Stories for a Fragile Planet
What’s inside...
An author and poet, known for his reflective and thought-provoking style, retells 10 stories from various cultures around the world, emphasizing the importance of taking care of the world. The stories, sourced from ancient Greece, the Far East, the Celts, Africa, Greenland, Russia, China, Japan, South America, and ancient Israel, provide rich opportunities for Jane Ray's lush illustrations of trees, flowers, animals, and birds, celebrating the beauty of creation.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think we can do to help protect our planet like the characters in the stories?
Which story did you like the most, and why?
How do you feel when you think about taking care of the Earth?
What are some ways we can make our home more environmentally friendly?
If you could talk to animals like in the stories, what would you ask them about their home on our planet?
Tip: Role play these questions
To engage your child in a meaningful conversation, show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about the book. Use the illustrations in the book to spark discussions about the beauty of the Earth and why it’s important to protect it. Encourage them to think about what actions they can take to make a difference, no matter how small. Connect the stories to real-world examples of environmental conservation. Lastly, reinforce the positive feelings associated with helping our planet, to inspire ongoing interest and responsibility.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: Through enchanting tales, 'Stories for a Fragile Planet' introduces children to the importance of caring for the environment. Each story features characters facing challenges that symbolize real-world ecological issues.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be mindful of their impact on the environment, encouraging habits like recycling, conserving water, and protecting wildlife.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: Jane Ray's stories often depict humans and animals working together to solve problems, illustrating the bond between species and the mutual benefits of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to treat animals with kindness and consideration, fostering a nurturing attitude towards pets and wildlife alike.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The book highlights how characters come together to overcome environmental dilemmas, emphasizing the power of community and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of teamwork and community involvement, inspiring them to participate in group activities and community service.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Set in various global backdrops, the stories expose children to different cultures and traditions, promoting a broader understanding of the world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, which can enhance social inclusiveness and global awareness in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book often face environmental crises that require creative solutions, depicting resilience in adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking and resilience when faced with challenges, skills that are beneficial in academic and personal settings.