Ï㽶ÊÓƵ

Session 1 The Way We Live: Building Better Cities

The first session introduces young learners to the relationship between the built environment and climate change, with an emphasis on urban systems. The titles include works that provide an appropriate introduction to climate change and its causes, for example, Luz Sees the Light provides a vivid example of sustainable planning and construction, demonstrating how humans must adjust to climate change. In Tokyo Digs a Garden, a young boy plants a seed to spark the re-greening of his entire city. These tales enhance a young readers¡¯ sense of agency and autonomy and engage them in active dialogue about the creative initiatives they can be part of.

Climate Change, Energy and Resources

Nonfiction/Informational Texts

Cole, Joanna, and Bruce Gegan. The Magic School Bus and the Climate Challenge. New York: Scholastic Press, 2010.

The Magic School Bus, an early chapter book, is an imaginative and compelling story about a teacher who embarks on a fieldtrip with her class to learn more about climate change. On the journey, they travel all over the world which gives the students the opportunity to learn about critical issues such as melting ice caps, greenhouse gases, and renewable energy. At end of the story, the class learns how important it is for individuals to try to diminish their impact on the environment. The book offers children specific tips on how they can curb their own carbon footprint¡ªan important addition because climate change will impact younger generations the most.

This work offers a scientific perspective on the issues it addresses, balancing the facts with a fast-paced and engaging narrative. The storytelling and popular appeal of this series title makes it suitable for a wide range of ages. The text includes descriptions, facts, dialogue, cause and effects, and problems and solutions, addressing science in a way that is interesting and exciting for both younger and older audiences. Furthermore, the book delivers information in a way that challenges the usual approach to communicating science-based information, intertwining fiction and non-fiction in the story. The texts¡¯ illustrations have a cartoon aesthetic, which enhance its graphic appeal, and the abundance of colours will enrich the readers¡¯ experience of the story.

Curtis, Andrea, and Katy Dockrill. City of Water. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2021.

The informational text, City of Water explores how water journeys from forests, mountains, rivers and oceans into pipes, then into a city¡¯s taps, fire hydrants and toilets, then through the sewer system towards waste treatment plants, and back into the watershed. The text highlights water as a precious, limited resource, and evaluates the long relationship between water and urban environments. It illustrates, for example, both the water system in the Indus Valley more than four thousand years ago, and the development of drainage systems in American cities in the 20th century. The book outlines the challenges and risks our cities face due to climate change, encourages readers to reflect on the pollution endangering our water systems, and prompts them to act.

The book is informative and well-structured, providing a comprehensive view of human relationships with water systems through colourful illustrations of everyday activities that will connect with and appeal to young readers. By taking a close look at the way water moves through cities, the work also explores urban systems and their relationship to the climate, resources, and energy. Readers are inspired to reflect on human relationships with both the built environment and natural elements, and engage in conversation about sustainable urban development, building resilience and energy conservation.

Kondonassis, Yolanda, and Joan Brush. Our House is Round: A Kid's Book About Why Protecting Our Earth Matters. New York: Sky Pony Press, 2010.

This non-fiction book could be used as an excellent educational tool for children to learn more about diverse environmental issues. There are many topics discussed in the book, such as: the origin of greenhouse gases and their impact on global warming; industrial pollution of the Earth¡¯s air and waters; and the natural resources we use to produce the energy that powers cities and deforestation. The book promotes the use of less energy, recycling and the planting of trees to filter the air. The title implies that every child¡¯s home is the Earth, and that we need to protect it. The final pages of the book list some ways that children can help keep their ¡°house¡± tidy and do what they can to help fight climate change.

In this informational text, the language conveys complex concepts at a level that is understandable for children. The book is visually striking, employing bright colours and whimsy in its use of type to engage readers. By using an example of a tree eating up pollution, the book effectively communicates its intended message with humor.

Children as Builders

Nonfiction/Informational Texts

Hale, Christy. Dreaming Up: A Celebration of Building. New York: Lee & Low Books, 2012.

Available at McGill Library

This nonfiction picture book for age 5-8 years uses illustration and photography to introduce young readers to architecture and structures. The spreads depict children as natural, active builders who work with everyday objects. By juxtaposing images of children¡¯s building on one page, and examples of renowned structures on the other readers are encouraged to make connections between them, seeing each as being as valuable as the other. On one page you will see a child¡¯s sandcastle opposite La Sagrada Familia; on another toy blocks and Habitat 67, for example.

Through such comparison, the work encourages readers to explore key aspects of architecture such as structure, composition, material, even philosophy at their own pace. The book also introduces its readers to works of architecture in a relatively inclusive manner, introducing geographically and culturally diverse examples in its selection. Furthermore, as each structure is connected to an everyday activity or play, the book serves as a great platform to encourage children to think like designers and builders and introduce them to hands-on building activities.

Fiction

Beaty, Andrea, and David Roberts. Iggy Peck, Architect. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2007.

Available at McGill Library

This fictional text for ages 5-8 years old tells the story of Iggy Peck, an unusual child who has a passion for architecture from a very young age. When he was two, he built his first building with diapers, then continued to build different kinds of imaginative structures with unusual materials. In Grade 2, however, Iggy meets a teacher who is not a fan of building. During a school trip, in an unexpected turn of events, Iggy uses his construction ingenuity to get a classmate and the teacher out of trouble, which changes the instructor¡¯s attitude towards architecture.

This eccentric and humorous story encourages young children to explore the world of architecture and design, demonstrating the charm of the profession through Iggy¡¯s imaginative structures. The unique illustrations and rhythmic text inspire the audience to be creative and determined too.

Beaty, Andrea, and David Roberts. Rosie Revere, Engineer. New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2013.

