As we celebrate Earth Day this week, I’m sharing two thought-provoking picture books that help us consider our roles in this world.
Carl and the Meaning of Life
Author & Illustrator: Deborah Freedman
Publisher/Date: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers/2019
Ages: 3 & up
Themes: earthworms; curiosity; environmentalism
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
Carl is an earthworm. He spends his days happily tunneling in the soil until a field mouse asks him a simple question that stops him short: “Why?” Carl’s quest takes him on an adventure to meet all the animals of the forest, each of whom seems to know exactly what they were put on this earth to do, unlike the curious Carl. But it’s not until the world around him has changed that Carl begins to realize everyone, no matter how small, makes a big difference just by being themselves.
Read a review in The Horn Book.
I Am Henry Finch
Author: Alexis Deacon
Illustrator: Viviane Schwartz
Publisher/Date: Candlewick Press/2016 (originally published in the UK by Walker Books)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Finches, thinking for yourself, individuality, greatness, social movements, philosophy
Short Synopsis (from Goodreads):
This is a book about Henry Finch who strives for greatness, gets it all a bit wrong, then makes it right again in a very surprising way – truly becoming great. Henry Finch is a total inspiration. This is an inspirational book. It is also very funny. I Am Henry Finch is a book for everyone – from the very young to the very old. It is for dreamers, philosophers, artists, the foolish and the enlightened. And anyone with a big bright idea. Vegetarians will love it too.
Read my review.
I paired these books because both feature small creatures that we often may not think much about, and both include subtle environmental themes. With childlike simplicity, Carl questions the other animals to find out why he burrows through the earth, “turning hard dirt into fluffy soil”. Only when the soil becomes hard as rock does he understand that his actions are essential to the ecosystem. Thinking great thoughts and seeking “greatness”, Henry attacks a large beast that threatens his species. He convinces it to be aware of its actions on the other birds and animals and to change its behavior. With their philosophical questions and reasoning, I think both picture books will spur lively discussion about our roles on this earth and our duty to it.
Looking for similar reads?
See a recent list of children’s books for Earth Day at Pragmatic Mom.
Wander, Ponder, Write 