The Weight of the World: Helping Little Kids Effect BIG Change

Lately, Leo has been losing quite a bit of sleep over global warming.

That apple, man! It does not fall far!

*Disclosure: I received several of these books at no cost from Candlewick Press. I was not required to write a review, but our family enjoyed them immensely and I believe they would be a great supplement to our current {Virtual} Family Book Club at My Little Poppies animal-themed month!

The Weight of the World: Helping Little Kids Effect BIG Change

I’ve mentioned before that I’m a sensitive soul. When I was young, I lost many an hour of sleep over global warming.

I felt powerless over it.

I felt like I was the only one who cared about it.

All around me, I’d see others abusing our planet’s limited resources.

I felt like our planet was doomed, like it was only a matter of time.

I felt completely helpless to combat the issue.

How can one person make a difference?

And, if we’re being completely honest here, if left to ponder the state of the planet, I still feel these things. The difference is, I’ve learned to manage these feelings. Instead of sitting with them, stewing, and worrying about the state of the world, I try to make an impact where I am, right here, right now.

Manage BIG feelings by creating small ripples of change

I hate that Leo has such BIG worries, and I hate when that worry tide swells, but when he’s struggling with a worry that I had as a child, I feel as if I can help a bit. I’ve been there, sometimes I’m still there, and I get it.

Leo loves to hear stories from my childhood. When I told him that I, too, was afraid of global warming as a child, I could see him relax. I told him of my sleepless nights, my tears, and it was as if a weight fell off of his little shoulders. And, then I shared with him how I overcame those fears. I took action. The action started small. I picked up litter and planted acorns and cared for seedlings. I encouraged my family to recycle. Over time, I did more. I helped start our middle school and high school’s recycling programs. Later still, I took public transportation when possible, biked to work in the summer, and walked everywhere. Then, he and I recounted all of the things we do at home to be green, from composting to reusable napkins to rain barrels to our little vegetable garden.

I shared tips with him, based on my own personal experience, including:

• Don’t dwell on what might happen in the future. Remember you are here, right now. Focus on what you can do now.
• Remember that all change starts small.
• Know that taking action gives you power over your fears.
• Remember that kindness spreads kindness. Your actions are contagious, so keep doing them!

Gaia Warriors: Helping little kids make BIG change

I’ve recently discovered a pretty amazing book for helping children take action in their small patch of this planet. Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies is a book about global warming. The book explains how and why global warming is happening, but it is also about people from around the planet who are choosing to take action. Including accounts from scientists, lawyers, architects, parents, children, and businessmen and women, Gaia Warriors is an inspiring call-to-action.

Now, I’m going to be honest here, folks. Gaia Warriors is honest. Parts of the book can be difficult to read, but it is an important read. Also, I love the personal accounts of how folks have made a difference in their corners of this earth. Can you imagine if we all did that??

Recently a friend recommended the following book and it has been a wonderful companion piece to Gaia Warriors, especially for my younger two poppies. Me … Jane is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of young Jane Goodall and her dreams to work with animals. I can’t think of a more inspiring companion to Gaia Warriors than to read about Goodall herself, an amazing humanitarian, conservationist, animal activist, and environmentalist – a woman who was not afraid to chase her dreams and make a difference.

Leo is excited to effect some change in our patch of this earth. He and I are planning over here, folks! Be on the lookout for updates!

Love Gaia Warriors?

As a homeschooling mom, I appreciate that the author, Nicola Davies, is a zoologist and author. Her books never fail to amaze and enchant my children. If you love Gaia Warriors, be sure to check out these other amazing books by Nicola Davies:

We LOVE this audiobook!

… and how could I forget this instant classic???

Looking to expand upon this topic?

The {Virtual} Family Book Club at My Little Poppies just wrapped up an animal-themed month during which we enjoyed a variety of books written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins. These books have been a huge hit for our little book clubbers, and they would make a great addition to any young environmentalist’s library!

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We must be the change we want to see in the world.

~ Mahatma Gandhi

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