Sometimes it can be difficult to see the forest for the smog, but the natural beauty revealed when the haze clears can be a good deal more powerful and inspirational than mere words (such as those in this sentence). So it goes with photographs and illustrations, which often make for the best storytelling. Books with pictures can help foster the environmentalist in the child, and inspire childlike wonder in the environmentalist.
Turn That Kid into an Earth First!er
Fighting for the Forestby Gloria Rand, illustrated by Ted RandHenry Holt and Company, 1999, 32 pages
Fighting for the Forest, written by Gloria Rand and illustrated by Ted Rand, tells the story of a young boy who starts a campaign to save a beloved forest from being clear-cut. His efforts, however, come too late to save that particular forest (the realities of contracts and politics are simplified, but not omitted). Instead of giving up hope when his campaign fails, the boy is inspired to become a more vigilant activist. Colorfully illustrated with forest scenes from the Pacific Northwest, Fighting for the Forest shows the development of a young activist in a well-told an... Read more