Available at McGill Library

The fiction picture book for age 5-8 years introduces the audience to Rosie, a young girl who, through trial and error, works at being an engineer. Although she is a quiet student by day, at night Rosie becomes a bold inventor, constructing all kinds of gadgets with everyday items she has collected. When her great-aunt Rosie the Riveter pays her a visit, Rosie decides to take on her biggest endeavor yet: building a plane that can fly.

The work approaches the topic of science and engineering in a delightful manner with short, rhythmic text and vibrant illustrations. Young audiences may identify with Rosie on her journey of creation and find themselves intrigued by her explorations. This, in turn, may spark their interest in science and engineering¡ªfields not often introduced to children, particularly girls. The book reflects on the importance of failure in discovery, and the value of persistence. By including the character of great-aunt Rosie, the story also recognizes the history of courageous females in the field of engineering and beyond, inspiring readers to rise against challenges and to pursue their passions.

A House is Also a Home

Fiction

Burton, Virginia Lee. The Little House. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1942.

Available at McGill Library

This classic picture book for age 4-8 years tells the life story of a sentient house from its own perspective. The little house was built as a country cottage and lived an idyllic life surrounded by nature. Over time, more houses began to crowd around it, and eventually a city grew up, over, and around the house, engulfing it in progress. The little house was unhappy, trapped within the noise and smoke of the big city. Eventually, she was moved back to the countryside to rest at peace in the natural environment.

This work introduces the concept of urban development to very young readers through the peculiar, personified perspective of a country cottage. It reflects important concerns about urban environments: noise pollution, air pollution, overcrowding, and many more. Ultimately, the book reveals the strengths and shortcomings of the built environment, encourages young readers to think about their relationship to the natural world, and can inspire them to grow up to create better city environments.

Laroche, Giles. If You Lived Here: Houses of the World. New York: HMH Books for Young Readers, 2011.

This picture book offers readers a glimpse into homes from all over the world. It depicts a variety of housing types such as adobe clay homes, houses on stilts, Venetian homes with water canals, and floating houses. Every illustration of the different dwellings is accompanied with interesting facts about the house¡¯s structure, materials, unusual designs features, access points and circulation. The book lets the reader imagine what it would be like to live in homes which might be vastly different from theirs. The text also reveals the rationale behind different housing designs: for example, one dwelling is camouflaged to hide inhabitants from their enemies, another takes into account a travelling community¡¯s needs by making homes that are portable and built from cheap, accessible materials. If You Lived Here: Houses of the World is recommended for older readers, aged 6 years old and upwards.

Swanson, Susan Marie and Beth Krommes. The House in the Night. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008.

Available at McGill Library

This award-winning picture book (age 3-6 years) comforts early readers with rhythmic text and glowing illustrations, to suggest that houses are more than buildings¡ªthey can also be homes full of light and love. As the reader wanders from room to room, into a book, and out into an imagined universe, the work suggests that the sense of joy and safety that homes can provide may be carried with us to new places. This can be a comforting thought to children undergoing transition and uncertainty who may have to relocate. The story also helps young readers establish emotional connections to the built environment around them.

City Spaces

Nonfiction/Informational Texts

Chesanow, Neil, and Ann Iosa. Where do I live? New York: Peterson's, 1995.

Available at McGill Library

This picture book for ages 5 - 9 years is an engaging first look at geography. Starting from a children¡¯s bedroom, the book offers the reader the chance to travel outside as it gives a gradually expanded view of the house¡¯s surroundings. From the streets of the neighborhood, to a view of the town, the book moves out even further for a view of the city, then the suburbs, followed by the countryside and the states, reaching all the way to space. This book gives children a brief overview of the world and encourages them to explore their neighborhoods to further understand where they live and their surroundings. It can be an introduction to teaching location to younger children and it can give them a sense of how vast the world is.

Murray, Diana, and Bryan Collier. City Shapes. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016.

This short picture book is recommended for children aged 4-8 years old and explores the many different shapes that can be found in city spaces. The author uses rhyming verses, which are playful and clever, and Bryan Collier¡¯s collage and watercoulor illustrations vividly capture urban life. This text may be particularly useful for Session 1, to help children understand the shapes that cities are built with, and act as a guide if they engage in activities to practice those shapes themselves.

Fiction

Davila, Claudia. Luz Sees the Light. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2011.

Available at McGill Library

Luz lives in a city where power outages are occurring more often, gas prices are soaring, and foods are less and less affordable. Seeing the challenges her city faces, Luz decides to take action and make a difference. Together with her friends, Luz transforms an empty lot in her neighborhood into an urban garden where they are able to grow fruit and vegetables. Eventually, the entire community is intrigued by their progress and works together to transform the space into a park.

This graphic novel for age 8-12 years has a vibrant, easy-to-read narrative, and introduces young readers to methods of sustainable living in a fossil fuel-dependent urban setting. The work details the process of constructing a community garden for readers. It outlines specific steps for construction and encourages readers to experiment with making garden compost and planting vegetables in the real world. Because the story is centered around a group of children making a difference in their community, it enhances a young readers¡¯ sense of autonomy and inspires them to participate in creative initiatives.

Lappano, Jon-Erik, and Kellen Hatanaka. Tokyo Digs a Garden. Toronto: Groundwood Books Ltd, 2016.

Available at McGill Library

This fictional picture book for ages 3-and up relates the story of a young boy, Tokyo, who lives in a small house engulfed by tall buildings in a bustling city. One day, an elderly woman offers him seeds to grow in the ground. After Tokyo plants the seeds, the resulting plant takes over the city overnight: skyscrapers are overwhelmed by foliage and the city is transformed. With this drastic new change, Tokyo and his family learn to adapt to living in their new, green city.

