Celebrate EARTH HOUR: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet

A Field Trip Life is all about travel and celebration but these days, armchair travel is the mode of transportation. If you’re like me, you’re about ready for a celebration. Today I’m sharing a book that features a global celebration that everyone can participate in right where they are.

EARTH HOUR: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet
By Nanette Heffernan (author) and Bao Luu (illustrator
Charlesbridge 2020
Picture book for ages 5-9
Themes- Energy consumption, Conservation, Sustainability, Global citizenship
Setting- The World

 

The book begins…

All over the world, millions of people use energy, every day, every night.

Children and adults use energy for heating, cooling, studying, working, and lighting up the night. Do we really realize what an important resource energy is or do we just take it for granted?

A time has been designated to stop using power. It is known as Earth Hour and is held on a Saturday near the March spring equinox, at 8:30 p.m. Around the world, in their time zone, millions of people turn out their lights and unify in a simple but profound act of global conservation solidarity.

In EARTH HOUR: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet, the text and illustrations combine perfectly on an around-the-world tour of important monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids, the Sydney Opera House, and the Great Wall of China lit up. Families are shown using energy in many ways. Then there is a pause as the world stops using power and the same places are visited lit by the moon, stars, and candlelight.

But one hour isn’t enough. Hopefully people will think when they use energy and decide to use less.

Why EARTH HOUR: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet needs to be added to your book collection:

• It gives a truly global perspective on people and explains energy usage and conservation in a unique and entertaining way.
• The characters are multiracial, multi-cultural, and show diverse family groups.
• The beautiful illustrations show busy power-filled lives and then people enjoying the calmness of life with lights off.
• Children can learn how their actions can make a difference, especially when combined with the collective efforts of others.
• The back matter gives the science of energy use and explains the process of global warming in easily understood language as well as suggested activities.
• Author Nanette Heffernan shares how she learned about Earth Hour and made a pledge to spread the word.

Will you celebrate Earth Hour on March 28th with millions of people worldwide by turning off your lights, television, and computers? Let me know in the comments.

For additional information visit:

The World Wild Life Fund (the Earth Hour sponsors)

www.earthhourthebook.com

Visit Charlesbridge for Earth Hour activities and a complete teacher’s guide

Learn about and connect with author Nanette Heffernan

See more of Bao Luu’s illustrations