Earth Day

While Sunday was officially Earth Day, many children will continue celebrating it all week at school. It's a great opportunity to build responsibility into our youngest citizens of the planet, and teach some principals of science along the way.

Many of the books that talk about Earth Day tend to be so "educational" that they forget to be fun.
Not this one.

Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals is a great selection for informing and entertaining. I can't help but love any book that you can "sing" as easily as you can read!

The full title is Compost Stew An A to Z Recipe for the Earth.  Yes, an alphabet book with substance.

Apple cores

Bananas, bruised

Coffee grounds with filters, used

It's also a "cookbook" of sorts, providing a recipe for making garden compost. You'll be amazed at all the things that you can add. There's even a list in the back of what you can't.

Ashley Wolff, the illustrator, uses recycled and found items to incorporate in her detailed collage illustrations. It's quite a treasure hunt to look for those things that make up the fascinating pictures.

Happy Earth Day (or week if you're lucky)

Science Extension Ideas:
Visit Mary McKenna Siddals website for a slew of great activities to use alongside her book.
How-to's for making your own compost in a jar, slideshows, activity sheets and more.

Compost Stew