You are no doubt wondering, how on earth can children's books claim to help save the world?
''Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.''
Nelson Mandela
I passionately believe that education is a vital key for the positive dissemination of values and attitudes. It is also an important component in the influence of the mobilisation of human resources. But waking up a generation to the importance of wildflowers, is no easy task. It is not as straightforward as just educating people to realise they need to be more aware and more concerned. But if it can be done, then it will definitely help to save the world.
This is because we rarely have an emotional connection with plants. This is no one's fault, we are simply programmed to care more about humankind. Of course, this makes perfect sense to ensure the survival of the species. Many of us also find it easy to feel very connected to animals (especially our pets). We often have a natural urge to care about different types of animals and we may want to reduce their suffering or just support them in some way to survive as a species.
We don't feel the same way about plants, simply because plants are not anthropomorphic. Plants do not have the human characteristics with which we identify. There is no automatic emotional response to plants that triggers our desire to protect them even if they are vulnerable.
So why should we care about all plants?
But even if we know very little about plants we do all appreciate them in different way and understand that they are good for well being. Plants cheer us up in many different ways, whether you enjoy a pot plant indoors, flowers in your own garden, trees in the park or the wider variety of plants on offer in a nature reserve. The more adventurous among us often take delight in the untamed 'great outdoors' in all its wild and natural glory.
If we continue to do next to nothing about the problem, the next generation cannot be expected to spontaneously become interested in the problems that plants are facing. In which case we can expect that nothing will happen until it is already to late.
We must teach our children if they are to become more successful as guardians and protectors of their beautiful world. The Once Upon a Wildflower stories offer an easy solution to begin this process as these stories are suitable even for the youngest children and will simply awaken their interest without being alarmist.
Kim's books offer a great solution for busy parents.
In order to get the message about the plight of wildflowers across (and help save the world), Kim's Once Upon a Wildflower stories introduce interesting and lovable fairy and insect characters that children can relate to. The Once Upon a Wildflower stories are intended to entertain and delight children, with the wonderful added bonus in that they help even the youngest children to develop a deeper connection with nature and concern about conservation issues in the world today.
Bettie and Bertie Bee stories and the insect characters in the Once Upon A Wildflower series, help to spark children's interest and enjoyment of the insect world. Of course, insects are essential as pollinators for many plants but they are also important components for many of the world's different ecosystems. We need insects to sustain many local and specific habitats. Without suitable habitats, then nature herself and every type of wildlife is endangered.
Nature's Hearts illustrates the simplest of concepts - combining the motif of the universally loved heart shape with the fun of discovering where hearts naturally (and surprisingly frequently) occur in the plant world.
Finally, Play with Nature are useful resources for parents and educators looking for ways to foster children's interest in nature. Offering a wide variety of enjoyable activities (without necessarily going outside. Natural items can be freely found for all these ideas, which are designed to engage children all year round, whatever the weather.
The bottom line is:-
If we don't teach our children, then how can we expect them to understand the importance of biodiversity in the world or to fully support it?
Conclusion.
Let's develop a culture of caring for this neglected aspect of our environment. Teach your little ones in the most child-friendly way, and you will be making a difference.
Kim is a children's author, nature writer, photographer and artist. Kim is a patch reporter for the BBC wildlife magazine. Find her nature blog at CountrysideKim.com