Kids’ Books: Explore Nature, Animals & Climate Change 🌎📚

For parents seeking enriching books for their children, navigating the vast landscape of literature can be daunting. Fortunately, resources like 아이랑GO offer curated recommendations, delivering weekly selections designed to captivate young readers. This week’s focus centers on books that explore the crucial relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Exploring Harmony with Nature Through Literature

『별안간 지구를 소환합니다』 (Calling the Earth Suddenly)

박효미 (Park Hyomi) writes, with illustrations by 홍선주 (Hong Seonju) and planning by 강현우 (Kang Hyunwoo). This 56-page book, published by 봄볕 (Bombyeot) and priced at 18,000 won, is a non-fiction picture book that frames the Earth’s crisis as a human crisis. It examines the close relationship between marine environments and climate change from a marine science perspective.

The book explains the rise in global average temperatures over the past 100 years and the climate regulation functions of the ocean, tailored for young readers. Presenting the narrative from the Earth’s perspective challenges human-centric thinking. As the third installment in the ‘바다에서 과학을’ (Science from the Sea) series, it combines research-based facts with imaginative storytelling. The book connects concepts like deep sea currents, carbon cycles, and El Niño/La Niña through the setting of a Universal Peace Conference, illustrating the structure of the climate crisis and offering a starting point for climate action for current and future generations. It is recommended for elementary school students.

『맛있는 자연 공부』 (Delicious Nature Study)

Written by 김기명 (Kim Gimyung) and illustrated by 김영민 (Kim Youngmin), this 168-page book from 현북스 (Hyeonbooks) costs 15,000 won. The book explores the connection between traditional Korean seasonal markers and weather patterns. Following the seasons from 입춘 (Ipchun) to 대한 (Daehan), readers can learn about annual weather changes and the scientific principles behind them.

For example, the book explains why wildfires are more likely in spring during ‘춘분’ (Chunbun), naturally leading to a discussion of ‘습도’ (humidity). During ‘하지’ (Haji), it discusses summer monsoons and explains ‘전선’ (fronts) and ‘기단’ (air masses). The book also addresses frost damage to crops during ‘상강’ (Sanggang) and the science behind snowfall during ‘대설’ (Daeseol), even touching on the unique weather patterns of the Yeongdong region. The book incorporates cartoons to make it accessible for older elementary school students.

『1000마리의 소들』 (1000 Cows)

By 아델 타리엘 (Adèle Tariel) with illustrations by 쥘리 드 테르삭 (Julie de Tersac) and translated by 김주영 (Kim Juyeong), this 32-page book from 고래가숨쉬는도서관 (Goraegasumshinedoseogwan) is priced at 15,000 won. It clearly explains the concept of animal rights – that animals, like humans, experience joy and suffering and therefore deserve protection.

The book covers a range of issues, from prohibiting animal abuse and experimentation to advocating for vegetarianism and environmental activism. While acknowledging that complete abstinence from animal products may not always be feasible, it emphasizes the importance of improving the lives of animals that provide us with food. It suggests considering animal-free meals and explores the story of cows transitioning from livestock to family members, prompting reflection on animal rights for elementary school students.

『울지 않는 달』 (The Moon That Doesn’t Cry)

Written by 이지은 (Lee Jieun), this 164-page novel from 창비 (Changbi) costs 16,000 won. It tells the story of the moon falling from the sky to Earth. The narrative portrays the moon’s experiences in a harsh yet beautiful world, presented as a poem or a tender love song.

After landing on Earth, the moon takes in an orphaned child who lost their parents in war and raises them with a lonely wolf named Kana. Through this experience, the moon undergoes a transformation and gains understanding. The author layers the story to reveal answers to fundamental questions about our origins and purpose, reminding readers that we are not alone and that nature’s care surrounds us. It is recommended for middle school students and above.

『집을 보여 줘!』 (Show Me Your Home!)

Written and illustrated by 모모로 (Momoro), translated by 고향옥 (Kohyangok), and with scientific review by 이마이즈미 다다아키 (Imaizumi Tadaaki), this 40-page book from 문학과지성사 (Munhakgwa Jisungsa) is priced at 15,000 won. It explores the homes of various animals that coexist with humans, teaching children about the meaning of home and the lives and wisdom of animals in nature.

By examining animal habitats, construction methods, and lifestyles, the book naturally imparts knowledge about animal survival strategies, fostering ecological sensitivity and respect for nature. From the Arctic to Africa, animals build unique and resilient homes adapted to their environments, preserving their species and coexisting with other creatures. It is recommended for younger elementary school students.

『지구 정복을 위한 고롱고롱 인간 관찰기』 (The Gorongorong Human Observation Log for Earth Conquest)

Written by 블랙캣 (Black Cat) and illustrated by 현영진 (Hyeon Yeongjin), this 136-page book from 다림 (Darim) costs 13,000 won. It presents a unique perspective on human evolution through the eyes of an alien attempting to conquer Earth.

Featuring a cute cat spy and easy-to-understand information about human evolution, the book explores how humans, despite lacking physical strength or speed, have managed to survive and dominate the planet. It encourages readers to analyze human desires, physical characteristics, and emotions from a new perspective. It is recommended for older elementary school students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age groups are these books suitable for?

The books cater to a range of ages, from elementary school students to middle school and above. Specific recommendations are provided with each book description, indicating appropriate grade levels.

Where can I purchase these books?

The source material does not specify where these books can be purchased.

Is there an opportunity to receive a copy of these books?

아이랑GO offers an event where readers can submit the title of a book they’d like to receive, along with a reason, their child’s name, school, grade, address, and phone number to 소중 e메일 ([email protected]). Submitting a review of a received book to the same email address may result in publication in 소년중앙 (Sonyeonjungang).

What role do you think thoughtfully curated reading lists play in shaping young people’s understanding of the world around them?