Earth Day is next month. I believe we all need to focus on our planet every day, however so many celebrate Earth Day. I always like to share books that help promote taking care of the planet and our natural resources and other life on our planet. Today I get to share a book that shares the story of whales in the water near New York City. The book is Whales in the City by Nancy F. Castaldo and illustrated by Chuck Groenink. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
From the Publisher:
For fans of If Sharks Disappeared, this kid-friendly picture book is a true story about how community action saved the whales of New York Harbor and reversed the effects of climate change.Spanning from pre-colonization to today, learn how the industrial revolution, overfishing, and pollution drove whales away from New York Harbor and the Hudson River by the early 20th Century.
But the story doesn’t end there.
Passionate citizens were able to band together and clean up the harbor through activism and legislation. The first whales were spotted in the Hudson after over 100 years in 2019!
Here is an uplifting environmental success story full of towering skyscrapers and underwater dramatics that highlights the power of community – voicing to readers of all ages that each of us can make a difference. Also includes backmatter on whales and water pollution around the country.
From Me:
This book shares the beauty in our world. It begins before New York City was there. The whales were in the water loving life. The water was fresh, and they had space to swim, play, and live. Then the people began to build the city. With progress came pollution. Businesses dumped their waste into the Hudson River and the water made its way into the Atlantic Ocean. The fish got sick and died. The whales left the area. Many years later the people wanted to help the environment and clean up the Hudson River. They worked hard and eventually got the businesses to stop dumping into the river. It took some environmental protection laws to do it. The water slowly cleaned up and one hundred years later a whale was spotted in the water off New York City again. The whales have returned.
This book shares the story from the whales' point of view. It shares the history as well as the hope for our environment when people begin to start caring about the planet and worked to fix the past mistakes. I love how this book shares the history and the success story of brining the whales back to the area. It inspires us to keep caring and working on helping the environment and other life in our world.
At the end of the book there is information about the whales as well as facts about the Hudson River and a timeline and information about the people who raised their voices to get the river cleaned up and a list of ways people can help. One way is celebrating World Water Day which is March 22nd. I love how it teaches more for the older readers. The book is perfect for a classroom learning about environmental protection and for Earth Day. It shares the work needed as well as inspiration for doing the work. Then of course you can have the kids try some of the "How You Can Help" ideas.
Whale Craft Roundup:
To go with this book a fun whale craft is perfect! Here are some whale crafts from around the internet. I also did a whale craft roundup a few years ago here.
2) Sprouting Whale Craft from Mama Smiles
4) Whale Paper Cup Craft from Beth Ann Averill
5) Beluga Whale Headband from Simple Everyday Mom
6) Paper Plate Whale from In the Playroom
7) I Whaley Love You Card from A Little Pinch of Perfect
8) Humpback Whale Puppet Craft from Simple Everyday Mom
9) Blue Whale Paper Bag Craft from A Little Pinch of Perfect
10) Felt Whales (Needle-Felted and Stitched)
11) Lower Case W Whale Craft from Beth Ann Averill
Besides crafts there are also experiences and other books. A trip to the aquarium or a whale watch would be amazing, but here are a few other ideas.
2) The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein (another great book for Earth Day)
3) Whale Outside Children's Museum (now closed)
4) Not Pictured: Music featuring whales (with a paper craft)
5) Not Pictured: Sing Like a Humpback Whale (from Howl Like a Wolf)
6) Not Pictured: The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
7) Not Pictured: A Cloud in a Jar by Aaron Lewis Krol
8) Not Pictured: Watch The Octonauts--To the Gup-X DVD has a show that features Bowhead Whales
