Starting Young

Have you ever wondered how to tech you children the importance of taking care of the environment?   There are a number of wonderful books and movies on the subject that are wonderful.  I am going to give you a list of some of my favorites:

1) WALL-E

This is a Disney movie that takes place in the future.  It is the story of a little robot that was left on earth to clean up the mess that humans had made.  I recommend this movie for kids of all ages.

2) If You Were A Panda Bear by Wendell and Florence Minor

This book introduces young children to various kinds of bears, their personality, their habitat, what they eat and what they can do to help the bears.  It is a great book, especially for younger children ages 3-7.

The Authors of this book also wrote a book called If You Were a Penguin.  I have not had a chance to check this book out but I would bet that it is just as good.

3) What If Everybody Did That by Ellen Javernick

This is a wonderful book that illustrates the damage that can be done to the environment is everyone disregarded the environment and littered.  It demonstrated the consequences of such carelessness. I recommend this book for children ages 5-8.

4) What Happens to Our Trash by D.J. Ward

This book introduced children to the to the idea of recycling and not wasting.  It also teaches you how to make a compost pile, with adult supervision and assistance of course.  This book is best for ages 4-8. 

5) Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

This is the true story of a girl living in Japan during and after WWII.  It goes over the devastation that one atomic weapon can cause.  I recommend this book for children 8-13.  

6) Earth

This is another wonderful Disney movie that depicts just how beautiful this planet really is and really gives children a sense of responsibility and ownership for the planet.  The great thing about this movie is that it is for children and adults of all ages. 

I hope that the above books and movies help you instill an appreciation in your children for this amazing, beautiful planet.