On Our Nature Walk: Our First Talk About Our Impact on the Environment

On Our Nature Walk: Our First Talk About Our Impact on the Environment is the sixth book in “The World Around Us” series, following Under our Clothes: Our First Talk about Our Bodies, On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety, On the Playground: Our First Talk About Prejudice, On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy, and On Our Street: Our First Talk About Poverty. As in the previous titles, this nonfiction picture book encourages and facilitates a conversation about current, often complex, topics.

In a preface, award-winning science journalist and host of CBC’s Quirks and Quarks Bob McDonald explains why “Earth is our safe home in a deadly universe … [It] is still the only planet we know of where we can step outside and breathe fresh air, feel the wind in our faces, swim in lakes and see other creatures that share the world with us - and do it all without wearing spacesuits.” McDonald has a proactive message to share, and it is one that is echoed throughout the book: “All we need to do is clean up after ourselves and make sure everyone else does the same. After all, it’s the only planet we have!”

Thirteen questions are then posed, all from the point of view of an inquisitive child, including “Sometimes when I go to the beach, I see really big pieces of garbage. How would all that stuff get there?”, “How do more people and more needs affect the environment?”, and “What can I do to help?” The answers are written by Dr. Jillian Roberts, a child psychologist, professor and parent. The brief, easy-to-understand responses introduce a range of environmental topics such as littering, pollution, natural resources, sustainability and renewable resources, all conveyed in an age-appropriate manner.

A good portion of the discussion focuses on empowering actions that kids can do to help our planet. Sidebars offer practical “Community & Environmental Tips”, like choosing to walk or ride your bike and unplugging electronics when not using them. The power of creative problem solving is emphasized, and profiles are included of youth who are environmental stewards, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg; social entrepreneur Ann Makosinki who invented the Hollow Flashlight that is powered by body heat from the human hand; and scientist Deepika Kurup who developed a cost-effective water-purification system using solar energy.

Full-colour, stock photographs show scenes of traffic jams, overflowing garbage cans on city streets, and forests littered with debris, as well as action shots of community tree plantings and classroom brainstorming sessions. Jane Heinrichs’ watercolour sketches are scattered throughout the pages and show four expressive children talking, listening, contemplating, and reading. One boy’s sweater aptly has an acorn painted on the front.

A list of print and online resources is included at the end, along with a note from the author with a personal challenge to readers: “Sometimes little solutions can inspire bigger solutions. We are all part of the interconnectedness of nature, and the world needs our collective problem-solving innovations.” A useful resource to spark conversations, On Our Nature Walk also encourages collaboration and innovation.