It’s probably not an overstatement that the world is drowning in creation care books – but it would also be true that there aren’t very many such books designed for children (but check out this SS curriculum we recently wrote about). Paul Kerensa and Ruth Valerio are remedying that with the release this month of Planet Protectors: 52 Ways to Look After God’s World. Available in paper or e-book format (your editor would *not* recommend e-book for a children’s book – just saying…) from SPCK in England (but they seem to be offering international shipping for a price).

Here’s a summary:

Jam-packed with interesting facts, Christian theology and practical tips, Planet Protectors is an informative and empowering guide for children on helping the environment by living sustainably!

In a lively, entertaining style Ruth Valerio and Paul Kerensa offer 52 fantastic ideas for looking after the world – from cycling more and choosing fair-trade, to taking shorter showers and recycling. Children will love taking up a different challenge each week and be inspired to join the fight for the planet’s future as they learn about why it is so important to care for the environment and God’s creation.

With quirky illustrations perfect for colouring in throughout, Planet Protectors is an ideal book for 7- to 9-year-old children beginning to read independently. It is also a brilliant resource for parents and guardians to open up conversations with children about environmental sustainability, and for primary schools, Sunday schools and youth workers teaching about the environment.

Encourage and empower your children to see how they can make a difference and look after the world by becoming Planet Protectors.

Order here.

We knew things were greening up in the Church of England when Ruth Valerio was asked to write a book on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Saying Yes to Life! was released at the end of last year and is available both in hardcopy and Ebook formats. C of E has now gone one better with their first ever ‘Green Lent’ campaign:

The #LiveLent 2020 campaign gives Christians the chance to follow 40 daily reflections, actions and prayers all geared towards greener living…

Launching the resources, Archbishop Justin Welby said: “We urgently need to rebuild our relationship with our planet. To do this, we need to change our habits – in how we pray and how we act.

“Lent is not just about discipline. It’s about allowing Christ to show us what’s keeping us from loving and serving Him – and joyfully letting it go.

“Whatever age you are, this Lent I hope you’ll engage with God’s plea for us to care for His creation, and that these campaign resources will help you on that journey.”

Dr Ruth Valerio, Global Influencing and Advocacy Director at Tearfund, said: “Responding to the poverty and environmental crises of our times goes right to the heart of what it means to be a Christian in today’s world, following God who calls us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with him.

“My prayer for Saying Yes to Life and the Church of England’s #LiveLent campaign is that they would inspire in us a deeper love for our global neighbours and the whole of God’s creation, and would equip us to take action in our lives and in our churches.”

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/church-of-englands-first-ever-green-lent-campaign-launches/134166.htm

Saying Yes to Life has just been published by SPCK (UK) with lots of online resources to support it. Ruth is a great communicator, and in the book she imaginatively draws on the Days of Creation (Genesis 1 – 2.2) in relating themes of light, water, land, the seasons, other creatures, humankind, Sabbath rest and resurrection hope to matters of environmental, ethical and social concern. Foundational to the book are what it means to be human and, in particular, to be a follower of Jesus during Lent. Voices from other continents are heard throughout, and each chapter ends with discussion questions, a prayer, and specially commissioned art to aid action and contemplation. The book has already been described as “practical, stirring and liberating”. 

You might have to be in the UK to get a hard copy* but it is also available as an ebook. Buy it, read it, and let us know what you think! [*UPDATE FROM RUTH: No, copies should be available in various places through Amazon very soon.]