Planet Earth Needs Our Help
WHY THIS BOOK and what is the PLANET EARTH PROJECT:
Young people today are often more knowledgeable than many adults about the threats of climate change and environmental degradation facing planet Earth. In part, this is due to the excellent education and learning experiences being offered by schools. It can also be explained by the increasing number of children’s books and resources on the market dealing with these issues. This is encouraging and hopeful. So, why do we need another book and resource pack? Why this project?
“Planet Earth Needs Our Help” originated in October 2015, as part of an art exhibition in the Gallery Upstairs @ Upton Country Park. As an artist and grandparent, I wanted to simply communicate a current, urgent topic inspired by the 2015 Paris Summit on Climate Change. The positive response to my illustrations, text and language used, encouraged me to self-publish my children’s book, and create a website with a range of creative activities, that accompany the themes in the book, around climate change.
The book (initially written for my grandchildren) tells a story about the magical journey of twins Annie and Tilly, after they meet an unhappy fairy in their garden. It calls on its readers to use their imagination, whilst sharing this journey as the twins discover the causes and consequences of climate change. It offers a message of hope: that we can still do something to help make a big difference. The book provides an easy-to-follow, adaptable resource that combines simple scientific facts with an engaging, colourful and clearly illustrated story.
The accompanying website resources, provide a holistic, evidence-based, non-threatening approach to environmental and lifestyle issues, enabling children, and adults, to notice and manage any anxieties that may arise from these issues. It engages their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and actions - alongside developing knowledge and understanding of the world we live in and the impact of Climate Change.
*Authors notes suggest how this book can be used as a “springboard”, to inspire and motivate further creative actions - encouraging conversations, questions, research and creative actions around the contents of each page. It includes links to the science behind, themes that link to elements in the National Curriculum, The Earth Charter & United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
If you go to my website you will find free, downloadable, online resources to accompany my story, so that you can begin a magical journey of your own, with your Eco family and friends!
Here you will also find:
A video of my story, which can be followed whilst looking at the book “Planet Earth Needs Our Help”.
*Authors notes –linking to each page of the book with fun ideas and helpful projects that you can do.
Notes on “the science behind” global heating, climate change and other topics covered on each page of the book.
A downloadable activity book and worksheets, with creative activities that link to pages in the story book
A helpful action sheet - “20 simple things we can all do to help reduce Global Warming”.
The website also has links to resources and organisations that may help you to find out more about the different topics in the book.
NB-Please check out my website regularly to follow any updates, new projects and themes. I would also value any constructive feedback to help improve the website and resources where needed.
I have sent complimentary copies of my book to most Primary schools in BCP. Please check if your school has a copy, if not contact me, via my website, if you are a representative from a Primary School or organisation in Dorset/BCP interested in obtaining copies of my book, and have not already received a complimentary copy.
I hope you enjoy using this project to help discover, learn and find fun, sustainable ways to care for yourself and our amazing Planet Earth.
Thank you
Marylyn
NB
“Planet Earth Needs Our Help” launches a new initiative – the “Poole Environmental Wellbeing Hub” – in partnership with Poole Community Exchange, (based @ Parkstone United Reformed Church). My children’s book (Planet Earth Needs Our Help), offers a permanent Exhibition with additional environmental resources, in the Dickinson Room, at Parkstone URC, for another year (2026)
The Hub is intended to provide a focus for community activities which seek to promote personal and environmental well-being in the local area. The space will provide opportunities for community groups and individuals to explore creative ways to make positive changes for individuals, communities and the environment. My story and related activities will be freely available for use in the hub, and can be used as a springboard to prompt further creative ideas, sessions and events by anyone using the space. The Hub will be bookable, for a negotiated fee. It is hoped to develop further activities, in cooperation with like-minded groups and individuals who want to explore ways to foster personal and environmental well- being. For more information please follow the links on my website. www.planetearthneedsourhelp.com
Poole, UK
