaisakhis (norwesters), less-hot summers and a greener environment. Of late, kalbaisakhis have been elusive, monsoons are often delayed, droughts in several parts of India and the world is a common occurrence — along with floods. Water, and rain, have become precious.
Let’s Catch the Rain!, a sequel to Let’s Plant Trees, sensitises children about rain. It informs about the clean water that comes for free! And through this book, an adult can educate a young mind about rainwater harvesting.
The book has been authored by Vinod Lal Heera Eshwer and published by Tulika Publishers. You can order it here.
NOTE: Tulika Publishers is offering a sale on the Eco Warrior books on June 5 and June 6. Know more here.
Sagar Theke Mahasagar
To teach kids about the seas and the oceans, about man’s achievements in the fields of artificial breathing under water, the first underwater submarine — Sagar Theke Mahasagar is a good addition to a child’s library. From Jules Verne’s imagination of a world under the seas in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea to Leonardo da Vinci’s designs of outfits of deep water divers, the book unravels many mysteries.
The book answers questions like why the Earth looks blue from outer space, what is below the oceans’ surface, how to measure the depths of the oceans, and why all water bodies are not always blue.
The pocket encyclopaedia from children has been published by Ananda Publishers. You can buy the book here.
Paribesh o Prakriti Parichay
Paribesh o Prakriti Parichay is a series of books that introduces inquisitive young minds to environment and ecology. The series has been curated for children of various age groups. The book has been written by Sujata Bhattacherjee and published by Samsad Books. You can order it here.
Prakriti Paruar Daptar
Author Jiban Sardar had once shared how Satyajit Ray encouraged him to curate a section on nature in Sandesh magazine. Poet Alokeranjan Dasgupta named the section Prakriti Paruar Daptar. It later turned into Prakriti Paruar Pathshala with the readers of Sandesh.
The book narrates how Sardar has witnessed changes to the environment as an observer. The simple language and technique of narration makes the book a steady read. From ecology to space, living organisms to mountains — Prakriti Paruar Daptar puts together a diverse range of topics.
The book has been published by Lyriqal Books. You can order it here.
