Top 100 book apps: iStoryBooks

Since we believe in the digital future of books as a way to reduce eventually the footprint of books, we also believe in apps. Book apps are integral part of the digital age of books and we want to share with you some great book apps we find and thus we are assembling a list of the top 100 book apps.

In order to get into our list apps need to both book/ebook related and affordable - we chose only apps that are either free or cost less than $2.

From now on, every Monday we will update you with a new app on out list of top book apps. Today we're happy to begin with a great book app for children - iStoryBooks. This app is for iPhone and android and it's free.

Here are more details about iStoryBooks app: Free Interactive Children's Books for the new generation! iStoryBooks comes with free books that read itself to your little ones! Yes the books include text and audio. We publish a new book every 2 weeks. Kids can enjoy these books on their own or you can read to them.

When we publish new books they will appear automatically in the App. All books we publish are picture books with audio. We welcome your valuable comments and suggests. Please post your comments and suggestions, play games, puzzles and download coloring pages at facebook.com/iStoryBooks.

Type of books include children's books, story books, bedtime stories, toddler books, preschool books, nursery school books, kindergarten books and picture books with accompanying audio of the text in each page.

Some of our popular books include:

Fairy Tales
* Cinderella, the classic story about a beautiful girl named Cinderella who always hoped for the best even during hard times and eventually, her wishes come true!
* Snow White, the story of a princess who was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.
* Cenicienta, the spanish (espanol) version our most popular book Cinderella.

Animal Story Books
* The Blue Fox
* The Crow the Doves and the Mouse
* The Mean Lion and the Smart Rabbit
* The Crow, the Doves and the Mouse
* Three Little Pigs

Folk Stories
* Stone Soup
* Little Red Hen
* Little Red Riding Hood

Educational Books
* A to Z Animals, A fun book to learn alphabets with pictures of animals.
* A to Z Fruits and Vegetables - Junior/Preschool/Yummy Riddles - A set of three books to learn alphabets with pictures of fruits and vegetables.
* The World of Trucks - Big and Small - A fun book with pictures and engine sounds of Trucks of various sizes and shapes. Includes Fire Truck with siren and horn, Crane Truck, Garbage Truck, Tow Truck, Picukup Truck, Dump Truck, Road Train etc.
* The World of Dinosaurs - Big and Small
* National Monuments of America
* Things that go - Book with pictures and sounds of cars, trucks, boats and ships.

You can check top 100 book apps at http://www.ecolibris.net/bookapps.asp. As you'll see, this list is in work, but we promise to update it every week until we'll have all 100 book apps.

You're also welcome to check our list of 100 green apps.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: Check our special holiday offer!

Green Book of the Week - Two children's books of Eifrig Publishing for Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day we're reviewing today not one, but two new books released by Eifrig Publishing, a green publisher of Pennsylvania focusing on self-esteem and eco books for kids and also a new partner of Eco-Libris. These children's books that are a great fit for Earth Day, but also a great read for the rest of the year.


Abby's Adventures - Earth Day...and the Recycling Fashionista

Authors: Suzanne Ridolfi and Dawn Griffin

What this book is about:
It is time for the Earth Day celebration, and it seems like all of Abby's great ideas keep turning into chaos. Join Abby as she learns about the real process of turning plastic bottles into clothing and stuns the class with her Earth Day project, while also learning an important lesson of persevering, even when being mocked for her efforts.

This book is a wonderful teaching tool for schools working on recycling/environmental units, with a truly tangible tale of what every child can do to improve the planet.

This beautiful book is printed on FSC-certified coated 60% recycled PCW paper, which means it is saving trees and will last for generations!

What we think about it:
This is a great story, not just for Earth Day, but for all other days. At the beginning of the story, Ryan, one of the kids in the class as k the teacher "What can we do We're just kids" and she replies "We can all help, no matter how old or young we are." This is one of the main themes of the book, which educates kids that everyone, including kids, can go green and adopt greener habits - it's just a matter of awareness and will.

