A truly unique perspective - quite literally - on the state of planet earth, observed through the eyes of the artic tern.

This is a fascinating kids' book about the migration of the arctic tern and its efforts to uplift the world.

Recommended ages: for 2 - 10yrs old

Author: Tom Gregory

Illustrator: Tom Gregory

What is this picture book about? 

When the Terns’ Arctic home starts melting away, they set out on an incredible adventure to learn how to save it. On their journey they’ll soar through the skies, overseas and under stars, crossing deserts and forests and meeting endangered animals along the way.

But on a planet in peril, is anywhere safe for them to call home?

Inspired by the Arctic Tern’s amazing real-life migration, this book is a great way to learn about the problems facing the planet and what we can do to help.

An excerpt from the story

"In the cold Arctic snow lived the Terns, swift and brave, they danced on the breeze over icebergs and waves. But they knew very soon they’d all have to flee, before their home melted into the sea. So they rose from their nests at the morning’s first light, ready to start their incredible flight.
 
They sped south under blue skies and bright shining stars, under Sun, under Moon, under Saturn and Mars. Chicks chirped with glee as they twisted and twirled, excited to explore the big wide world.
 
Soon the Terns soared over seas shining blue, but the state of the ocean could hardly be true. They saw whales trapped in plastic and fish caught in nets, from the large to the small they were all under threat...

... So the Terns hatched a plan to let everyone know, of the burning jungles and melting snow. Then they spread the word wide, over seas, over land, over hills, over valleys, over forests and sand.

From the heat of the desert, to the oceans that glisten, the Terns told their plan to whoever would listen. Then when the moment was right, they all cried out as one, “We need to change before more damage is done!”
 
Their call was so loud, trees shook with the words, it echoed round the Earth and the whole World heard.
 
At first the change was small but it grew day by day, as more and more people started changing their ways. They cleaned up the oceans, planted new trees, and powered their homes with the tides and the breeze..."

From the author, Sharna Carter: why do we need a kids’ book about sustainability?

It's so easy for our little ones to develop behaviours of over-consumption these days. After all, there is a whole world of material things at their fingertips, literally just a button-click away. It's so easy to buy something here and throw it away there, all without thinking about the consequences.

But what if we taught the joys of becoming self-sufficient? What if we could encourage our little tots to grow their own juicy fruits? And, even more, what if we could inspire them to share with others and relish in the feeling of generosity?

I think we can all do this. And that's why I wrote Watermelon Pip, a story I'm deeply proud of, and a truly gorgeous introduction to sharing and sustainability for the world's children.

Ethicool write about sustainability because we care about sustainability

The overwhelming majority of the world’s children’s books are produced in high-polluting factories, with non-recycled paper and petroleum-based ink, which is terrible for the environment. For Ethicool, that wasn’t an option - they couldn’t very well contribute to the problem they were trying to solve. That’s why Ethicool books are printed on recycled papers, using soy-based, environmentally safe inks.