In a world of bamboo toothbrushes, ethical basics, sustainable snacks, organic skincare and vegan pet accessories, we have the interesting entry of green literature in the line up.
Green literature is a contemporary genre that is believed to have stemmed from “ecocriticism”, a branch of literature that studies the relationship between people and nature. Since time immemorial, books have been agents of change, revolutionising thoughts and actions. Bibliophiles and environment enthusiasts are increasingly finding knowledge, inspiration and guidance in light reads such as Making Friends with Snakes by Rohan Chakravarty and P. S. What’s up with the Climate? Written by Bijal Vachharajani.
Sure, it will only take one nature trail, one day out at the beach, one bird spotting event or even one stroll in the park to realise why nature needs saving; however, with children now spending more time indoors before screens than outdoor on greens, it is the need of the hour to demystify and mainstream green literature, especially for young, impressionable readers. This change requires light, yet meaningful reads, driven by compelling storylines and captivating illustrations, which evoke eco-consciousness in little minds. This change will need the beckoning of Cli-Fi (climate fiction)
Here’s a tantalizing list of 5 must-read green literature that will not only engage and enlighten children about varying aspects of climate change, but will also make your snuggled monsoon read with them all the more memorable.
1.Savi and the Memory Keeper
Author: Bijal Vachharajani
Publisher: Hachette India
Penned by renowned children’s author Bijal Vachharajani, Savi and the Memory Keeper is a moving, witty and thoughtful tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of climate change. Following the loss of her father a teenage Savi is forced to move to a new town with her mother and sister. Grieving the loss of her beloved father, Savi faces trouble adjusting in her school too. At the eco-club, which she joins enthusiastically, she’s made fun of for not knowing names of plants and trees. Determined to change this narrative, Savi sets off to take care of the plants her father left her and in the process learns that she’s gifted with the extraordinary power of speaking to plants and foreseeing the future.
Weaving critical issues such as global warming and deforestation in to the narrative, the story offers engaging takes on the desire to fit in, loss of a parent, and children’s journey of dealing with grief. A must-read for adults too, Savi and the Memory Keeper is a was Shortlisted for the AutHer Awards 2023.
2. Green Humour for a Greying Planet
Author: Rohan Chakravarty
Publisher: Penguin India
A one-of-a-kind book, Rohan Chakravarthy’s Green Humour for a Greying Planet is a curation of comics and gag cartoons based exclusively on the environment and wildlife. Tackling potentially grave subjects such as global warming and species extinction can prove challenging, but the notable cartoonist and illustrator dishes out potent messages about climate change with a dollop of humor and superb dexterity.
“Looking at all this pristine greenery, this bountiful frondescence really makes you wonder if climate change and the Anthropocene are just media hoaxes youth delusions” chimes a bird. “Until you realize you’re flying over Antarctica” retorts a grumpy bird flying just ahead of him. Indulge in more of this intelligent and satirical humour for a remarkable lesson on everything about environment.
3. When I Met The Mama Bear
Author: Prerna Singh Bindra
Illustrations: Maya Ramaswamy
Publisher: Talking Cub
Inspired by true events, Prerna Singh Bindra’s When I Met the Mama Bear is a moving and dramatic story of female forest guard working in the dense jungles of Melghat Reserve. The protagonist is Priya, a single mother, who has had to leave her daughter Astha back with her grandmother, to earn a living as a forest guard.
Kind-hearted, caring and an eager learner, Priya is learning the ropes of her job and missing her daughter and mom. One day, she faces a peculiar situation with a livid mama bear. This incident sets her on a journey of learning the behavioural traits of the varied wildlife enveloping her. This book can prove instrumental in introducing children to the pivotal role of forest guards and the increasing man-animal conflict.
4. Our Beautiful World
Author: Bibek Bhattacharya
Illustrations: Joanna Davala
Publisher: Pratham Books
Chronicling the over 250-year-old history of planet Earth, Our Beautiful World is a special non-fiction book that charts the course of humankind, putting the creation of the demonic global warming in perspective. The origin goes right back 12,000 years ago when the ice age retreated and the geological epoch Holocene was ushered. There on, the chronological tone of the book shows the progression of the discovery of agriculture, flourishing civilizations and trade, growing land use and the beginning of the mighty Industrial Age.
Penned by Bibek Bhattacharya, the book serves as a useful and impactful starting point for children to learn about the planet they inhabit and it’s growth in all these years. Additionally, it helps that the book has been published in multiple languages and in the digital format as well.
5. The Miracle on Kachhua Beach
Author: Nandita Da Cunha
Illustrations: Priya Kuriyan
Publisher: Kalpavriksha
Inspired by the life of firebrand environmental activist and lawyer Afroz Shah, The Miracle On Kachhua Beach is a must-read story to relearn the power of positive change held in the actions of an individual. The protagonist is “Oddball Ori”. His out-of-the-box ideas are not liked by all in the class. However, his thirst for curiosity and trying out new ideas leads him to an isolated beach of his hometown. He learns that it was once called the Kacchua Beach; however, it’s awful state forces him to declare it Kachra Beach instead.
Here’s where his imaginative, fierce and determined mind comes to play, and Ori decides to plan clean the entire beach. Help came his way and went away too, but no matter the weather, no matter the hardships, no matter the seemingly impossible nature of the job, Ori didn’t give up cleaning the beach. His persistence not only ends up leaving the beach spotless, but also delivers a stunning miracle for the townsfolk—a miracle befitting the original name of the beach.
Bonus reads for younger readers:
Seema Mundoli’s vividly illustrated So Many Leaves
Aparna Kapur’s handy book Art is Everywhere: Here, There and in Trash
Tanya Majmudar’s The Monster Who Could Not Climb A Tree