This story imagines how cities may be re-greened in a fantastical way, through the use of dynamic illustration and bold colours. The environmental message is delivered in an inspiring and magical way as the sentient greenery seeks to reclaim the urbanized space and transform residents¡¯ lives. The text can introduce young audiences to the concept of sustainable urban development. Because it is Tokyo who makes the choice to plant the seeds, the story suggests to children that they too have autonomy and agency and can take a prominent role in urban transformation.

Session 2 The Way We Build: Materials

This session provides both a comprehensive view of the global cycle of energy, and specific ways to build towards a more sustainable future. Buried Sunlight: How Fossil Fuels Have Changed the Earth explains how the energy from sunlight is transformed into fossil fuels and explains why our rapid consumption of non-renewable energies is leading to a global crisis. Energy Island: How One Community Harnessed the Wind and Changed Their World takes a closer look at a community that succeeded in adopting renewable energy, providing readers with a greater understanding of how to reduce their carbon footprints. Other titles break down the processes of waste pollution that are threatening our environment and encourage children to think about the materials and energy they consume in everyday life.

Energy

Chisholm, Penny, and Molly Bang. Buried Sunlight: How Fossil Fuels Have Changed the Earth. New York: Blue Sky Press, 2018.

Available at McGill Library

This informational title provides a broad introduction to the cycle of fossil-fuel production, and details the origins of coal, oil and gas. Furthermore, it addresses the many challenges fossil-fuel consumption creates, such as the disturbed carbon balance of the planet¡¯s atmosphere and hydrosphere.

The authors explain these sophisticated processes using language that is vibrant and compelling, presenting complex concepts that young people must know to understand environmental problems. Colourful illustrations clearly depict the challenges created by our fast consumption of fossil fuel. The book can engender general environmental awareness among young readers and can also encourage deeper discussion among older students about each topic. Many opportunities are provided to engage children in hands-on activities around the issues.

Drummond, Allan. Green City: How One Community Survived a Tornado and Rebuilt for a Sustainable Future. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2016.

This non-fiction book is an excellent introduction to the topic of climate change and other environmental issues. The language used is particularly notable¡ªthe word choices are careful and convey complex subjects in a way that is age-appropriate and understandable for children. It is important to highlight that the last page of the book lists some ways in which children can help keep doing their part to fight climate change. Overall, this text promotes a positive approach for managing climate change and encourages problem-solving to find solutions. Furthermore, the visual appeal of the book is strong, and a sense of positivity shines through the bright colours of the illustrations and the whimsical style of the written text.

Drummond, Allan. Energy Island: How One Community Harnessed the Wind and Changed Their World. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2011.

Available at McGill Library

This picture book introduces readers to the Danish island of Samso, nicknamed ¡°energy island¡±. When the island community decided to become more energy-efficient and end their dependence on non-renewable energies, they turned to wind power. Spearheaded by a schoolteacher and his class, a community campaign resulted in the construction of wind turbines, and residents worked to lessen their energy consumption, eventually reducing the community¡¯s carbon emission by 140% in just ten years.

Through the eyes of the island¡¯s residents, the story vividly illustrates the shortcomings of non-renewable energies and the positive impact sustainable energy can have on all aspects of life. In this way the book conveys the benefits of adopting sustainable energy and inspires readers to examine the many ways energy can be conserved and renewed through everyday practices. The book highlights how social change can come from grassroots organization and ordinary children, demonstrating to young readers that they too can be visionaries and make a difference in their communities.

Natural Materials and Sustainability

Nonfiction/Informational Texts

Gohlz, Sophia, and Harren Kayla. The Boy Who Grew a Forest. Michigan: Sleeping Bear Press, 2019.

This award-winning picture book was based on the true story of Jadav Payeng, who planted an entire forest of seedlings on a large river island in northeast India over the course of his life. When he was little, Jadav was discouraged by seeing all the process of deforestation around his home. To try and control the erosion around buildings in his community, Jadev planted bamboo in the and worked to take care of his crops as they grew. Over the years, his demanding work to grow diverse plants and trees made the land blossom into a forest, where wildlife returned for the first time in many years.

This story is for children aged 5-8 years old, and reflects positivity, hope and determination. The book suggests that past actions impact future possibilities and emphasizes to young readers that that their hard work, imagination, and persistence can make a difference. Deforestation is a key issue in the text, which highlights the importance of sustainability for children. The story also details the importance of bamboo as a local, natural building material which relates to ideas discussed in Session 2.

Hopkins, H. Joseph, and Jill McElmurry. The Tree Lady. New York: Simon & Schuster. 2013.

This picture book, written for children aged 5-10 years old, is a biography of the activist Katherine Olivia Sessions, who was the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, in 1881. As a young woman she started a massive movement to green San Diego by cultivating and planting thousands of trees and plants, which transformed the town into a garden-filled city space. The bibliography is accompanied by stunning and evocative illustrations that emphasize how re-greening initiatives can transform barren landscapes. This story can be paired with Session 2, as it discusses ways to counter deforestation, connects young readers to natural environments, and encourages children to think about the importance of parks and green spaces in cities.

Fiction

Sheffield, Heidi Woodward. Brick by Brick. New York: Penguin Young Readers Group, 2020.

This picture book is about a boy and his father, who both dream about their future and work hard to realize their dreams. The father is a bricklayer who is building a city brick by brick; his son is a student working diligently to learn, book by book. Through their comparative endeavors, the child develops an emotional connection to his father and his profession. This prompts the son to start molding clay into tiny bricks to make buildings like his father.

