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Looking for a book that can show your kid how she can learn to do her part to help the planet? Try Think Green! (Kids Think Big LLC). The book tells the story of how Millicent and her friends take active steps to live earth-friendly–like turning off the lights before leaving a room, recycling, making sure to not leave the water running, taking public transportation, and using reusable bags and rechargeable batteries. Not only does Think Green! offer fun illustrations and eco-friendly lessons, but it’s also printed on 100% recycled fiber, with sales proceeds going to green causes. Want to learn more? Check out kidsthinkbig.com.

-Brittany, KIWI staffer

Calling all kids: Do you like to read? Maylee does, and she’s looking for some fun new books! Share with her the name of your favorite book, plus why you like it so much. Don’t forget to leave your first name, age, and parents’ e-mail, too!

This Mother’s Day, don’t forget the mamma that takes care of us all—the earth! Give your family a nudge in the green direction to seek out a Mother’s Day gift that shows their love for you and the planet.

Go With Organic Blooms. Point your family toward local farmers’ markets for pretty daffodils, peonies, and ranunculus, which are all in season during May. They can also seek arrangements at orangicbouquet.com.

Wrap Yourself in Silk. If your trusty flannel bathrobe is starting to look shabby, a new silk one will make every night feel like an at-home spa. Check out VivaTerra’s floral, kimono-style robe.

Make it Sweet. Tell your family you’ll be willing to share if they give you a sweet treat this Mother’s Day. Try an organic chocolate sampler from Dagoba, which practices full-circle sustainability in their growing, buying, and manufacturing processes, or a handmade vegan cookie sampler from organic, fair-trade baker Liz Lovely.

Take a Spa Day. Sometimes, the best gift is a little rest and relaxation, so make sure your family knows the name of your favorite holistic spa. A soothing massage, cleansing facial, and tranquil environment will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to dive back into the crazy world of mommyhood.

Get Reading. Sharing a mom-themed bedtime story with your little ones is the perfect way to top off this family-filled day. Here are some books to get your started:

• Mama’s Kiss by Jane Yolen. If someone blows you a kiss and you don’t catch it, where does it go? Follow a little girl as she chases momma’s missed kiss all over the place and finally catches it. The illustrations are perfect, showing a fluttering, flittering, elusive kiss.
• LIFE with Mother by The Editors of Life Magazine. Honestly, some books should simply come with a complimentary box of tissues. Life Magazine has compiled a gorgeous photo tribute to moms around the world. The photos in both color and black and white are incredibly touching. They depict the intense bond of mother and child. A few famous faces appear, but this is every mom’s story.
• Mommy, Mama, and Me (board book) by Lesléa Newman (Tricycle Press). This sweet little board book takes a look at a family which has two moms and the happy style of play and love that each mother has. The illustrations are simple and perfectly accompany the text.

In celebration of Earth Day, we have a special contest running on our bookworms section. Enter to win either From BBC Video comes Planet Earth - The Complete Series (DVD) or Planet Earth DVD Game. All you have to do is go to our bookworms section and add a comment telling us the one change you are making to help the earth this year. Enter no later than May 10th. Click this link to get started. 

Richard Louv, co-founder and chairman of the Children & Nature Network and recipient of the 2008 Audobon Medal, discusses the need for children to make connections with the natural world in his new book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder (Algonquin Books: Chapel Hill, NC).  I’m pretty confident that if you read the introduction below, you’ll be hooked.  To learn more, check out our interview with Mr. Louv at Kiwi Community. You can also enter our contest to win a copy!

Introduction to Last Child in the Woods

One evening when my boys were younger, Matthew, then ten, looked at me from across a restaurant table and said quite seriously, “Dad, how come it was more fun when you were a kid?”

I asked what he meant.

“Well, you’re always talking about your woods and tree houses, and how you used to ride that horse down near the swamp.”

At first, I thought he was irritated with me. I had, in fact, been telling him what it was like to use string and pieces of liver to catch crawdads in a creek, something I’d be hard-pressed to find a child doing these days. Like many parents, I do tend to romanticize my own childhood—and, I fear, too readily discount my children’s experiences of play and adventure. But my son was serious; he felt he had missed out on something important.

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Black History Month is a time to acknowledge the many African Americans who have made valuable contributions to our country. This year is exceptionally significant: February 12 marks the 100th anniversary of the NAACP, and an inaugural ball on January 20 will commemorate the election of Barack Obama as the first African American president of the United States.

This February, make an effort with your family to learn about groundbreaking African Americans. Check out a book from your local library, such as Follow the Drinking Gourd, by Jeanette Winter (preschool-grade 2); Journey to Freedom: A Story of the Underground Railroad, by Courtni C. Wright (grades 3-5); or a classic like Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin for older readers. Visit KIWI’s Bookworms Book Club for more of our favorite Black History Month reads and reviews. Taking time with your kids to reflect upon the victories and sacrifices of others can lead to greater global unity.

–Marygrace Stergakos, KIWI intern and avid book collector

Here are Sierra Club’s recommendations for 2009 of books addressing a particular aspect of environmentalism. See new and soon-to-be-published books that give good advice about living green:

• David Suzuki’s Green Guide
• Getting Green Done: Hard Truths from the Front Lines of the Sustainability Revolution
• Earth Talk: Expert Answers to Everyday Questions About the Environment
• What Would You Do If You Ran the World? Everyday Ideas from Women Who Want to Make the World a Better Place

For the full article, click here

– Stephanie, KIWI staff and lover of families

There was an interesting essay in the July 20 New York Times book review, “I’m Y.A. and I’m O.K.,” by Margo Rabb. Margo wrote a book intended for adult audiences and the publisher decided it was a better fit for Young Adults (Y.A.).

I review hundreds of books for KIWI Magazine and I am completely immersed in children’s literature. I often see very little distinction between YA literature and adult literature, except that the main characters are teens or the story is told from a teen perspective.

When I was vacationing in Maine, I read 16 YA chapter books which are all going to be reviewed on KIWI’s Bookworm page, in addition to regular book blogging here. This forum is for parents and kids to write in their favorite books and comment on books that KIWI has reviewed. There will be books representing all categories from picture books to cookbooks. We love to discover new books, so we would love to hear from you!

Edamommy

Now reading My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor and Wave by Suzy Lee.