Old Enough to Save the Planet
Changemakers Series
What’s inside...
Author Loll Kirby and illustrator Adelina Lirius have created a picture book titled 'Old Enough to Save the Planet' which spotlights the efforts of young climate change activists from around the world. As these children rise to the challenge, they raise awareness and take action to address the climate crisis. The book features stories of 12 inspiring young individuals, including 11-year-old Shalise from Australia, the world's youngest ocean activist, and 9-year-old Fink Feinbeiner, a rainforest activist from Germany. The book includes not only their stories but also practical advice on how everyone can contribute to saving the planet.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the children in the book felt when they were helping the planet?
What are some ways we can help protect our environment just like the characters?
Which project from the book would you like to try at home or at school, and why?
How do you think taking care of the Earth makes a difference for future generations?
What did you learn from the book that you didn't know before about protecting the planet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they already know about climate change and caring for the environment.
Relate the projects in the book to your child’s daily life and discuss practical ways you can implement similar actions together at home or in your community.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about one way they can help the planet, inspired by the stories in the book.
Use the book as a gateway to research more about young environmentalists and watch videos or documentaries on similar efforts around the globe to deepen the context.
Praise your child for their curiosity and any ideas they express about helping the environment, reinforcing the importance and impact of their thoughts and actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: The book showcases young activists from around the world taking action to combat environmental issues.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in small, everyday actions such as recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up events to make a tangible impact on the planet's health.
Example Lesson: Community Engagement
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate with their communities to initiate environmental projects.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to become involved in community efforts, understand the power of collective action, and realize their individual actions contribute to a larger cause.
Example Lesson: Empowerment and Self-Efficacy
Explanation: The book tells stories of children who believe in their ability to make a difference and take proactive steps to do so.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their age does not limit their ability to effect change, fostering a sense of empowerment and encouraging them to take initiatives in causes they care about.
Example Lesson: Global Awareness
Explanation: The book introduces children to environmental issues faced by different communities around the world.
Real-World Application: This helps children develop a broader understanding of the world and the diverse challenges faced by people in different regions, promoting empathy and global citizenship.
Example Lesson: Creativity in Problem-Solving
Explanation: The young activists use creative solutions to address environmental problems.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to think creatively about solutions to problems they encounter, whether environmental or in other aspects of their lives.