Give kids opportunity to notice

I didn’t want to give children another list of things they should do to save the planet.

When I began writing Sóla, I knew I wanted to write stories for children. But I didn’t want to write books telling them about sustainability, or giving them another set of responsibilities to carry.

I wanted to create stories that would bring them closer to nature.

Sóla is curious about the world around her. She notices things, asks questions and meets animals, plants and the natural world as something she belongs to, rather than something separate from her.

That distinction has become increasingly important to me. Perhaps caring for nature does not always have to begin with teaching children what they should do. It can begin by giving them opportunities to notice, experience and feel part of the natural world around them.

Next time you are outside with a child, perhaps leave the lesson aside for a moment and simply notice something together.

I love to think back to feel the first time when I felt connected to nature as a child. Try it out, it brings a smile on your face !