Celebrate Green Blog

We don’t review many books–for kids or otherwise. But since we’re passionate about getting children outside to play and explore (how will they know that the glories of nature exist and are worth saving without experiencing for themselves?), when we were asked to take a look at The Looking Book by well-known children’s author, P.K. Hallinan, we gladly accepted a review copy.

This afternoon, I sat down with two of my granddaughters (ages 5 and 8), and read The Looking Book aloud.

The story is told in simple rhyme that both girls enjoyed. A mom of two young boys lures them from the TV by offering them each a pair of “lookers,” which, she indicates, will help them see things outside they never have before. Sure enough, “lookers” perched on their noses, the boys discover all the things in nature that they might have taken for granted in the past, had they even noticed.

I think the lesson of the book escaped my girls because they watch no TV, have no access to a computer or video games and spend lots of time outside. But when I asked them if they enjoyed the book, they agreed they did and when I asked what they liked best, the older shouted, “the rhymes!” and the younger, “the pictures!”

I agree that the illustrations, by Patrice Barton,  are absolutely charming. And I would think that The Looking Book could be a fun tool for encouraging small children to play outside more often, especially if a mom came up with a pair of “lookers” (glasses with the glass removed), then read her child the book and accompanied him outside to see what special sights might be revealed.

My criticism of the book has nothing to do with the story or illustrations. Unfortunately, The Looking Book is not printed on recycled paper or by an FSC certified printer using non-toxic inks. (And it’s printed in Italy, a long way from the U.S.).  Excellent quality books printed on recycled paper are available and while these features do add to production costs, they are important, especially in books that reference (even tangentially), environmental issues.

So while the content and illustrations in The Looking Book make it worth “a look,” I would encourage you to check it out from your local library and let librarians and publishers alike know that your preference for books printed on recycled paper with non-toxic inks.

Have you read “The Looking Book” to your kids? Does your family have a favorite green-themed book printed in the U.S. on recycled paper with eco-friendly inks? Let us know.