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Apr 20, 2012
Why is this book not your typical book about the environment? The state of our environment is serious and worrisome – so much so that kids hear continuous doom-and-gloom messages and information about the future of our world. Elin Kelsey’s new children’s book isn’t a typical book on this topic because it focuses instead on the positive things that people of all ages and do (and may already be doing) to diminish environmental harm and to help “green” our world. We can make positive, sustainable choices instead of harmful choices. For example, we can walk, ride a bike or take public transit instead of driving/riding in a vehicle. We can eat less meat. We can use less water. We can use warm or cold water instead of hot water. We can recycle and reuse. We can choose to buy t-shirts and other clothing made of bamboo, organic cotton or hemp – or we can wear secondhand clothes. With the many choices that we can make and the endless opportunities for change, no matter how small, people can indeed help our environment - one individual action at a time. There is hope for our world. Author Elin Kelsey effectively refers to items which are familiar to kids - such as bikes, video games and t-shirts - and uses them as “launching pads” to explore related environmental issues in this positive, inspiring and informative book. With its upbeat, hopeful approach to our environment, this book challenges young readers to make a difference. Well-researched and up-to-date, incorporating the latest products, practices and research in energy and other areas, Not Your Typical Book about the Environment was a finalist for the 2011 Norma Fleck Award, which is given annually to a high-quality non-fiction Canadian book for youth.