Brick by Brick is written for children aged 3-7 years old, and uses simple vocabulary and onomatopoeia to communicate the story. While the book is written mostly in English, it also incorporates some Spanish words. The book discusses the use of brick in building and the father's work climbing scaffolds, making mortar, and shoveling sand. The book highlights the pride the son feels regarding his father¡¯s profession, which inspires him to work hard and develop his own identity as a builder. The text is particularly useful for Session 2, as one of the goals of the playshop is to identify children as builders and to introduce them to building materials, such as brick.

Xu, Bin, Yahuan Yuan. Bamboo and Me ºÍÖñ×ÓÔÚÒ»Æð. Shanghai: Shanghai Press, 2018.

This fictional story book for ages 4-8 depicts the everyday life of a family who lives amidst the gentle green shade of a bamboo forest. The text details the family¡¯s life as the season¡¯s changes, and demonstrates the many ways the community utilizes bamboo: as food source, as a building material, to make children¡¯s toy and much more. With soft and warm illustrations, the book not only presents forest life as calm and idyllic, but also introduces practical information about ways use bamboo in different settings. Because bamboo is a sustainable and versatile resource for building and beyond, the book conveys many aspects of sustainability and expands readers¡¯ knowledge of building traditions around the globe. Presented in a bilingual format (Simplified Chinese - English), the book can reach a more diverse audience and help children to acquire new language skills.

Manufactured Materials and Waste

Nonfiction/Informational Texts

French, Jess. What a Waste: Trash, Recycling, and Protecting Our Planet. London: DK, 2019.

This expository text examines the impact of waste and discusses ways to reduce its environmental impact. Covering topics from pollution and litter to renewable energy and plastic recycling, the book delivers information through a non-conventional layout: combining illustration, collage and text.

This book is a general introduction to the concept of resources, pollution, and recycling. The illustrations are visually engaging and break down difficult concepts into information that may intrigue young readers. Varied explanations of facts make it possible for adults to adjust their reading to different age groups, or for young readers to select texts that best fit their reading interests and abilities. Furthermore, the book addresses environmental issues on a global scale, in an everyday context, encouraging readers to become part of the solution and take a hopeful, uplifting perspective on the challenge of waste.

Layton, Neal. A Planet Full of Plastic: And How You Can Help. Sydney: Hachette Children's Group, 2019.

Neal Layton¡¯s informational book for age 4 years and above provides a clear overview of where plastic comes from, why it is so widely utilized in our lives, and why it is causing environmental concerns. The book addresses biodegradable materials, non-biodegradable materials, and garbage patches in the ocean, and proposes both scientific and everyday practices that can help reduce the plastic pollution problem.

In the text, the author combines illustration with realistic photography of plastic objects and garbage to communicate ¡®the problem with plastic¡¯ to children in an easily understandable and direct manner. To conclude, the book discusses imaginative methods to reduce plastic pollutants and further encourages readers to propose creative solutions to the crisis. Such arrangement provides a platform for further conversation, and illustrates activities readers can actively engage in.

Park, Ki-young. Èç¹ûÀ¬»øÔ½·eÔ½¶à [If Trash Keeps Piling Up] Translated by Li-ju Chen. New Taipei City: Shang-Ren Publishing, 2012.

This illustrated informational text for ages 3-8 provides a comprehensive introduction to our planet¡¯s trash problem. It discusses where excess waste comes from, the difference between bio-degradable materials and non-bio-degradable materials and the consequences on our environment. The author details the many kinds of trash humans produce daily and communicates with a young audience in a direct manner. By combining realistic photography with well-composed illustrations, the work helps children identify recyclable and non-recyclable objects in their lives, and inspires them to take steps to reduce the waste they produce.

The book is in Traditional Chinese with Bopomofo Phonetic Symbols; additional annotation in Standard Mandarin Chinese and Pinyin Phonetic Symbols could be added to reach a wider audience.

Session 3 Climate Change Challenge: Rising Seas and Cities

For the third session, which focuses on rising sea levels, the list includes three books that offer a nonfiction, information-based approach to the subject, and six books that present factual information through story-based narratives. Many of the narratives address the issue of climate change and sea level rise by discussing their impacts on animals (e.g., polar bears and penguins). The texts we¡¯ve chosen mean to address the topic of rising seas in different ways and for different targeted audiences. Through their engagement with these stories, young readers can learn about the many ways they can reduce their impact on the environment and their carbon footprint, and support animals endangered by climate change.

Global Warming, Climate Change and Sea Ice Melt

Nonfiction/Informational Texts

Herbert, Megan. The Tantrum That Saved the World. Amsterdam: World Saving Books, 2018.

This award-winning mix of fiction and non-fiction tells the story of a young girl who decides to act against the realities of global warming. One day, many different people and animals suddenly appear to take refuge in her home¡ªthey have all been affected by global warming and have nowhere else to go. The girl realizes that her uninvited house guests need support, and complains to her city officials about their lack of action in the face of global warning. The officials disregard her complaints, and the young girl decides that she must take matters into her own hands.

The book is divided into two sections: the first part is story-based, as the reader follows the young girl¡¯s journey. It uses rhyming and is suitable for children 4-8 years old. The second part is factual, science-driven, and may be more appealing to readers 8-12 years old. The division of the text into these different approaches broadens the book¡¯s scope to a wider audience and presents a variety of topics related to global warming.

Rockwell, Anne F., and Paul Meisel. Why Are the Ice Caps Melting? The Dangers of Global Warming. New York: HarperCollins Publisher, 2006.

Available at McGill Library

This informational text explains the greenhouse effect and the effects of global warming around the world for older readers in the primary grades. It can, therefore, provoke more complex conversations with children about climate change that is not overwhelming. The book explores challenging concepts in a simplified way, and offers advice to readers about how they can take action to help fight global warming themselves.