The story line is very interesting and together with the beautiful illustrations it creates a book that is both educational and fun. My 3-year old daughter enjoyed listening to it and kept asking me questions about the story and the ideas the kids had for Earth Day. I'm not sure how much she understood as she's still young but I won't be surprised if next year on Earth Day, she'll also try to make herself a dress from recycled bottles, as I definitely see her growing to be a recycling fashionista, just like Abby!

Well Earth Well Me!

Author: Kenda Swartz Pepper

What it is about:
has been created to empower small people to take little steps to make big changes. What are some of the choices you can make to help create a well earth and a well you? There are many options, ideas, and solutions! Well Earth Well Me!includes 15 tips for kids to maintain a healthy self and a healthy earth. But don’t just stop there, the best solutions are created from within your heart!

This beautiful book is also printed on FSC-certified coated 60% recycled PCW paper, which means it is saving trees and will last for generations!

What we think about it:
Just like "Abby's Adventures - Earth Day...and the Recycling Fashionista", this book is about increasing kids' awareness to environmental issues and showing them how they can do something about them. It's also not just educational tool, but also a fun book, which I believe to be a necessity when it comes to empower kids to do the right things.

The book is also providing a lesson that is also important to parents - the wellness of the planet equals in most of the time our own wellness. Whether it's about eating fruits, keeping trees alive, reducing electricity usage or even keeping our environment clean - in all cases it's a win-win no matter how you look at it.

This book provides a great way to parents and kids to explore together ways to go green and how to benefit both Mother Earth while improving their own well-being.

To learn more about these books and other great children's books of Eifrig Publishing, visit http://www.eifrigpublishing.com/. If you are interested in getting them for their schools, NPOs, or other organizations, please contact the publisher for discounted pricing.

Happy Earth Day!
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: Promoting sustainable reading

And we have a winner on 'Sammy and Sue Go Green Too!"

Thanks to all the participants in our giveaway of "Sammy & Sue Go Green Too!" following our review of this great new children's book written by Suzanne Corso. We got great replies to our question "how do you go green too with your kid?" and we have a winner!

The winner is Laureen who wrote the following:

"We do many things and constantly come up with ways to do more. We are very conscientious about our water use, not letting the faucet run at all, usually using cold water instead of warm (saving on electricity), flushing less often (unless necessary) ;), etc. We recycle together, walk whenever possible and always turn off lights when we do not absolutely need them. Thanks for this great giveaway!"

Congrats Laureen! You won a copy of the book, which is a gift of the publisher Beaufort Books. To those who didn't win (and all the rest) - I invite you to join our Facebook group, where we have every day a giveaway of green books, including couple copies of "Sammy and Sue Go Green Too!". Also if you want to meet the author of the “Sammy & Sue” book series, Suzanne Corso, and her daughter Samantha, you can do it at these upcoming readings of “Go Green Too!”. Check back dates of future events.

• GO GREENEXPO (April 17-20)
• Earth Week NYC - Grand Central Station (April 24)
• Barney’s New York (April 25)
• Ronald McDonald House (May 2)
• Book Expo America (May 28-30)
• NY Reads Together and the NYC Public Schools Reading Series (tbd)

You can find more details at http://www.sammyandsuellc.com

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Monday's green books series (part 1): Sammy & Sue Go Green Too! (and a giveaway)

This week we divide our Monday's green books series into two (and delay them a little bit..), as we bring you reviews of two new great books we partner with. Our first book is dedicated to our motherlove, planet earth - a place for our children to flourish! And the book itself is no less marvelous than its dedication.

Our book for today is:

Sammy and Sue Go Green Too!

The publisher, Beaufort Books, and the author Suzanne Corso, are collaborating with Eco-Libris to encourage the readers of this wonderful book to green up their reading and take a step to support the environment by planting a tree with us for their copy. Thanks to the support of Beaufort Books and Suzanne Corso, readers will be able to do so at a special discount on our website!

