I Love God's Green Earth: Devotions for Kids Who Want to Take Care of God's Creation
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
I Love God's Green Earth: Devotions for Kids Who Want to Take Care of God's Creation by Michael W. Carroll is a devotional book aimed at children, encouraging them to appreciate and care for the environment from a Christian perspective. The book provides a series of devotions that blend biblical teachings with environmental education. Each devotion includes a scripture reference, a short lesson or story related to both God and nature, and practical suggestions for how children can actively participate in caring for the earth. The book's goal is to inspire young readers to see environmental stewardship as a form of worship and to instill a lifelong commitment to preserving God's creation. Kids love working on practical projects to help take care of the Earth; they are often the family's biggest proponents of recycling. This book will attract those eco-friendly kids and teach them how creation care can actually draw them closer to God. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, a 'Connection' section to help kids apply both the biblical and environmental lessons, and a 'What Can I Do?' section with a takeaway activity. Jokes and fun facts are also included throughout the devotion to make this book fun, informative, and interesting to readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways we can help take care of the Earth, just like in the book?
Why do you think it's important for us to look after our environment?
How do you feel when you see places like parks and rivers clean and beautiful?
Can you think of a time when you helped the Earth? What did you do?
What are some things we can do every day to make sure we are caring for God's creation?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, refer to specific stories or sections in the book that highlight environmental care, making the conversation directly relevant to the child's reading experience.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the environment, validating their opinions and fostering a deeper emotional connection to the topic.
Use examples from your own family practices or community efforts in environmental care to make the discussion more relatable and actionable.
Plan and propose a simple, eco-friendly activity inspired by the book, such as planting a tree or recycling, turning the discussion into tangible action.
Ask follow-up questions to your child’s responses to keep the conversation flowing and show genuine interest in their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Stewardship of the Environment
Explanation: The book teaches children about the importance of taking care of the environment through discussions about God's creation and our duty to preserve it.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in recycling, conserving water, and participating in community clean-up events.
Example Lesson: Gratitude for Natural Resources
Explanation: It underscores the value of the natural resources God has provided, such as water, air, and land.
Real-World Application: Kids can show gratitude by not wasting water, reducing pollution, and learning more about how natural resources support life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Action
Explanation: The book encourages actionable steps kids can take to care for the earth, reinforcing that even small actions can make a big difference.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to turn off lights when not in use, use reusable bags, and spread awareness about environmental issues in their community.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of Life
Explanation: Through biblical teachings, the book illustrates how all creatures and elements of earth are interconnected and dependent on each other.
Real-World Application: This can be demonstrated by teaching children to respect all forms of life and understanding the impact of their actions on the ecological system.
Example Lesson: Compassion Towards All Creation
Explanation: The narrative fosters a compassionate attitude towards the earth and all its inhabitants, highlighting caring for creation as a form of worship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat animals with kindness, care for plants, and actively engage in discussions about environmental conservation.