We are so excited to have Sam Smith join us today to share information about Environmental Picture Books!
Sam Smith is a freelance commercial writer and children’s book author. Her first picture book, Cate’s Magic Garden, celebrates the power of positivity and how words can change worlds, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. Sam has served on the SCBWI PA WEST Leadership Team, participates in two writing critique groups, and is active with LeboGreen, a citizen conservation group. She is always interested in helping the planet so if you have ideas, please reach out: smithofwords@me.com. Sam lives with her husband and their two sons near Pittsburgh, where the Neighborhood of Make-Believe is always close at heart.
How to Write Picture Books that Make the World a Greener (and Better) Place
First, I’d like to say that I’m thrilled to be here with you today! Thank you, Stef, for welcoming me into your amazing community.
We’re about to celebrate the 54th anniversary of Earth Day. But it’s not just a day, it’s a global movement that has enlisted billions of people across the globe in acts of green that help the planet—on Earth Day and every day.
I Have Been Moved by that Mission
I have wanted to find ways to help the earth by doing what I love most—writing for children and their families. The good news is I’m not alone. Bookstore bookshelves overflow with picture books that educate, entertain, and inspire kids. They ask these young environmental stewards (and those that may be reading to them) to not only enjoy the world we inhabit, but to help keep it happy and healthy. It’s a tall task, but if everyone does their little part, many hands make light work.
And that’s the beauty of children’s books. They have a magic that can change the world. They are where passion is planted, ideas nurture growth, and dreams come alive.
Let’s dive into the world of children’s picture books that are devoted to environmentalism. We’ll look at a few great examples of well-written, well-thought out, and well-illustrated stories, and then we’ll discuss how you can write an environmental picture book that makes a difference.
Just one book in one kid’s hands can change the world—and help to save it. There’s no time like now to do it!
Picture Books with a Passion for Our Planet:
Also made larger-than-life through a popular animated movie, this timeless Seuss classic is credited with starting a real movement among young environmentalists. “I’m the Lorax, and I speak for the trees,” is the line that most people remember with respect and urgency. In his battle against the greedy Once-ler, whose name reflects the throwaway consumer culture that has taken hold, the Lorax shows us how important it is to stand up to those who harm the planet. While this story was first published in 1971, its truths reverberate now more than ever. The imaginative colorful illustrations and rhythmic language make it engaging for young readers while still conveying an important environmental message.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
This New York Times bestselling modern classic book follows the story of Liam, who transforms a dreary cityscape on abandoned elevated train tracks into a lush garden, highlighting the beauty of nature and the impact of individual actions on the environment. His work encourages a city’s-worth of gardeners to take up shears and water cans, and the results are amazing—and incredibly inspiring. Whimsically vivid illustrations capture the transformation beautifully, moving readers to nurture green (and not so green) spaces for future generations.
This award- winning book follows the true story about how Isatou Ceesay and her community in Njau, Gambia turned dirty and dangerous plastic waste along the roadside into beautiful woven purses—and a lasting livelihood. Ceesay earned the name “Queen of Recycling in the Gambia” when a new documentary showcasing her work was released by the group Climate Heroes. The book emphasizes the importance of recycling and sustainable practices. It’s a compelling example of environmental activism for young readers, an inspiring story about the joys of upcycling, and a beacon of hope that shows how young people can make a difference in their community.
From speaking for the trees, to bringing a garden to life, to turning dirty plastic into a meaningful craft, these stories enlighten children and their families and encourage them to act. So how can you achieve a book like this?
Tips for Writing Picture Books that Make a Difference:
There’s good news. Writing inspiring environmental picture books is not that different from writing inspiring children’s books, period. However there are some important ways you can imbue your story with an extra eco-friendly layer.
Pick a Compelling Theme: This part is probably easy. You can choose an environmental topic near to your heart or something that first sparked your interest. It can center on recycling, cleaning the ocean, reducing fossil fuels, protecting wildlife, or whatever moves you most. The best stories come from meaning. This theme will drive the narrative and message of your story.
Create Memorable Characters: Just like with other great stories, it’s important to develop characters that children can relate to and root for, such as animals or children passionate about environmental causes. Give them distinct personalities and motivations that align with your theme. Let the child really get to know them through how they speak and what they do.
Get Sensory: Paint a vivid picture of the natural world through descriptive language that appeals to all five senses, if possible. Show (don’t tell) the beauty of landscapes, the sounds of wildlife, and the colors of flora and fauna so they become immersed in the enveloping environmental setting. This is a powerful way to draw readers into your world and is especially important for books celebrating the environment and its natural beauty.
Integrate Educational Elements: Make it fun! Seamlessly weave educational facts and information into your story, making learning about the environment interesting and engaging. Use simple language and age-appropriate explanations to ensure understanding. Consider having more detailed information in the back matter so kids can continue reading about the subject after they finish the story, and even have a dialogue with their reader.
Incorporate Interactive Elements: For little ones, movement matters. Consider interactive elements like lift-the-flap pages, pop-ups, or activities related to the environmental theme. This adds a hands-on dimension to the reading experience and reinforces key concepts. It also makes it memorable and exciting to read. You’ll have a book that kids clamor to “read again!”
End with a Call to Action: Since there are many steps we can take to help the planet, concluding your story with a call to action will go a long way. You can encourage readers to take small steps towards environmental stewardship, such as planting trees, reducing waste, conserving water, composting, or turning off the lights and other energy-users when possible. Empower them to make a positive impact.
Collaborate with Illustrators: While it’s not always possible to work closely with illustrators to bring your environmental story to life visually, if you have the opportunity, embrace it (and if you are an author-illustrator you are already there)! Ensure that the illustrations complement the narrative, are environmentally accurate, and enhance the reader’s understanding of the environmental themes.
Make a Difference! By following these tips and drawing inspiration from impactful environmental picture books, you can create compelling and meaningful stories that resonate with young readers and help inspire in them a love for nature and conservation.
My first picture book, Cate’s Magic Garden, explored the theme of treating the environment with kindness; the grumpy garden creatures didn’t just water and weed their dried up garden, but they showered it with love and positivity. This turned it into a lush and happy place.
I believe we can do the same. I am always hopeful that many hands make weighty work lighter, and I encourage you to be the change you want to see by writing for our youngest environmentalists. We all love this planet we call home and we’re all environmentalists at heart. Let’s write together for a happy ending!