Nature in children's picture books

Term

2013

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAED: NSEE

Abstract

The question addressed by this project is how nature is portrayed in children's picture books. Relevant children's literature was examined for evidence of local ecosystems with plants and animals appropriate to place, and for stories and artwork that invoke the senses through accurate depictions of the natural world. A key influence is Louise Chawla's (2006) research on responsible environmental behaviors. If children are to grow into adults who love and protect the environment, Chawla found that the two key factors are having opportunities to experience the outdoors and having mentors who value the environment. Can teachers and parents use carefully chosen picture books help fill the nature void in children's lives? To demonstrate a model of this type of book, the author of the research wrote and illustrated a picture book about a child's nature discoveries in her local urban environment.

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