Thomas, Kellie, and Belle Wuthrich. Rising Seas: Flooding, Climate Change and Our New World. Richmond Hills: Firefly Books Limited, 2018.

Available at McGill Library

Rising Seas is another informational text that is both fascinating and disconcerting¡ªeffectively conveying a sense of urgency to young readers about rising sea levels. One interesting aspect of the book is that the factual information it presents cover a variety of different countries, areas, and cultural landmarks. Furthermore, it shows how many different places on the Earth will be affected by flooding in the near future.

The writing is fact-focused and number heavy, which will not suit young readers but might appeal to older ones. The graphics and illustrations and are striking and original, and the photoshopped images that imagine sea level rise are impactful. Because the book is aimed at an older audience (9- 13 years old) it can be used to impart a sense of urgency without being alarmist. The text illustrates the possible destruction of international landmarks readers may recognize in cities near water that, again, is appropriate for an older readership. An important addition to the text is that it offers solutions that may counter some of the distressing realities it presents.

Rising Seas, and Human and Animal Communities

Fiction

Aston, Dianna Hutts, and Kelly Murphy. Loony Little: The Ice Cap Is Melting. Watertown: Charlesbridge, 2020.

This fictional picture book, which is set in the Arctic, is an environmental take on the original Chicken Little tale. The duck Loony Little realizes that the ice caps are melting when a drop of water falls on her head. She sets off on a journey to warn the Polar Bear Queen about the worrying situation. but when she meets with her, the Queen is not sympathetic towards the issue of melting ice and only seems to only care about her upcoming meal. The story anthropomorphizes to make a comment on human attitudes¡ªto suggest that humans tend to think only about their immediate wants rather than consider the consequences of their actions, that will appear over time. After Loony Little and her friends fail to alarm the Polar Bear Queen into taking an initiative, the animals learn that they must not depend on others to act. The story reinforces the belief that in order to create change, everyone must take the initiative and work together to achieve it. This tale is best suited for young playshop participants, the recommended ages being 3-8 years old.

Balit, Christina. Atlantis: The Legend of the Lost City. New York: Henry Holt and Co., 1999.

This fictional picture book is a retelling the history of the fabled Atlantis based on Plato¡¯s Timaeus and Critias for children 3-7 years old. It explores the mythology of Poseidon¡¯s creation and destruction of Atlantis, a magnificent city who was once prosperous but eventually sinks entirely under-water after a curse is carried out by its creator. This fascinating myth is told with the help of breathtaking illustrations by Christina Balit, which are vividly coloured and highly detailed. This serves to entice the reader into the story and trigger their own inventiveness. Therefore, The Legend of the Lost City is filled with imaginary spaces that showcase an overflowing amount creativity and diversity of images. This book can help teachers explore the imaginative notion of underwater cities as to encourage students to envision their own solutions for cities who are near water.

Bergen, Lara, and Vincent Nguyen. The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc., 2008.

A father and his little girl decide to take a boat ride instead of a dogsled ride because the ice and snow in their northern community rapidly melted in the spring. The main narrative of the story consists of the girl asking her father questions as they encounter two polar bears cubs floating on a piece of ice, without their mother. The father explains that the ice has melted much quicker this year than in previous years. He guessed that the small polar bears had been separated from their mother and could not easily navigate their way back to her. The father explains that one of the effects of global warming is that today snow and ice melt earlier in the season, and this affects the polar bears¡¯ habitat.

One intriguing aspect in this illustrated book for early readers is that the girl wants to help the cubs when she sees them all on their own, however her father believes that they should not intervene. This introduces some important existential questions about connections between animal and human lives for readers to discuss. The father also indicates that the polar bear¡¯s situation is being caused by human environmental disturbances occurring far away from the north. The reader comes to understand a powerful truth¡ªno matter where they live in the world, people¡¯s actions have the power to cause sea levels to rise and make the ice and snow melt.

Gaudin, Vincent, and Barroux. Le manchot a rudement chaud. Paris: Belin Editeur, 2009.

This picture book takes readers to the opposite pole, Antarctica, to imagine how climate change is affecting penguin communities. In this story, a penguin is always feeling excessively hot. Despite the hardships he faces, the penguin remains confident that humans will eventually find a way to help him keep cool. This tale deals with the issue of climate change, in particular the melting of the polar ice caps. As the story progresses, the heat felt by the penguin escalates until the ice under his and his friend¡¯s feet cracks. Nonetheless, the story finishes in a relatively positive note but the message is clear: even if the penguins live far away for human civilization, they are waiting for help.

This is a French language title that has not been translated to English. The content is age-appropriate, as it is realistic without being alarmist. The design of the illustrations is visually pleasing, the story is tinged with humor and the penguins are portrayed anthropomorphically and undertake human activities in their daily lives. This device contrives to lighten the portrayal of the penguin¡¯s distressing situation for younger readers. Additionally, the text is written in clever rhymes to engage readers. At the end of the book, there are concrete actions for children to adopt in order to continue the exploration of the book¡¯s themes.

Venice: The Floating City

Cestaro, Dario, and Paola Zaffoli. The Treasures of Venice Pop-up. New York: Rizzoli 2013.

This pop-up book explores the treasures of Venice, exploring the architecture of iconic buildings and bridges through 3D paper engineering. The text (recommended for children aged 10 years old and up) details important monuments such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark¡¯s Basilica, Doge¡¯s Palace, Santa Maria della Salute, and the Gran Teatro la Fenice. Because Venice is explored specifically during session 3 as an example of a floating city, the text can demonstrate the different ways structures can be built on water, and help children to design their own when they engage with the session activity.

Sasek, Miroslav. This is Venice. New York: Universe Publishing, 2005.