Author: Suzanne Corso

Suzanne is the author of two feature film screenplays, which are based on her novels. Brooklyn Story, a young woman’s coming of age tale and RoughCuts; The Trilogy. A fast-paced, romantic suspense story set against the backdrop of the diamond business. She has also penned other screenplays, such as A Simple Road and Gary Granite. Suzanne has also developed a television show called Empire, based upon Wall Street and has also produced for the New York and London stages the critically acclaimed Roman Nights, about screen legend Anna Magnani and playwright Tennessee Williams.

Along with her other accomplishments Suzanne has produced two documentaries; Indonesia, A Personal Journey and HEAR THEM ROAR, shot entirely at the Endangered Animal Rescue Sanctuary in Citra, Florida. Narrated by Lorraine Bracco. This documentary was the foundation that inspired her children’s series.

Publisher: Beaufort Books

Published on: April 22, 2009

Reading ages: 5-9

What it is about (from the author's website):
The Sammy & Sue Series, based on Sammy and Sue Corso, a mother/daughter team that seeks to educate children about the environment, the planet, nutrition, and to lead to an eco-friendly (”green”) life. The Sammy & Sue books have one goal in mind; to educate our children, to protect our environment and keep our animals safe.

“Go Green Too!” is the first book in the series and will lead your children on thrilling adventures while teaching them to value the planet and all of its resources. Sammy & Sue are helping to help you spread and start saving the planet. Their mission is to teach their New York City neighbors and American families to conserve energy, drive hybrid cars, and make peace with nature by using eco-friendly products, recycling, and eating organically grown foods. Sammy & Sue set out to visit various eco-friendly companies and organic farms across America.

Why you should get it:
1. The joint mother-daughter journey into the green world is a great way to introduce readers, both parents and children, with environmental ideas and concepts. I think that the 'team' idea makes the characters as well as their messages much more easy to identify with.

2. It's a fun story! I think one of the problems of the green movement, especially with kids, is the serious image it has and the notion that going green is a complexed mission. Well, the future of the planet is a serious issue, no doubt about that, but it doesn't mean that you can't engage children into it in a fun and original way that will help them to get connected to green ideas, and that's exactly what this book does.

3. And it's also educational. I liked the fact that by the end of the book kids can find a glossary (or as they call it "Hard words made easy") with simple explanations to big words like atmosphere, pesticides, biodegradable and so on.

4. Beautiful illustrations - they make the story so alive!

What others say about the book:
“These wonderful stories instill a sense of not only understanding but, empowerment ot our childern about the earth and how to take care of it. I look forward to reading them with my daugthers.” Marcia Cross, Actress "Desperate Housewives" ABC

"A hip testament to being kind to the world around us." Dr. Mehmet Oz, Columbia University, Vice Chairman, Cardiovascular Services, Oprah Show / XM Radio

"To bring about positive environmental change requires an understanding of our impact on the natural world, and a sense of adventure with endless possibility; Sammy & Sue have both" Philip Charles Gamett, President EarthPositive Apparel

You can read more about the book and the series at www.sammyandsue.com

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

The publisher, Beaufort Books are giving away one copy of the book, and of course a tree will be planted for the copy!

How you can win? please add a comment below with an answer the following question: how do you go green too with your kid? Submissions are accepted until Wednesday, April 8, 12PM EST. The winner will be announced the following day.

If you're looking for other interesting green-themed books, you are invited to check out our green books page on our website's green resources section.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

And the winner of the Little Green Books' giveaway is...

Thank you for all the participants in our giveaway of Simon & Schuster's Little Green Books in our blog following our interview with Alison Inches, author of "I Can Save the Earth!".

