Greta and the Giants
What’s inside...
This inspiring picture book retells the story of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greta Thunberg—the Swedish teenager who has led a global movement to raise awareness about the world’s climate crisis—using allegory to make this important topic accessible to young children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Greta feel when she saw the Giants harming the forest, and why do you think she felt that way?
What are some ways that Greta tried to stop the Giants? Can you think of other ways she could have helped the forest?
Why is it important to take care of our environment, like Greta did with the forest?
How did the animals respond to the changes in the forest? How do you think they felt?
What can we do in our daily lives to help protect our planet, just like Greta?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate them to personal experiences with nature or animals.
Discuss the importance of taking initiative and being proactive, drawing parallels between Greta’s actions and situations where your child can make a difference.
Use descriptive scenes from the book to spark visual thinking; ask your child to imagine being in the lush, green forest and consider how they would feel if it was being destroyed.
Highlight the teamwork aspect shown in the book and discuss how working together can help solve big problems.
Connect the environment themes to daily habits, such as recycling or conserving water, to emphasize practical actions your child can take.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Activism
Explanation: The story illustrates the power of standing up against environmental destruction through Greta’s bravery in confronting the Giants who threaten her forest.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take small but significant actions such as recycling or participating in local clean-up drives to protect their own environment.
Example Lesson: Courage and Determination
Explanation: Greta exemplifies courage by not being deterred by the size and power of the Giants, showcasing that size does not limit one's ability to make a difference.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to face their own 'giants' or challenges, whether it's standing up for themselves or persisting with a difficult task at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: As Greta’s efforts inspire others to join her, the story highlights how community and collaborative efforts can lead to bigger impacts.
Real-World Application: Children can see the value of teamwork and community support, getting involved in group activities and contributing to collective projects, either in school or in their neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Responsibility Towards Nature
Explanation: Through its narrative, the book promotes a sense of responsibility to care for the natural world and not exploit it for selfish gains.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught to respect and nurture their surroundings by engaging in activities like planting trees, learning about local flora and fauna, and understanding the ecological footprint.