I’m inspired.  So inspired!!  Usually, I only need to look into the eyes of my children to stay focused with greening my world.  Well today, I re-discovered a book that should be on every child’s book shelf from the time they’re an infant until they fully understand environmental issues.  Let’s see if you can guess the book - it all came back to me as I read a few pages…

“Way back in the days when the grass was still green
and the pond was still wet
and the clouds were still clean,
and the song of the Swomee-Swans rang out in space….
one morning, I came to this glorious place.  And I first saw the trees!”

Still can’t guess? Try this!

“Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care.
Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.
Grow a forest. Protect it from axes that hack.
Then the Lorax
and all of his friends
may come back.”

It’s The Lorax by Dr. Seuss!!  It is hard to believe this book was written over 40 years ago and honestly, I’ve never reviewed something that explains why we are in the predicament today because of the mistakes we’ve made with our planet.  In the fun way Dr. Seuss reads, the book covers air/fish pollution, clear cutting a forest, driving animals from their natural habitat, and short-term financial gain for long-term environmental ruin.  Really, if you have a child, The Lorax might be one of the most thought provoking, discussion starting, books you’ve read.

This article was going to highlight several green books I’ve researched for young children, but I’m stopping at this book.  As I slowly read each page I remembered being read this book, the vibrant pictures and the wonderful hero of the time…The Lorax.  It all came back to me and I’m inspired once again to keep finding ways to ‘green’ my family.  Now that Francesco and Angelo have been told the story, if they ask me why I’m spending so much researching green options….I’ll respond “because I want to be like the Lorax!” Trust Dr. Seuss to perfectly sum up the problems of our planet and the solution required to fix it. Read this book to a child and discover the power of his message of sustainability.

My favorite book as a child was Three Billy Goats Gruff.  When Francesco was 2 years old, my mom brought over my copy from when I was little and I happily set about reading it.  My husband sitting nearby listening was horrified as he heard me happily read “rip you to bits, body, and bones”.  His comment was “that’s a little violent don’t you think?”  I laughed because I was so rigid as a first time parent, but I couldn’t resist those delicious words that had brought me so much joy to listen to.  The book took me back in time and although some of the words are surprising at first, all kids LOVE this story.  My boys laughed in delight as my voice became small and quiet for the 1st billy goat to cross the bridge - then loud and booming for the 3rd billy goat.  This book not only tells an amusing story, but helps kick start your child’s desire to role-play.  I can’t tell you how many parks where I’ve ‘trip trapped over the bridge’ as a billy boat gruff or pretended to be the troll.  It’s still works like magic even for my 6 year old!

This book is awesome and it’s on my list of favorite things for boys or girls.  Again, because of the fun way to read the story, this book can be introduced early to kids and they can grow into it.  I laugh when I remember Ray’s reaction and I’m glad I gave this book a chance because it’s become a staple in my children’s library.  I have an extra copy of this booked tucked away for when my first grandchild is born to pass on the love of this story.