First published with immense success in the early 1960s, This is Venice is a recent edition of Sasek¡¯s timeless, illustrated travel guide for children aged 7 to 12 years old. This informational text has charming and engaging illustrations that bring the city of Venice to life by detailing its structures, canals, gondolas, bridges and providing a sense of daily life in the floating city. The final page of the book explains the changes that have occurred in the city since the first edition was printed, and where applicable, updates information for twenty-first century readers.

Session 4 Climate Change Challenge: Safe Spaces for Climate Migrants

For the fourth session, which introduces children to the reality of climate migrants, we have compiled a list of eight books. Two of these offer a more general outlook on the notion of refugees and migrants using non-fiction and were chosen because they break down complex and possibly distressing topics into easily absorbable information. The fictive books touch upon the personal journeys that climate migrants and refugees must undertake, often from the perspective of a young child. This viewpoint can engage young readers on an emotional level as they may feel a connection to characters that are their age. The selected texts seek handle difficult topics in a sensitive way so that readers can familiarize themselves with difficult themes such as: displacement, insecurity, separation from family and friends, dangerous journeys. Although the subject matter of refugees and migrants can be disheartening to discuss, these titles offer optimism, strength and hope for the future.

Migrant and Refugee Experiences

Nonfiction/ Informational texts

McCarney, Rosemary. Where Will I Live? Toronto: Second Story Press, 2017.

What is a refugee? This informational picture book can introduce children to the concept by offering them a glimpse into refugee experiences. The book illustrates how many refugees face uncertainties in their daily lives.

The most powerful aspect of the book is the use of photography to illustrate refugee¡¯s experiences at each stage of their journey. The images also highlight how difficult life can be for refugees as they travel, depicting their escape by water, across deserts, and living in refugee camps. The photographs humanize the refugee experience by putting real faces to the events described in the book. There is minimal text here (about half a sentence per page) and the images are meant to be the story¡¯s main tool for communication. The simple narration of the story will help children build their social and emotional learning skills by encouraging their empathic responses to the hardships that refugees face. Many questions such as, ¡°Where will I live?¡± are posed, which reinforce the notion that every child needs a safe place to call home. The book¡¯s message is that no matter which part of the world a refugee comes from, their need for food, shelter and safety is no different than the reader¡¯s.

Roberts, Ceri, and Hanane Kai. Refugees and Migrants. New York: Barron¡¯s Educational Series Publishing, 2017.

Available at McGill Library

This non-fiction narrative introduces the concept of refugees and migrants to young readers. Although it is an informational text, it does not overwhelm the reader with details and is child-friendly in its approach to the subject matter. The book touches upon many subjects, such as: refugee children who are alone in foreign countries having been separated from their families; life in refugee camps; people who help refugees; and the difficulty in seeking asylum.

More broadly, the narrative also helps to build young readers¡¯ social and emotional learning by making them aware that not all people their age are equally fortunate in life. It discusses disparities children face in different places, and reveals how many basic commodities (that we often take for granted) are missing in many of the refugees¡¯ and migrant¡¯s lives.

Skrypuch, Marsha Forchuk, Tuan Ho, and Brian Deines. Adrift at Sea: a Vietnamese Boy's Story of Survival. Toronto: Pajama Press Inc., 2016.

Available at McGill Library

This picture book tells the true story of a six-year-old who escapes war in Vietnam with his family. They embark on an overloaded finishing boat with many other refugees and are left drifting in the Pacific Ocean when the motor fails. The passengers face many hardships and uncertainties as they try to survive under difficult conditions. Under the punishing heat of the sun, having no drinkable water left and dealing with a leaking boat, the passengers drift at sea for days before being rescued.

The story is told from the young boy¡¯s perspective, which successively immerses the reader in the family's difficult journey. One of the exceptional additions to the book is the photographs that the author provides in the conclusion: some reflect his childhood in Vietnam while others depict him today as a grown man thriving in a new country. These personal images add to the realism of the tale and encourage the reader to make a greater emotional connection to the author.

Fiction

Becker, Kate, and Jed Henry. My Dream Playground. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2013.

This is a true story told from the perspective of a young girl, who makes drawings of her dream playground near her home. One day, she learns that a real playground will be built in the location she had imagined hers and she gets implicated in the project as a young project manager. She produces many design drawings, which recalls the role of an architect as the structure plans that were born inside her imagination become real. Her opinions about every decision concerning the playground becomes valued, she is called to envision and say her opinion during the progress of the project. This story shows how valuable the input of children¡¯s opinion as young architects are when building structures. It also demonstrates how architects, contractors, planners and builders work together to make a structure.

Hoffman, Mary, and Karin Littlewood. The Colour of Home. London: Frances Lincoln Ltd, 2012.

In this picture book, the reader follows a young boy as he struggles to acclimate to a foreign country after fleeing war-torn Somalia with his family. At first, he struggles in school because he does not understand the language. Then, one day in art class, his teacher asks him to paint freely on a canvas. The boy uses beautiful, bright colours to represent his family members and animal life back home in Somalia. Then, to the teacher¡¯s surprise, the boy smudges his painting in flaming strokes of red and black. Through his painting, the boy reveals the hardships his family has endured. As time goes on and the boy starts to gradually see himself at home in the foreign country, he paints a second image showing his home in Somalia, however this time the painting is not covered by dark markings. Through his artistic practice, the boy demonstrates progress, as he learns to manage the trauma from his refugee experience and settle into his new home.

This book¡¯s vibrant illustrations contrast with the boys¡¯ challenging story and reveal the beauty of his memories of home. The Colour of Home will compel children to put themselves in another child¡¯s shoes and make them consider how difficult it can be to flee to a foreign country to find safety. The text also reinforces the importance of treating refugees (who they may encounter in their own schools and neighborhoods) with respect and kindness to help them integrate into a new environment.

