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E is for Environment
Often, books for kids about the environment or any complex issue are touted as “conversation starters.” At worst this notion results in books that barely scratch the surface of their subject matter and leave kids scratching their heads and their parents to fill in the blanks. At best, as in the case of E Is For Environment, the book is really designed to introduce a series of topics and supply the tools for further discussion.
E is For Environment contains 26 short stories about a couple of kids named Elliott and Lucy who learn valuable lessons about re-usable shopping bags, using both sides of a piece of paper, litterless lunches, fixing leaky faucets, and much, much more. Each of the stories is accompanied by follow-up questions and discussion points to keep the conversation going. Illustrator R.A. Holt has created endearing renderings of Elliott and Lucy that add a touch of whimsy at the start of each chapter.
Ian James Corlett has gone down this road before. His previous book, E is For Ethics used the same formula to great effect. His writing is breezy and effective, delivering moral lessons without being overbearing. Corbett has really hit on something here, and the world of children’s literature will be made all the richer if he continues with more books in this style. If Corbett keeps the ‘E’ series going, we will certainly be buying them.
Sara Hart is homeschooling mom of four and owner of Hart Home Daycare (www.harthomedaycare.com), the first daycare in Ontario to be endorsed as Eco-Healthy by the Oregon Environmental Council.
