The ABCs of Living Green by Theresa A. McKeown is a book whose mission is to empower young people to care for our planet. It is the final book in the author’s The ABC’s of Everything series. Like How to Eat Your ABCs–which we reviewed here–this is an ABC book told in rhyme. From “awaken” to “zen” and everything in between, readers will enjoy turning the pages of this beautifully illustrated book.
I have to applaud the author’s dedication and desire to reach children with important concepts as early as possible. In this particular case it’s to get young people to realize how vital caring for the planet and each other is. This is a book I could see being displayed on a coffee table because the artwork is lovely. This would also allow for regular discussions on the ABCs on this topic.
One thing that distracted from the book for me is how prevalent the author’s presence is throughout it. From the very opening the author is talking about her mission to educate all and to share the things she has to say (Awaken). The author wants to convey the meaning of living green (Green) . The author deplores when people consume beyond their needs (Quality). Children want to learn for themselves. They want to come to their own conclusions. By nature, their immature brains are self-absorbed. So how is a child going to be invested in this mission if she can’t see it as her own? McKeown easily makes her point in several other areas where the author’s presence is totally invisible. It is in those moments she’s chatting with her readers, not speaking at them.
The ABCs of Living Green is a good addition to the series. Just like The ABCs of Being Me and How to Eat Your ABCs, there is tremendous value in taking time to read this final installment. Lyrical prose combined with stunning artwork are a win-win.
Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Publisher: The ABCs of Everything, LLC (2018)
ISBN-10: 0692939652
ISBN-13: 978-0692939659
I received a copy of this book from the author through Pump Up Your Book. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.
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