We got many great comments about your kids' monsters, and the most popular one is no other than Elmo chosen by many of you. Our winning monster though was slightly different and very creative if I might add. So the winner in our giveaway is the reader sunflourchic, who wrote the following:

My daughter's favorite monster is the "Green Goofus." This is a monster that we made up when she was scared to sleep in her big girl bed. The Green Goofus is a funny little monster that sits by the door to make sure that only nice monsters come into play.

Congrats to the winner (and please send us your mailing address to info@ecolibris.net)! You will receive 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. Thanks again to all the participants who shared with us their favorite monster!

Update (3/9/09): Since we haven't heard from the original winner, the prize is going to Patricia who wrote the following: "We have TWO favorite monsters in this house. 1. Bernard from Where the Wild Things Are. He is the one with the human feet and yes, all the monsters have names! My son always thought it was so funny that a monster had feet just like him! 2. The Typhoonagator from Mercer Mayer's Little Monster Rhymes. My daughter loves to point out when it is windy and my son will always remind her that the Typhonnagator must be around-this always makes them laugh."

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Announcing the winners of "I Can Save The Earth Sweepstakes"

We are big fans of Simon & Schuster's Little Green Books. This is a great line of eco-friendly children's books and we had the pleasure of partnering with Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing in an educational contest in celebration of the first new books in this line that were published last fall.

And now we have the WINNERS!

I Can Save The Earth Sweepstakes, asked children to tell us how you’re helping to save the environment and provided them with an opportunity to share their personal green stories and ideas. We got wonderful replies and we wish to thank all the kids who took part in the contest.

And it's not only for kids! If you look for inspiration and you want to feel a little bit more optimistic about the future, go ahead and read the letters of Lillie (age 7) of Arizona, Madison (age 7) of Connecticut, and Owen (age 6) of Florida, who are the winners of the contest. Congrats to all of you!

You can find their stories at http://www.simonlittlegreen.com/downloads/LGB_Sweepstakes_Winners_Small.pdf

The winners won a selection of Little Green Books and trees will be planted in their name with Eco-Libris.

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. The site includes a family-friendly blog, interactive games, earth-friendly downloadable activities, green tips (including tips of Eco-Libris), a green glossary, a partner page and more!

Thanks again to Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and all the kids that took part in the contest. We hope many kids and especially adults will be inspired from your enthusiasm and determination to make our world a better place.

More relevant links:

An interview with Alison Inches, the author of "I Can Save the Earth"

Review of 'Little Monkey' and 'Little Panda'

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
www.ecolibris.net

Green book of the week: 'I Can Save the Earth' (and a great giveaway!)

Last September we announced on our collaboration with Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing in an educational contest - I CAN SAVE THE EARTH!. This was in a celebration of their new line of eco-friendly children’s books, Little Green Books (if you want to know who won the contest and their stories, check out our blog next week!)

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:

I Can Save the Earth!

Author: Alison Inches

Illustrated by: Viviana Garofoli

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 New York City, I had to have my daily dose of fresh air.

How did you come up with the character of Max the Little Monster?

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.

What's the most important change Max is going through?

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.

A kid-friendly glossary of terms is included in the back of the book, which is an excellent idea. Shouldn't we have one for every green book for little kids?

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. The site includes a family-friendly blog, interactive games, earth-friendly downloadable activities, green tips (including tips of Eco-Libris), a green glossary, a partner page and more! We'll cover this new website more thoroughly very soon so stay tuned!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

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.

This is a great prize and firstly we thank Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for it! How do you get a chance to win this prize? please add a comment below with an answer for the following question: what's your (or your kid's) favorite monster? don't forget to share with us the story/reason for the monster you picked..

Submissions are accepted until Sunday, February 15, 12PM EST. We will pick the comment we liked best and the winner will be announced the following day.

More relevant links:

Review of 'Little Monkey' and 'Little Panda': http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/2008/10/mondays-green-books-serieslittle-panda.html

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

www.ecolibris.net

My Green Resolution for 2009 - Madeline Kaplan, author of "Planet Green Gets Well"

How's 2009 going so far? we hope that so far, so good! Today we continue with our coverage of our partners' green resolution for 2009 and we have the pleasure to host Madeline Kaplan, the author of the children's book "Planet Earth Gets Well".

