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Story books are a great way to help children understand their role in the environment, but which stories are best?  

Rising Above Global Warming by B.J. DeFrancesco (Author)

Explaining something as complex as global warming to children is no easy task, but "Rising Above Global Warming" is a children's picture book that takes on this daunting task in a beautiful way.

Explaining that some of humanity is destroying the environment and therefore making it very difficult for many of the animals to continue to live. Hoping that this will inspire the leaders of tomorrow to take the necessary changes, and enhanced with charming illustrations by Shari Lynn Myers, "Rising Above Global Warming" is a highly recommended children's picture book for any whose child is a lover of animals and nature and  to give a positive approach to all children which will help empower our Eco Kids to want to get involved in tackling this key environmental issue as adults.

There is a glossary at the end of the book with fun games to help reinforce those educational terms. The other key objective of the book is not to scare the child and give them hope for the future. Children need to have hope that something can be done and accept their role tackling future challenges.

DeFrancesco explains...
My story is positive. It empowers children to get involved and not be afraid to act. I want them to know they can make a difference.The bottom line, it is not too late to do something about global warming. It starts with one person making a difference, then it escalates.

... is the story of a father and son. The father, named Dee Nile, does not believe in global warming and owns polluting factories. The son tries to talk to his father about the effects of climate change they are observing, and his father’s standard reply is “poppycock”.

Eventually, as the ocean rises, snow melts in the mountains, and the beloved birds leave the town of Terra, Dee Nile realizes climate change is real and happening. The characters then make positive changes, such as planting trees and powering the factory with wind power. Their efforts pay off, and the effects of climate change are reversed. 

Global Warming by Glen Murphy (Author)

This is a wonderful book, jam packed with information about global warming for kids of all ages. It includes numerous fascinating and thought-provoking photos and diagrams, which show the effect global warming is having on Earth. Intriguing facts and tips on how to help prevent global warming will engage and prevent awareness.Grown up kids will also find it informative and will be able to help the planet with their children.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss (Author), Theodor Seuss Geisel (Author)
At the far end of town where the Grickle-grass grows and the wind smells slow-and-sour when it blows and no birds ever sing excepting old...

He tells his story from a boarded old store, and will not answer you if you knock at his door. But for the right price, he'll tell you the tale, and here is that story, in some minor detail: While travelling across lands and seas, the old once-ler found the Truffula trees. When he chopped down one tree there was a loud thump, and the Lorax appeared right out of that stump. He warned the Once-ler of what he was for, but the Once-ler didn't listen and thought him a bore.

 With cutting down trees, was born a Thneed, a so-called Fine thing that all people need.The Once-ler made many, and money to spare, but his doing caused many to sadly despair. He polluted the air, he gummed up the pond, he cut down the trees til they soon were all gone.

 A sad story yes, but sad is to say, such examples of Once-lers can be found today. Dr. Seuss wrote this story out of will and good faith, but unless we heed it's warning, it may be too late.

Uno’s Garden By Graeme Base (Author)
Adorable creatures, including lumpybums and frinklepods welcome Uno into their garden. Life is beautiful until the tourists settle in and take over. What becomes of the Snortlepig?

Recycle Every Day By Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (Author)
A bunny named Minna has a school assignment to make a poster about recycling.

The Great Trash Bash By Loreen Leedy (Author)
Mayor Hippo and his animal citizens investigate the trash problems in Beaston.

The Tower to the Sun By Colin Thompson (Author)
A rich grandfather decides to build a tower so that his grandson can see how the sun once looked before air pollution took over the world.

Each year The Wilderness Society awards a children's literature prize for books that help change the way young readers think and behave towards the environment.

The 2008 winner Going Bush by Nadia Wheatley, Ken Searle and 16 primary-school children from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Previous winners have included Yellow-eye by David Spillman, Uno's Garden by Graeme Base and The Big Picture Book by John Long.

2009 National Green Earth Book Award