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As it is summertime and school is out, CATS would like to recommend a couple of books for children to read during the summer holidays (and at any time of the year). The first two books are appropriate for young children, the last two for pre-teens.
Salmon Forest by David Suzuki & Sarah Ellis, illustrated by Sheena Lott (Greystone Books, 2003)
A walk through the forest teaches how the forest, the sea and all life are connected. Salmon need cool water shaded by trees, the forest is fertilized by poop from bears, eagles, otters and ravens, The story ends when the father and daughter meet friends who invite them to share tea and salmon which they have caught using traditional methods. Sheena Lott’s watercolours are in warm earth tones with occasional red flashes of spawning salmon. The cycle of life and the balance of nature are in capable hands with these creators.
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson (Putnam & Sons, 2015)
CJ and his grandmother leave church on a rainy day and catch a bus. CJ wonders why they must wait in the rain and why do not have a car like some of his friends. On their bus ride to the soup kitchen where they volunteer, she introduces him to the beauty of the world around him and the special people in their lives. Besides introducing cross-cultural diversity and social justice, this story also gently introduces the idea of a car-free life, using public transit, and how rewarding it can be. These two books may be interesting to pre-teens.
For Pre-Teens:
Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth by Rachel Sarah (Chicago Review Press, 2021)
This book tells the stories of 25 climate leaders under age 25. They've led hundreds of thousands of people in climate strikes, founded non-profits, given TED talks, and sued their governments. These fearless girls and young women from all over the world are standing up to demand change when no one else is. An inspiring and educational read for all.
Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar (Doubleday, 2015)
Tamaya and Marshall walk to and from school together every day. Unfortunately, Marshall is being bullied by Chad. One day, Chad is waiting for Marshall after school, and knowing this, Marshall takes Tamaya on a short-cut through the woods. As Chad follows them through the woods, the children discover something that looks like what can only be described as fuzzy mud. What is it? Could this discovery affect the entire world?
The books appear on the CATS Bookshelf, alongside other environment-themed titles.