Madeline Kaplan, is working now with Eco-Libris to make this green children's book even greener - a tree will be planted for every copy sold (with the exception of on-line sales). Buyers will also receive our sticker with their book, saying "One tree planted for this book".

Hello Madeline. What is your green resolution for 2009?
I hope to be able to wear more green clothing, made from natural fabrics. More and more green designers are making clothing that is both affordable and attractive and that makes it easier to make a conscious choice about sustaining the environment on a daily basis.

I've also resolved to encourage the young parents that I know to purchase green children's clothes as a way of taking the ideas I've put forth in my children's book, "Planet Earth Gets Well" (www.planetearthgetswell.com) into a very real commitment to making the world a better place for our children.

What's your green wish for 2009?
My green wish for 2009 is that there be a significant increase in worldwide awareness of what living in a green world can be. I am hopeful that momentum will continue to build and that industry will realize that part of the solution to our ailing economy is to rethink and to "re-green".

Other greetings for the New Year?
I wish everyone on the planet peace. That alone would bring untold hope to a dispirited world.
.

Any other plans for 2009 you would like to share with our readers?

My plans for 2009 is to continue to promote "Planet Earth Gets Well" in schools around the country. I cherish the belief that "a child shall lead us" into a more sustainable world.

I look forward to an ongoing partnership with Eco-Libris and the fine work that it does in the green-publishing world. My books wear the Eco-Libris label with pride.

Thanks, Madeline!

Here are more details about "Planet Earth Gets Well":

"Planet Earth Gets Well" by Madeline Kaplan, illustrated by Taillefer Long, addresses environmental concerns in a child-friendly format, based on the author’s awareness that future generations must be prepared to preserve their planet and its resources.

The story (reading level - ages 4-8): When Planet Earth gets the sniffles, Mother Nature challenges each of us to retract our gluttonous ways. She instructs the Planet Earth to take better care of himself which means all humans must make big changes about key issues like global warming, the melting of polar ice caps, deforestation and energy depletion. Once Planet Earth sneezes, Mother Nature listens and helps each and every one of us learn how to be good to our dear, old friend. This educational reader is wholly unique in the ways that matter-think globally, think green, and act accordingly.

You can buy the book on Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Earth-Gets-Madeline-Kaplan/dp/141968986X

And you can watch Madeline Kaplan speaking on the book on Fox61.

We'll keep bringing you almost every day this month new green resolutions for 2009 so stay tuned!

So far on "My Green Resolution for 2009":

Chris Flynn of Torpedo

Edain Duguay of Wyrdwood Publications

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Reminder: your young kids can win great prizes in a special contest of Simon & Schuster and Eco-Libris

Last September we updated you about our new collaboration with Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing: in a celebration of their new line of eco-friendly children’s books, Little Green Books, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing has partnered with Eco-Libris in an educational contest - I CAN SAVE THE EARTH!.

Children between the ages of 5-10 are invited to write about their own experiences and ideas in helping to save planet Earth. Stories can be submitted via a downloadable entry form HERE. Any story goes and the greener the better! The winning stories will be posted on the Little Green Books’ websites so kids can gain green ideas from their peers.

Children can submit their stories until December 1, 2008 (the contest wasn't extended eventually as we reported in the first place. sorry!)

Prizes include free copies of the new Little Green Books, such as I can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle; Little Monkey; Little Panda; and The Polar Bears’ Home: A Story About Global Warming; among others. Trees will be planted in developing countries by Eco-Libris on the winning children’s behalf.

The contest celebrates the Fall 2008 launch of Little Green Books, published by Little Simon, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. It is the first eco-friendly line of children’s novelty and storybooks, aimed at parents and children looking to learn more about the environment. All the Little Green Books are made out of recycled materials.

