The Smallest Carbon Footprint in the Land: & other eco-tales
What’s inside...
In Anne Morgan's delightful collection of organically-grown eco-tales, a prince wants to marry the young woman with the smallest carbon footprint in the land; Space Cadet Lox finds out why a planet is like a bowl of porridge; a girl in a little green hoodie tries to save an endangered wolf; and Chicken Licken warns the sea is rising. Times have changed in Fairytale Land!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did the characters do to help protect the environment, and how can we do similar things in our daily lives?
Why do you think it's important to have a small carbon footprint?
How did the actions of one character influence others in the story?
What is one new thing you learned about the environment from this book?
How would you feel if you were in the place of one of the characters? What would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the importance of taking care of our environment, which will make your child feel more comfortable sharing theirs.
Point out specific instances from the book where characters made eco-friendly choices and ask your child if they could apply similar decisions in their own life.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they believe the story might change if different choices were made by the characters.
Share with them actions your family already takes to protect the environment and discuss any new actions you might take.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and genuine concern about the topics, reinforcing their interest and care for the environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: Through engaging tales, the book portrays how small, consistent actions can significantly impact the environment. Children learn about sustainability and the importance of taking care of nature.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice recycling, conserve water, and turn off lights when not in use, integrating eco-friendly habits into their daily routines.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards Animals
Explanation: The stories depict characters who show kindness and understanding towards animals, teaching children to respect all living beings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in real life by children being gentle with pets, not disturbing wild animals, and learning about animal welfare.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book often come up with creative solutions to environmental issues, which highlights the importance of innovation in preserving our planet.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively in solving small problems at home or school, such as finding ways to reuse old materials or helping to set up a compost bin.
Example Lesson: Community Involvement
Explanation: The stories show that working together as a community can lead to substantial positive changes, emphasizing the power of collective action.
Real-World Application: Kids can participate in community clean-up days, plant trees, or engage in local environmental clubs and activities, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.