Sanna, Francesca. The Journey. London: Flying Eye Books, 2016.

Available at McGill Library

In this award-winning picture book readers follow a young boy¡¯s point of view as he details his family¡¯s escape from a country devasted by war. The story reflects what many refugees face while on a journey to safety and freedom. The boy and his family must travel a long way and face many hardships to find a safe place to live in, and they yearn for a place where they can build their new home.

The compelling illustrations by Francesca Sanna elevate the narrative, providing an engaging, secondary story to the text. The way the illustrations seem to flow into each other from one page to the next effectively mimics the family¡¯s endless and tiresome journey. While this story deals with difficult subject matter (e.g., escaping conflict zones) the book expertly handles the topic in a sensitive and inspiring way.

Tan, Shaun. The Arrival. London: Hodder Children¡¯s Books, 2006.

Available at McGill Library

The Arrival is an internationally award-winning silent book, comprised of illustrations and no text. It depicts a migrant¡¯s journey as he leaves one land and arrives in another through a series of realistic and fantastical illustrations. The text is particularly useful to this session because it allows participants to think imaginatively about concepts of home, struggle, journey and resettlement. Tan's fantastical spaces and structures may help participants think more abstractly about the emotional issues migrants and refugees face and spark their own creative conceptions about building design. Additionally, silent books are particularly useful to use with international participants because the absence of text erases language barriers. The book can also be used to explore these experiences effectively with children who are learning English as a second language, or readers whose literacy development is varied.

Williams, Karen Lynn, Khadra Mohammed, and Doug Chayka. Four Feet, Two Sandals. Michigan: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2007.

Available at McGill Library

This picture book is set in a refugee camp, where ten-year-old Lena lives with her family. One day, a pile of used clothing is brought for the refugees and Lena finds a sandal that fits her perfectly. While looking around to find the matching sandal, she sees that another girl has taken the shoe and is already wearing it. After they meet, both girls decide that they should share the pair of sandals. A friendship blossoms as the girls spend time together navigating the refugee camp and forming a daily routine.

This book¡¯s strength comes from stunning illustrations that convey its optimistic and hopeful tone. The story captures the essence of life in a refugee camp in a way that is not desolate and clearly communicates the uncertainties refugees face as they wait in camps. The central message of the story is that friendship and hope are more valuable than material possessions. The text engenders empathy towards refugees as it communicates the challenges they face.

Session 5 Child Activists

For Session 5, eight books were selected to emphasize children¡¯s important role in the fight against climate change to enhance the readers¡¯ sense of agency regarding environmental issues. The selection also aims to address the economic and environmental injustice many communities across the globe face by highlighting stories of child activists who take matters into their own hand and push back against injustice. The selected texts mean to emphasize the long history of Indigenous climate activism and acknowledge the limitation in some Western representations of these issues. Young readers will gain an understanding of the different ways they can participate in the fight for climate justice, here.

Nonfiction/Informational Texts

Kirby, Loll, and Adelina Lirius. Old Enough to Save the Planet. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2020.

This informational text presents the stories of 12 inspiring children from all over the world who have decided to act against climate change. The book includes child activists who have enacted change in their communities in many ways, from organizing a massive tree planting project to creating a home garden for bees. All efforts are recognized to be equally valuable, no matter the project¡¯s ambition. The book provides a good deal of background information about each activist¡¯s story and emphasizes the positive impact each project has had.

The stunning illustrations bring to life every activist¡¯s story, and the text is distributed well throughout so as not to overwhelm the reader with information. Overall, this book proves that children can help to make a change in their environments and are part of the battle for a better future. Their stories will inspire young readers to be resourceful and think about the potential impact they can make in their own lives. Most importantly, the book gives a voice to young activists and provides a positive outlook on the future.

Kutner, Laura, and Suzanne Slade, The Soda Bottle School: A True Story of Recycling, Teamwork, and One Crazy Idea, Thomaston: Tilbury House Publishers, 2016.

Available at McGill Library

The story took place in a Guatemalan village, where the school was too small to accommodate the children and the lands were being overrun by plastic waste. One young boy Fernando came up with the creative idea to build classrooms out of plastic bottles after seeing his teacher drinking a soda. The community came together to collect bottles from all over the villages and construed classrooms out of soda bottles. The book is based on a real story and on-going project of construction with recycled bottles and is co-authored by Laura Kutner, the real-life inspiration of Se?o Laura.

This picture book for age 8-12 years not only conveys a positive message on reducing waste and recycling, but also demonstrates how children could make a difference in their school and community through creative proposals and teamwork. The tangibility of the classroom setting of the story makes its message more appealing and communicable and further enhances the book¡¯s ability to empower and inspire the young readers. The hand-on building project depicted in the book could further serve as a starting point for follow-up activities that help the readers experience the practice of recycling and building. The story also addressed the economical and environmental injustice faced by the Guatemalan people, as inequality in waste management led to the village being flooded with plastic bottles. Such themes as well as the cultural elements represented in the book can invoke further in-depth discussion with older audiences.

Lawlor, Laurie, and Laura Beingessner. Rachel Carson and Her Book That Changed the World. New York: Holiday House, 2012.