Eco-Libris will be planting with its planting partners 100 new trees in developing countries on behalf of the winning children. The winners will also receive Eco-Libris stickers (made of recycled paper) saying “One tree planted for this book”, which they can proudly display on their books at home, and show to all their friends.

We are very excited about partnering with Simon & Schuster in this contest. Little Green Books are an effective way to help plant the seeds of earth-friendly living at an early age, and we thought that this contest can add a great educational value to the books. We believe that it’s important that the voice of children will be heard and that other kids can benefit a great deal from these personal stories.

Here's more information about the first four books on the series that were launched earlier this month (from the Little Green Books' website):

Little Monkey

Author: Kimberly Ainsworth

Illustrated by: Michelle Berg

Ages: 3 and under

Description: Meet Little Monkey and his friend Little Panda as they spend their day eating their favorite foods and playing together! Little ones will love to cuddle with this supersoft fleece cloth book that's made out of cotton and recycled Polartec® fleece.

This book is machine-washable and comes packaged in a chipboard box that's made from 100% recycled material.

The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming

Author: Lara Bergen

Illustrated by: Vincent Nguyen

Ages: 4 - 6

Description: Come along on an Arctic adventure with a little girl and her father and learn all about polar bears! This 8 x 8 storybook shows how global warming affects two baby polar bear cubs and their family. Includes tips for kids on what they can do to help slow down global warming. This 8 x 8 paperback book is perfect-bound and will be printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-ink. The paper is FSC certified.

Little Panda

Author: Kimberly Ainsworth

Illustrated by: Michelle Berg

Ages: 3 and under

Description: Meet Little Panda and his friend Little Monkey as they spend their day eating their favorite foods and playing together. Little ones will love to cuddle with this supersoft fleece cloth book that's made out of cotton and recycled Polartec® fleece. This book is machine-washable and comes packaged in a chipboard box that's made from 100% recycled material. It's the perfect gift for a baby!

I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Author: Alison Inches

Illustrated by: Viviana Garofoli

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.

So if you have any kids between the ages of 5-10, and they already work hard to help Planet Earth, let them know about the contest. We will be happy to see as many children as possible sharing with each other their little green stories!

The contest web page:
http://www.simonsays.com/content/index.cfm?tab=1&pid=647684

Happy Thanksgiving,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

And the winner in the "Polar Bears' Home" giveaway is...

Thank you for all the participants in our Little Green Books giveaway following our review of "The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming" by Lara Bergen last Monday.

We got many comments about the tone preferred for children's books on environmental issues and I think we had a very interesting discussion here. If I try to summarize it I would say that most of the readers are in favor for a lighter tone at a younger age and a more realistic one when the kids are more grown up.

And the winner in our giveaway is treen berg, who wrote the following:

Thx for the links at the end of this post :). So you won't like my answer, but I prefer a lighter tone for my toddlers and young-uns who are eating up everything in life quietly, but when they get a bit older I'd like to read more books to them that offer more realism. Books are so powerful, story-telling to teach important topics will always have the attention of a child. I love reading lesson/moral teaching books to my kiddos and talking about them...no matter how small the discussion! :)

Congrats treen! You will receive all of the four books published so far in the Little Green Books line: Little Panda, Little Monkey, I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming.

And thanks again to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for giving this great prize!

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Monday's green books series: The Polar Bears' Home (and a great giveaway!)

Last September we announced on our collaboration with Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing in an educational contest - I CAN SAVE THE EARTH!. This was in a celebration of their new line of eco-friendly children’s books, Little Green Books.

During the time of the contest (you can participate until December 1st, 2008 - see more details here) we review the first four books that were published so far. So far we reviewed Little Monkey and Little Panda, and today we have the pleasure to present you with the third green little book.

