The merry month of June marks many wonderful observances, but today, we’d like to call attention to the three that honor Mother Nature. June 5th is World Environment Day, June 8th is World Oceans Day, and June 22nd is World Rainforest Day. Let’s break down each one:
World Environment Day (June 5th)
World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June and encourages environmental issues awareness. Also called Eco Day is supported by many non-governmental organizations, businesses, and government entities and represents the primary United Nations outreach day supporting the environment. Wikipedia
The main purpose of this day is to highlight that protecting and maintaining the health of the environment is a major issue that affects the well-being of people and economic development throughout the world.
A Book We Recommend
The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales (One World, One Planet)
In this beautiful anthology of folktales, young readers will learn about how different cultures around the world live in harmony with the rhythms and patterns of nature. They will discover how to tread lightly on our precious Earth by following the easy eco-tips and trying out some fun and creative activities accompanying each story.
Children will discover how the residents of the Kingdom of Benin deep within the Nigerian rainforest consume less and conserve more and how the Comanche Indians respect Mother Earth by giving more than they receive; among Bali’s coral reefs and volcanic mountain peaks is the lesson that everything in nature is connected.
World Oceans Day (June 8)
World Oceans Day reminds everyone of the major role that our oceans have in daily life. Oceans are the lungs of our Planet, a major source of food and medicine, and a critical part of the biosphere. The purpose of World Ocean Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans. the theme of the 2024 day is “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing.” Learn more here.
A Book We Recommend
Dreaming of the Ocean by Grant Collier (Author)
Dreaming of the Ocean is an educational children’s picture book about sea creatures, including turtles, fish, giant squid, anglerfish, and whales. This great bedtime story for kids tells the story of Terra the Turtle, who does not want to go to sleep. When she finally does doze off, she dreams of being at the bottom of the ocean. She makes an unlikely friendship with a creature called an anglerfish. Together, they brave many dangers and see fascinating ocean animals as Terra tries to get back home. This 40-page picture book is for children 5+.
World Rainforest Day (June 22)
This important day is designed to raise awareness of the importance of the rainforest and what it does for us. The theme for World Rainforest Day 2023 is “Conserve. Restore. Regenerate.” The theme highlights the importance of participation in rainforest conservation and restoration to ensure its viability for future generations. It emphasizes the teamwork necessary to protect the rainforests’ continued, prosperous existence. Our world’s rainforests also play a practical role in keeping our planet healthy. These lush forests and other vegetation work to absorb carbon dioxide and release the oxygen that we depend on for our survival.
Books We Recommend
Zonia’s Rain Forest by Juana Martinez-Neal (Author, Illustrator)
A heartfelt, visually stunning picture book from Caldecott Honor and Robert F. Sibert Medal winner Juana Martinez-Neal illuminates a young girl’s day of play and adventure in the lush rainforest of Peru.
Zonia’s home is the Amazon rainforest, which is always green and full of life. Every morning, the rainforest calls to Zonia, and every morning, she answers. She visits the sloth family, greets the giant anteater, and runs with the speedy jaguar. But one morning, the rainforest calls to her in a troubled voice. How will Zonia answer?
Acclaimed author-illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal explores the wonders of the rain forest with Zonia, an Asháninka girl, in her joyful outdoor adventures. The engaging text emphasizes Zonia’s empowering bond with her home, while the illustrations—created on paper made from banana bark—burst with luxuriant greens and delicate details. Illuminating back matter includes a translation of the story in Asháninka, information on the Asháninka community, and resources on the Amazon rain forest and its wildlife.
One More Thing
One More Thing
A Year in the Secret Garden
As parents, we want/need quality books with extension activities to help our young ones unplug and create memories. Pulling books from shelves and stories from pages is also an important act that will form the habit of being life-long readers.
Quality books with companion book extension activities not only work to create special family time but also allow kids to solve the world’s problems without major consequences.
A Year in the Secret Garden is just such a book. This delightful children’s book is co-written by Marilyn Scott-Waters and Valarie Budayr, and it offers original month-by-month activities that allow readers to delve deeper into the classic children’s tale, The Secret Garden.
Within the 120 pages (with 150 original color illustrations and 48 activities), families will find many activities inspired by The Secret Garden that encourage them to step away from technology and enjoy getting hands and feet into the black earth of a family garden. This book will make a great gift and encourage many hours of family growth, learning, and FUN! Grab your copy ASAP and “Meet me in the garden!”