This picture book for ages 7-10 years presents the life of pioneering environmentalist Rachel Carson and emphasizes her passion for the natural world. Carson experienced poverty in her childhood, but because of her great love for nature she pursued scientific studies. She persisted in her ambitions despite that fact that in her time, education opportunities for women were scarce and an awareness about environmentalism was rare. The text depicts the wonder of nature exquisitely to help a young audience make their own connections with the natural world as they witness Carson¡¯s passion grow. Carson¡¯s humble background, and the many challenges she faced on her journey as a woman communicates broader themes of gender equality, and the importance of stewardship. The epilogue provides further details on Carson¡¯s research and work, particularly her groundbreaking book Silent Spring, and suggests further readings about environmentalism. These aspects will be more valuable for a slightly older audience and can provoke deeper discussions about environmental issues. Furthermore, Carson¡¯s inspiring achievements as an environmentalist and author shows young readers a possible career path in science-related and environmental fields, and can help them build a sense of nature identity.

Marshall, Linda Elovitz, and Elisa Chavarri. Rainbow Weaver/Tejedora de Arcoiris. New York: Lee & Low Books, 2016.

Rainbow Weaver depicts the story of a young Ixchel in the Guatemalan Highlands. Unable to weave because of a lack of extra thread, Ixchel decides to collect the plastic bags that are littered around her village and turn them into thread. Her rainbow weavings attract the attention of her neighbours and they soon join forces to collect the plastic bags to transform them into weavings. By selling her work in the market, Ixchel is able to uphold the tradition of her ancestors and fund her education.

This picture book for children aged 5-8 years emphasizes the art, culture, economic, and environmental struggle of Indigenous Guatemalans. Many realistic photographs of Mayan textiles and collages, along with bright illustrations tell a tale of environmental injustice. The work emphasizes a child¡¯s ability to initiate climate-aware activities and has the potential to interest children in the art of weaving. Furthermore, weaving can be considered (in an architectural sense) another form of ¡°building,¡± as it contrasts with block-based, accumulative approaches. The text is bilingual in English and Spanish and will also appeal to a wider audience.

Nivola, Claire A. Planting The Trees of Kenya : The Story of Wangari Maathai. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008.

Available at McGill Library

This book tells the story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai as she works to bring back the trees to Kenya. It is a picture book for children aged 5-8 years, however the book tends to be text-heavy for its genre and the language used might be appropriate for older audiences. When Wangari was young, she was used to seeing fig trees cloaking hills, streams being filled with fish and abundant amount of greenery in gardens. However, she witnesses her home land being cleared of vegetation in the span of a few years. As the village habitants are being malnourished and the land gets progressively cleared of its trees, Wangari notices how much Kenya has transformed. She teaches the women in her village how to plant trees in order to help the community. The families were getting healthier, eating from the fruit trees and from the vegetable plots. The importance of planting trees is greatly highlighted in this story, as it helped completely transform Wangari¡¯s home land. She also gives seeds to school and prison to raise their awareness on the importance of planting trees to keep their community healthy. Wangari started a great movement that motivated people to plant trees, which is still in action today with around thirty million trees having been planted in Kenya.

Robertson, Joanne. Nibi Emosaawdang / The Water Walker. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2017.

The picture book The Water Walker relates the story of an Ojibwe Nokomis (grandmother), Josephine Mandamin, and her great love for Nibi (water). The work illustrates her respect for water from a young age and her actions to fight against factors that are polluting the waters of North America. It highlights the importance of water for human survival and the lack of access some Indigenous North American communities have to clean water. At the same time, the story prompts older readers to think politically about environmental issues and encourages them to take action.

Josephine Mandamin was an Anishinaabe First Nations elder, survivor of the Canadian residential school system and founder of the Mother Earth Water Walkers. The author collaborated with Mandamin throughout the creation of this book ensuring that it reflects an authentic voice. The illustrations are accompanied by pronunciation guides for Anishinaabemowin words¡ªthis detail introduces readers to an Indigenous language and supports language activism. Young readers will relate to the story¡¯s themes of self-empowerment, activism, and perseverance.

Fiction

Lindstrom, Carole, and Michaela Goade. We Are Water Protectors. New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2021.

Available at McGill Library

We Are Water Protectors is inspired by numerous Indigenous-led movements across North American and delivers an urgent call to protect natural waters from human harm and pollution. The picture book for ages 3-6 years, is a collaboration between an Indigenous author and illustrator and constructs poetic and imaginative visual links between water, nature, animals and humans. It addresses the issue both on a local and global scale to articulate the omnipresence of environmental challenges to young readers. Anthropomorphizing the Dakota Access Pipeline as a snake effectively communicates the great threat to Indigenous people¡¯s land and waters, acts to encourage young readers¡¯ imaginative understanding of the issue, and engenders their support for the protagonist¡¯s initiatives.

Because the story is narrated from a child¡¯s perspective it may appeal to young audiences and help to communicate its environmental message in a dynamic way. The uplifting tone of the story and message of unity between communities may inspire readers to take a more active role as stewards of the natural world themselves. The book ends by inviting the reader to sign a pledge to become an ¡°earth steward and water protector,¡± which may inspire small people to take action towards water protection.

Tucker, Zo? and Zoe Persico. Greta and the Giants: Inspired by Greta Thunberg's Stand to Save the World. London: Quarto Publishing Plc, 2019.

Available at McGill Library

This fictional picture book for ages 6-9 years relates an allegorical fairytale about Greta Thunberg¡¯s story. Greta is a little girl trying to protect her forest and animal friends from the destruction caused by greedy giants and the polluted cities they inhabit. The giants (who are represented as humans) are not overly villainized and do, in the end listen to Greta and make changes to save the world. Because the story has a happy ending, the book offers an uplifting and encouraging narrative about the dire reality of climate change and delivers a hopeful message to young audiences that they too can make a difference.

As we recognize and celebrate Thunberg¡¯s achievements, we encourage educators to present her story alongside those of young activists from diverse communities, who have also been working towards environmental justice and whose voices have not been as widely shared.