Our book for today is: The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming

Author: Lara Bergen

Illustrated by: Vincent Nguyen

Ages: 4 - 6

Description: Come along on an Arctic adventure with a little girl and her father and learn all about polar bears! This 8 x 8 storybook shows how global warming affects two baby polar bear cubs and their family. Includes tips for kids on what they can do to help slow down global warming. This 8 x 8 paperback book is perfect-bound and will be printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-ink. The paper is FSC certified.

I enjoyed this book so much that I decided I need to talk to the author, Lara Bergen (see photo below), to learn more about her work on the book, which I find a great combination of text and illustrations that together creates one of the smartest and enjoyable green books for kids I read lately. Lara 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've written many books for children, but not a lot of nonfiction. When Simon & Schuster presented me with the idea of writing about an ecosystem in trouble, I immediately thought of the Arctic (I think the movie Arctic Tale had just come out, and the Global Warming crisis's effect on the polar bears' habitat was frequently in the news). And, of course, no one can deny that polar bear cubs make extremely appealing subjects for children's books!

What did you learn about polar bears during the writing process?

I learned so much! I knew that polar bears hunted seals, but I had no idea how. And I had no idea they had to travel such great distances and hunt so much over the course of the winter and are so relatively inactive during the summer (the opposite of most black and brown bears we know).

You managed to write a beautiful optimistic story for kids that is actually a very sad story with no certain happy ending - how do you do it?

Well, what else can you do? Unfortunately, we can't undo the past, we can only look forward--and I really didn't want to scare or depress readers--but more inspire them to try to take care of the Earth and its inhabitants from this point on as best they can.

Unlike many other children's books about the environment, you keep a very realistic tone through all the story which keeps it very real - was it your intention in the first place?

Yes, definitely. I wanted to give the reader a sense of immediacy to the subject matter--and a situation which is all too real.

What is the main lesson you want children to learn from this story?

That the Earth is truly warming up and truly threatening the survival of this wonderful, iconic species--and we simply have to do as much as we can to reverse the trend.

Did you get already feedbacks from children on the book? how do they find it?

No, I haven't.

I like the dad figure: he gives his daughter all the information she needs, portrays reality in a very balanced way, even if when the truth is inconvenient, and doesn't try to 'sell' her a fake shiny description of life. Do you believe all parents should adopt such approach?

Yes, I think they have to. Children are too insightful, and ask too many questions not to. Of course, you don't want to scare them--but parents need to appreciate that with the right approach, children are actually empowered by the truth.

Do you believe kids can make a difference in our world?

I certainly hope so! There was just an article in the Times about children demanding more environmental responsibility from their parents, and taking more upon themselves. Kids can make some difference now...and hopefully a lot of difference in the future!

How important to you was the fact that the book walks the talk, is printed on recycled paper and is part of a wider effort to educate children about green issues?

That's definitely a good start. (Of course, the more locally they can be printed, and the less shipped, the better, too.)

What's your next book is going to be about? are you planning to write more green-themed books for children in the future?

Actually, right now I'm working on an early fictional chapter book series (coming out 2010) - and I have an idea for a green-themed title within it. I hope to do many more!

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

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!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming.

This is a great prize and firstly we thank Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for it! How do you get a chance to win this prize? please add a comment below with an answer for the following question: do you prefer a realistic tone in a children's story that deals with environmental issues or you're for a lighter tone? if you have stories from your own experience with your kids that would be great.

Submissions are accepted until Sunday, November 9, 12PM EST. We will pick the comment we liked best and the winner will be announced the following day.

More relevant links:

I CAN SAVE THE EARTH! contest web page

On Eco-Libris website: http://www.ecolibris.net/littlegreenbooks.asp

Green Little Books' website: www.SimonSaysKids.com/LittleGreenBooks

Review of 'Little Monkey' and 'Little Panda': http://ecolibris.blogspot.com/2008/10/mondays-green-books-serieslittle-panda.html

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

www.ecolibris.net

Green signing event of BUTT UGLY this Sunday in Santa Barbara

Last month we presented a green children's book entitled "BUTT UGLY". I'm sure you remember it. How can anyone forget such a great name? Now you can meet the book's author and Emmy winner, Lynn Montgomery, and get a signed copy of the book on a signing event this Sunday (Oct 26) at Chaucer's Books in Santa Barbara.

