Think Green!

Think Green! by Jeanine Behr Getz is a beautifully illustrated book (illustrations by Jenny Nightingale) that not only tries to teach children how to be more eco-conscious, it is in itself, an eco-friendly product. The book had its own eco-audit; Think Green! is printed using soy based inks on recycled fiber/post consumer waste paper and processed chlorine free. And the book is printed and published in the U.S.A.

The book is aimed at 3-8 year olds, and lists ways kids can help keep the Earth green and clean. After reading it at home, we took it to share at preschool and at our library's preschool story time. Here is a picture of wonderful Hazel reading the book to a group of 3-5 year olds.



Our Review Arielle enjoyed the book. She says, "It is all about how to keep the Earth green and clean and that is important stuff. That is important because animals like birds and squirrels and fishes don't like garbage in the water and dirt."

She says she learned that some ways to keep things green are to

-"Turn off the TV when I'm done watching"
-"Share toys and clothes I don't use with other kids"
-"Putting things in the right recycling bin"

"Those are all important things to do."

Linnea liked the bright and colorful illustrations of animals, as did the young three-year-olds at preschool. Mrs. Corey said that not all the kids understood the book (after all some little ones have just learned that green is a color!), but all the kids enjoyed the illustrations.

We had a similar reaction at story time. The kids loved the pictures. I also tried a game suggested by Jeanine. When we read about reusable shopping bags, I held up both my red reusable bag and a plastic bag from Target. "Which is green?"

Overall, the kids loved knowing that there are ways they can help the animals. And, more importantly the moms enjoyed the book and thought about how they could do more. We followed up with an eco-friendly craft. Here's a site that matches crafts to the garbage you have available.

The book can be purchased for $15.50 at the Kids Think Big website. There are also green links and activities (coming soon). Even if your family already does all the green things mentioned, it's a nice way for children to understand why. Even better, the book a great, eco-friendly gift for your friends and family who aren't as green yet.

Thank you Jeanine Behr Getz for sharing your book with us!