In late March, a heartwarming incident took place in Nashville. A female cardinal, unable to fly, was discovered by family friends resting on their patio. It was suspected that the bird had flown into a window. Seeking guidance, I reached out to Harmony Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, located near my friends’ house. They advised securing the bird in a container slightly larger than a shoebox, with sticks and paper towels to prevent slipping, and placing the box in a warm, dark area. If the bird survived the night, they offered to examine her for injuries the following day.
Though aware that the box would be soiled by bird droppings, the family’s second-grader eagerly volunteered to convert her hand-decorated Valentine’s box into the cardinal’s temporary hospital room. Window strikes result in the deaths of billions of birds annually, with even survivors succumbing to internal bleeding. It was difficult to bear the thought of my optimistic young friend opening the box the next morning to find a lifeless bird amidst the carefully gathered sticks.
However, that was not the outcome when my friends unveiled the Valentine’s box in their backyard the next day. The children watched in awe as the cardinal effortlessly flew to a nearby tree, where she was joined by a male cardinal, unquestionably her mate. On the first day of spring, in the midst of the chilly yet sunny morning, the birds departed together.
Amidst the constant barrage of reports on current and impending environmental disasters, this heartwarming tale persists in my thoughts. I repeatedly reflect on my young friend and her sisters, their unwavering enthusiasm to assist, even in the face of sacrifice. Regrettably, there are not nearly enough adults willing to make similar sacrifices for our wild neighbors and the shared planet we inhabit.
It is this realization that led me to drive directly to Parnassus Books after reading a BookPage feature on new children’s books celebrating the natural world. Standing before the extensive range of nature-oriented books in the children’s section, I recognized the dire need for environmentally-conscious titles in the kid-specific Little Free Library at my home.
Among the books I acquired that day were serene stories illustrating the joys of existing in harmony with the non-human world. Shira Boss’ “The City Tree,” beautifully illustrated by Lorena Alvarez, depicts the transformative power of planting a tree outside a child’s building. Previously overshadowed by the clatter of garbage trucks, the area now resonates with birdsong. Ms. Boss includes four pages of information at the end of the book, elucidating the benefits of urban trees for people and how individuals can support them.
Alison James’ “Maple and Rosemary,” wonderfully illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann, offers a subtle twist on Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree.” While Silverstein’s tale tells of a little boy who continually takes from his extraordinarily generous tree friend, James’ narrative showcases a little girl who grows up to understand not only what the tree provides but also its needs. The relationship between the girl and the tree exemplifies the interdependence found in any ecosystem.
While stories serve as an excellent catalyst for change, many children respond best to factual information. (At storytime, the son of one of my friends would often exclaim, “I want information!”) Fortunately, numerous nature-specific titles cater to children’s curiosity. Two standout examples include Peter Wohlleben’s “What’s Wild Outside Your Door?” and Dan Rouse’s “The Children’s Book of Birdwatching.” Both books feature captivating nature photography and provide suggestions to encourage children to explore their local ecosystems and aid their wild neighbors. While children may naturally worry about the safety of the wildlife they encounter, these books empower them with practical tips for lending assistance.
My personal preference lies in picture books that combine imaginative storytelling with essential information, enabling children to comprehend the state of our planet without instilling fear. A masterful new addition to this genre is “One World,” written by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Jenni Desmond. Beginning one minute before midnight and traversing the globe hour by hour, the book follows two children on a whimsical journey. Along the way, they learn about endangered animal species affected by habitat destruction, climate change, and human interference. Remarkably, this is not a somber book. Ms. Desmond’s vibrant illustrations are cheery and uplifting, while Ms. Davies ensures the inclusion of a vital message – it’s not too late to save these creatures.
The same optimistic sentiment is echoed in the new middle-grade edition of Douglas W. Tallamy’s “Nature’s Best Hope,” a best-selling guide to conservation starting at home. Mr. Tallamy addresses young readers, acknowledging humanity’s track record of habitat destruction and emphasizing the need to demonstrate intelligence, thoughtfulness, and care by restoring what we have destroyed. He believes this endeavor is achievable, provided young readers lend their support.
The information in these books is crucial for children residing in a country where only one state incorporates climate change education at all grade levels, and where middle school science standards in over 40 states make only one reference to climate change. Shockingly, even hurricane-prone Florida’s middle school science standards omit any mention of climate change.
While it may appear excessive for someone to bring home an armload of environmental books meant for their neighbors’ children, to me, it represents a glimmer of hope. As I immersed myself in these books, I recognized that picture-book authors and illustrators are laying the foundation for a more sustainable climate future by tapping into children’s natural compassion, curiosity, and sense of justice. These books convey the significance of everyone’s involvement, children included, leaving adults with no excuse for inaction. If a child can display such care and concern, surely we can too.
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