We're covering all the Little Green Books and today we have the pleasure to present you with a book with the most optimistic and positive name you can think about.
Our book for today is:
Ages: 4 - 6
Description: Meet Max the Little Monster. He is a cute, furry green monster who is an environmental nightmare. Among other things, he leaves on all the lights, keeps his computer plugged in, blasts the TV, hoards his old toys and uses so much toilet paper it clogs the toilet until finally, his excessive ways cause a power outage.
With no TV to watch, computer to play on, video games to play with, Max finds there is a whole big world outside that he can make a difference in the environment. A kid-friendly glossary of terms is included in the back of the book.
This 8x8 paperback is perfect bound and will be printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-ink. The paper is FSC certified.
After reading the book, I thought it would be great to talk about it with the author, Alison Inches (see photo below), and learn more about 'behind the scenes' of this book. Alison agreed to share her thoughts with us and here is the full interview with her:
Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to write this book?
I love monsters and monster-ish behavior. Monsters have bad behavior and bad habits. It’s fun for kids to seem themselves in a little monster. I also love books that present a new way of to look at things. If we take notice of the little things in nature, like a seashell or a snowflake, then maybe we’ll develop a love for our beautiful planet and a desire to protect it. I love the natural world and live next to a nature reserve. I run in the hills daily with friends. We see deer, coyotes, owls, hawks, and bobcat—even an occasional mountain lion or wild boar. We never tire of talking about the beauty of the natural environment. Even when I lived in
The little monster in me wanted a monster character and the name “Max” came from my 6-year old. He has a good friend named, Max, and asked if the character could be named after his friend. Hope Max doesn’t mind being a monster…!
What's the reaction of kids to Max and his "anti-environmental behavior" at the beginning of the story? do they immediately understand it's wrong to do what he's doing or it takes them some time to get it?
Kids love Max the Little Monster, because he’s so devilish. Five and 6 year olds get it right away. They think it’s funny that Max clogs the toilet and flings his candy wrappers, but they also know they’d get in trouble if they did it themselves. Three and four year olds are more apt to say, “WOW! Let’s go stuff toilet paper down the toilet! It takes this age a little more time to get it.
The most important change for Max is his discovery of seeing the world in a new way. I LOVE how he appreciates all the details—like the moon and stars or the colorful fall leaves. It makes my heart sing to think of it!
What is the main lesson you want children to learn from this story?
The main lesson I’d like children to learn is: Look around, the earth is SO beautiful! Let’s love it and appreciate it together.
This book is both fun and educational. How do you balance between the two so kids can both enjoy and learn from the book?
I try to see everything through a child’s eyes. How can I show them the earth has need of them? Then I come up with a story that kids can relate to—something where they can see themselves. Also, I’ll pretty much stop at nothing to win over a child’s affections! Nothing makes me happier than to make a kid laugh—or in this case—appreciate the world they live in.
Yes! We should have a glossary of terms in every green book! Kids are the earth’s greatest advocates. Arm them with knowledge and they go straight to work.
The text is accompanied with the beautiful illustrations of Viviana Garofoli. Can you tell us more about it?
I’ve never met Viviana Garofoli, but I’m sure she’s a kindred spirit. Her illustrations are so accessible and kid-friendly. She brought Max the Little Monster to life.
How important to you is the fact that the book is produced in an eco-friendly way and is made of 100% recycled paper?
I love that Max is produced in an eco-friendly way. It makes the story more than words. It puts words into ACTION. What’s not to love?!
What's your next book is going to be about? Are you planning to write more green-themed books for children in the future?
I have two more Little Green Book on the way: Adventures of a Plastic Bottle and Adventures of an Aluminum Can. Max will be back with a second adventure, but that’s a secret for now. Stay tuned!! I’d love to write more green books in the future.
Thanks, Alison!
This is also a good opportunity to update you that Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing launched last month www.SimonLittleGreen.com, their updated website devoted to our Little Green and Big Green Help titles.
Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing are giving away one package of the 4 books published so far in the Little Green Books line: Little Panda, Little Monkey, I Can Save the Earth! and The Polar Bears' Home.
An interview with Lara Bergen, the author of 'The Polar Bears' Home'
I CAN SAVE THE EARTH! contest web page
On Eco-Libris website: http://www.ecolibris.net/littlegreenbooks.asp
Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
