The Family Bookshelf
By Bob Walch
 "Santa Claus Is Green!"
(Little Simon) by Alison Inches. Illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan
The Audience: For children 4-6.
The Issue: This clever picture book suggests numerous ways of enjoying an eco-friendly holiday season.
The Content: This picture book follows Santa Claus, who has traded his traditional red clothing in for green, as he prepares for a green Christmas.
After a child sends Santa a letter pointing out how much the holiday season is not exactly Earth friendly, Santa decides to make some changes at the North Pole.
He decides to reduce the use of wrapping paper, reuse toys and games and recycle cards, boxes and packaging from past years. Mrs. Claus jumps onto the green sleigh by decorating a living Christmas tree, making ornaments from old Christmas cards, and baking cookies to pass out as gifts.
Besides some reusable stickers, the book also includes a list of twelve ideas for a Green Christmas. For example, wrap presents in comics, decorated paper bags or other recycled material and e-mail your family and friends holiday greetings rather than purchasing and sending cards via the U.S. Mail.
The Message: It is possible to have a joyful and fun filled holiday season without wasting natural resources and spending a lot of money. This is a message that should resonate well this year given the economic and environmental concerns facing the country!
Before retiring, Bob Walch taught English in Santa Barbara and Carmel for 39 years. His reviews of children's literature appear in Central Coast newspapers and on line at the Reading Tub, Roundtable Reviews, My Shelf and Parent Click. |
