The nature of my research into climate change is supported by my strong distaste for the “profit over planet” mentality our society has developed. Because of greed, our world has been suffering due to man made issues such as deforestation, carbon emission pollution, and toxic waste in our waters. These “man” made atrocities are affecting not only our population and the environment, but have been devastating for every other species, as well. For example, the Amazon Rainforest fire in 2019 wiped out millions of animals, and the bushfires in Australia resulted in a 30% decrease in the koala population. In my research, I dug deep into climate change, also known as global warming, to truly discover just how negatively our actions as humans are impacting the world, itself.
For my thesis, I chose to create a children’s book that was centered around the animals of the rainforest in order to further assist the future generations in getting on board with protecting our environment! Massive deforestation has lead to many fires and loss of habitat in the Amazon, so I focused my narrative around that. I introduce the charming animals, one by one, until a toucan spots some rather “curious creatures” in the forest. The toucan uses words to describe construction equipment as if they were animals themselves, “bright silver claws and gripping strong teeth.” My goal for this picture book is to leave children wondering why these creatures are cutting the animals’ homes down. If only one child was impacted by this, and carried that message with them into adulthood, it would all have been worth it.
My research was the fuel that I needed in order to complete my thesis. With every article I read about sea levels rising, permafrost emissions, or the long list of endangered and extinct species I became more and more passionate about my work. I wanted the animals in my story to portray the innocent creatures that they are, hoping for a sympathetic audience
2. This book is dedicated to my son,
Luka Reign!
It is up to
YOU
to create a
better world
for all of the
people and creatures
on this Earth!
See the
world
as the
magical place
that it is, and
work hard
to protect that
magic!
3. There was a big
bright bird
who soared
above the clouds!
He would fly
high in the sky,
never wanting to
come down!
1 2
4. 3
When he did, he loved
to perch
upon his favorite
tree,
as he
listened
to the
forest,
ever so
peacefully!
4
5. There was a
messy monkey
who ate
fruits, and nuts, and seeds.
Dropping bits of
food
onto the
ground,
falling through the
leaves!
5 6
