Earth Day encourages children to think “green” about the world they will inherit
With Earth Day rapidly approaching on April 22nd, we are reminded that we need to honor this glorious world of ours by doing our part to improve it. A mistake in the past has been in not educating our children enough to think “green,” when, in fact, it should begin with them. We applaud schools that do their part to educate children on the environment, and it is encouraging to hear that around seven hundred elementary and secondary schools are taking part this spring in the first “National Green Week,” with one million children participating by bringing snacks and drinks in reusable containers. It was the late U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson who launched the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, and his legacy continues through the work of his daughter, Tia Nelson. It just makes sense that environmentally educated children will grow up to be environmentally responsible adults!
One author, T. Katz, has taken the lead by writing a children’s book that has definite appeal to parents as an aid in educating their children on environmental issues. Children are resilient and will participate if the subject is fun, and it is obvious the author understands this in her story of two boys living in a coastal town who take the ocean and its inhabitants for granted – until they discover the magic of the sea through the unusual and mystifying eyes of their teacher. Miss L’eau (Orchard House Press) is a novel that will inspire children to want to do their part in protecting and preserving the oceans of the world for future generations. Ms. Katz’ star characters are David and James, friends in league when it comes to finding out their teacher’s secret and uncovering her double life. It was while David was the recipient of her special stare, as her glasses slipped down to the end of her nose, that he discovered her unusual eyes – eyes as blue-green as the ocean, that practically drew him in and made him believe that he could actually see the angel fish and sea anemones that exist under the surface of the sea. There follows a frightening yet wonderful experience that changes the boys’ lives forever as they learn the immense power and importance of the ocean and gain a true understanding of its frailty; motivating them enough to help clean up their local beaches.
The author’s work reflects her understanding of a child’s imagination through her many years in the children’s entertainment industry, as well as her work on hundreds of episodes of animated television. Miss L’eau piques the interest of young readers everywhere. For more information, visit the author’s entertaining and interactive website at www.tkatz.com.
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REVIEWS:
Serge Dedina, Ph.D., Executive Director of WILDCOAST writes: “T. Katz has written a wonderful book about how children can change the world and protect the ocean…. Recommend to anyone who believes the greatest gift we can leave for our children is a deep and inspiring connection to the natural world.”
From Neal Pargman, Founder of Save the Earth Foundation: “Miss L’eau, a contemporary fairy tale that will capture readers of all ages….brilliantly delivers an environmental message through a story of friendship, family, and giving back.”
Praise from Rob Moir, Ph.D., Director, Ocean River Institute: “Students discover how to turn ocean science to advocacy and stewardship for healthy seas when Miss L’eau floods her classroom with the wonder and awe of ocean life……ocean literacy at its finest……”
From Francesca N. Veitch, Ocean Conservancy: “Miss L’eau combines a fun mystery plot with an important message regarding care of the ocean….thank you for writing a book that will hopefully lead young people towards a love and stewardship of our world’s marine life.”
Capt. Paul Clark, President of Save Our Seas: “Miss L’eau is very captivating. I was inspired and it brought a tear at the end….nice work!….Inspiring and full of good plans and hope for future students…I wish I had a teacher like this when I was growing up – it would have gotten me on an eco-track a lot faster”
