By Medha Godbole Singh
If there’s one thing the recent pandemic taught us, it’s that things are not as bleak as they seem. That’s exactly what a climate crisis eBook for UK primary schools also endeavours to do: to reassure and infuse hope. Author and broadcaster Konnie Huq has curated, edited and annotated this eBook, which is titled Children For Change and is aimed at ages eight through twelve. It seeks to inspire children to act sensitively and take steps to protect and preserve our environment. A National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England has funded the Children For Change project. Published by Pop Up Projects CIC, a non-profit children’s literature agency, the book underlines the importance of involving children in making our planet a better place.
This unique book is comprised of stories, poems and illustrations, in addition to a profusion of topics connected to the environment, including fast fashion, rewilding and keeping track of our carbon footprint. A remarkable feat in itself, it features contributions from more than eighty writers, illustrators, environmentalists and youngsters. These include brilliant creators like Axel Scheffler (Gruffalo), former Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho, Charlie Higson (Young Bond) and Liz Pichon (Tom Gates), alongside many other acclaimed artists. The book also contains contributions from winners of the Children For Change Young Writers Competition, run in collaboration with The Week Junior.
The book’s introduction encourages children to begin reading from any point in the text, without worrying about the chronology of the pages. From Joseph Coelho’s poem about repurposing and fixing used items to a piece by Adam Kay about embracing vegetarian food, the book takes children on an exciting journey and encourages them to reflect on the natural world.
What makes this eBook even more special is that it is free to access for every primary school in the UK. Schools are being asked to send it home to every parent and guardian as well. According to Huq, it was important to make the book freely available, as many children aren’t able to own books and many schools lack libraries. Huq wants children’s mentalities to be that of wanting to help others as well as the planet. Finally, it is a comprehensive manual that has activity ideas, resources and charities that children can get involved with, along with more reading material. With books like this, we can prepare future generations to make a positive difference.