It’s Earth Day everyday so you can use these resources anytime!
Earth Day is celebrated at the end of April each year. Although I think every day should be Earth Day, having a special day set aside to consider our home and the part we play in caring for it is definitely worthwhile. Earth Takes a Break is a fantastic tool for discussing themes like caring for the Earth, caring for ourselves and for each other. To extend this exploration I am very happy to offer you a number of resources to use with children – at home or in the classroom. There is a colouring sheet, an activity sheet bursting with ideas as well as a wonderful read aloud. And, as a bonus, this year the e-version of Earth Takes a Break will be free to download from Amazon in advance of Earth Day itself (from Tues 4 – Sat 8 April 2023).
Special thanks go to Rachel from IvyTVKids for the wonderful read aloud and to teacher, Bryony Dorrans, for all the fantastic activity ideas to get those little minds racing! You can find both Rachel and Bryony on instagram along with more amazing activities and ideas: @ivytvkids and @missdorransyearone
ABOUT EARTH TAKES A BREAK
Earth feels unwell so she goes to the doctor. What the doctor prescribes seems impossible to Earth until she wakes the next day to a surprising change!
A modern fable inspired by the events of the Covid-19 crisis, Earth Takes a Break is a touching picture book jam-packed with fun illustrations and woven together with a message of hope.
The gentle, timeless story can be enjoyed by everyone. It has the bonus of being a clever tool to help children process aspects of lockdown without any explicit reference to the pandemic as well as subtly prompting discussion around environmental issues.
This book is available in paperback and as an ebook.
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SOME NICE THINGS FOLK HAVE SAID
“This is a deceptively powerful message disguised as a simple children’s book. Beautifully illustrated, there is a touching depth here we should all take on as we and the Earth emerge from the Coronavirus crisis and look to a better future.” – Chris Knight
“This book couldn’t come at a better time. With the world being bought to its knees by the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s hard to know how to talk about what is going with young children. They understand that things are not quite right, but don’t always have the maturity to be able to hear what is really happening. ….My children, 6 and 8, immediately understood the concept of this story and felt a strong desire to show even more care towards the earth that we are so lucky to live on. I strongly recommend this to any parent with children pre-school and up. Such a wonderful resource for ‘spinning’ this whole situation in a positive and reinforcing way.” – Maddy Shaw
“This clever little book which touches on how the Coronavirus has impacted the environment is one of my favourites. What happens when the earth gets sick? Perhaps it goes to the doctor or even takes a holiday. With adorable illustrations and an earth that is so cute you just want to give her a hug, Earth Takes a Break is a nice addition to the other Coronavirus children’s books because it puts attention on the affect that our lives have on the earth.”
– Kelley Donner – Best Coronavirus Children’s Books 2020
GIVING BACK
50% of the profits from the sale of the e-book and 10% of the profits from the sale of every print book will go to support the Bizweni Centre for children with disabilities in Somerset West, South Africa. The work Bizweni does is truly remarkable. During lockdown they are working extra hard to supply all their children with food parcels to ensure they don’t go hungry whilst at home. Before the arrival of Covid-19, my son – along with his friends in the Grade 6 class at Applewood School – used to volunteer each Friday at the Bizweni Centre. He loved his visits there and made some great friends – so much so that the visits became the highlight of his week!
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
