An important theme that runs through all of my Big Little Concepts books with Pajama Press, which so far includes ANIMALS MOVE, BEAR HAS A BELLY, and BUNNY LOVES BEANS, is that we human beings have a lot in common with our animal counterparts – more than you might think!
In ANIMALS MOVE, we explored the different ways that both baby animals and young humans play and move. In BEAR HAS A BELLY, we compared our bodies with those of our animal neighbours. And in my newest title, BUNNY LOVES BEANS, we look at the colourful foods that both animals and kids love to eat.
As our Earth faces unprecedented challenges, it feels more important than ever that we work together to raise children who respect and value the many fellow creatures that call this planet home. From the biggest whale to the smallest ant, the animal kingdom is full of so many unusual and wondrous living things. And when we see animals as living, feeling creatures that play and move and eat just like we do, it’s much easier to feel a sense of kinship with them, and a feeling of responsibility towards them.
I hope that my books can act as conversation starters for families, encouraging them to learn more about the different animals they meet, especially some of the less familiar creatures. The more we know about the natural world, the more connected we feel, and the more likely we are to act, when that natural world needs our help.
Are you looking for more ways to encourage your kiddos to care about the environment? Here are some articles you might want to check out:
Looking after the environment – 8 ideas for Early Years (Teach Early Years)
5 Ways to Get Kids to Care About the Environment (Family Education)
Raising A Compassionate Child : Why Your Child Needs to Love Animals (Childhood By Nature)
BUNNY LOVES BEANS comes out March 2024, and is available for pre-order through all your favourite booksellers.