As part of our collaboration with the book's author, a tree will be planted for every copy of the book sold this signing event!

Here are the details of the event:

Where: Chaucer's Books, 3321 State Street in Loreto Plaza, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

When: Sunday, Oct 26, 3 p.m.

And a reminder on the book:

What the book is about (from the book's web page): the book is about a little green runt who needs a home. He's green. He's puny. And nobody wants to give him a home. What happens to the runt of the litter when he's abandoned on a doorstep in a Ding-Dong-Ditch? Mutts of the world unite! This book is for every 4-legged, 2-legged, and even 50-legged creature who has ever felt a little shy, a little alone, or a little butt ugly. And for all the heroes who have opened their homes and their hearts to love them.

How much green? very much! the book is printed in a very eco-friendly manner:

- on recycled paper

- with vegetable based inks

- no chlorine bleach

- printed with wind power in the U.S.

You can find more details on the book at http://www.zuzupetalsbooks.com

More on our collaboration with the author:

Green book of the week (and a new partner): BUTT UGLY by Lynn Montgomery

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

'The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear' goes green with Eco-Libris!

We are happy to announce on a new collaboration of Eco-Libris with David Bruins, the author of the new children's book entitled "The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear".

For every copy printed of "The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear", a tree will be planted with Eco-Libris. You can also find our logo on the cover of the book! In addition, the book is printed using vegetable-based ink, on 30% recycled paper, by a FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified printer.

"The Legend of Ninja Cowboy Bear" is an illustrated children's story about three friends who discover an important truth about equality, diversity and how to appreciate one another's unique traits. The pictures and prose work together to capture children's attention, spark their imagination, and impart a valuable lesson about the world around them. The book also include instructions on how to play the game Ninja Cowboy Bear.

The book is available now online (http://www.ninja-cowboy-bear.com/buy.htm) and in many bookstores in Toronto and its surroundings (see full list here - http://www.ninja-cowboy-bear.com/wheretobuy.htm).

It's a great book with a great name and we're very happy to green it up! We'll review the book in a couple of weeks and also have a giveaway of a copy of the book so stay tuned!

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

And the winner in the Little Green Books' giveaway is:

Thank you for all the participants in our giveaway of the Little Green Books, following our review of two of these books, 'Little Panda' and 'Little Monkey' by Kimberly Ainsworth.

We got many great comments and the main idea in many of them was of parents setting up an example for their kids. And the winner of our giveaway is the reader Gina, whose comment added few important ingredients to this green concept, so here it is:

Make it fun and make it normal! To my kids, breastfeeding and cloth diapering are normal. My daughter knew at 2 1/2 what snappis and prefolds were. We also use our own bags unless we forget them LOL. Then we get paper bags, which the kids use to make costumes.

Also, giving them ownership helps. We are going to try to garden and as a starting activity, we sprouted a few beans in a plastic bag in the window. The kids figured out on their own that different plants grow at different rates. We'll be composting, too, and each of the kids will play a role.

Congratulations Gina! As mentioned, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing are donating the prize: a package including all of the four books published so far in the Little Green Books line: Little Panda, Little Monkey, I Can Save the Earth!: One Little Monster Learns to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle and The Polar Bears' Home: A Story About Global Warming.

If you didn't win this time, no worries! We'll have more reviews of the Green Little Books with more giveaways in the next couple of weeks! And if you have kids at the age of 5-10 - don't forget the opportunity for them to take part in an educational contest Eco-Libris is co-sponsoring with Simon and Schuster - I CAN SAVE THE EARTH!, where they can share how they’re helping to save the environment and win eco-friendly books from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing - and have trees planted in their name with Eco-Libris!

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!