In the beginning, we are reminded of how beautiful the world is. Then we see how we want to enjoy it but live with materially sophisticated technologies that ordinary people in rich countries would consider to be perfectly normal. However, by following the production paths back to their sources, we see how the technologies and systems are intimately connected with questionable ethics, and life-threatening issues which are destroying the very things we love and need. It is suggested that consumerism does not truly satisfy, and that we are inherently unhappy, or at least temporarily happy at the expense of many others… What can we do?

An Educational Resource

In this poetic narrative picture book, the illustrations appear basic, yet are rich in details attractive to both children and adults. The writing starts simply, but gradually increases to a complexity suited to advanced readers. Using flexible approaches, teachers can present the same material within a wide age range – but predominantly upper primary to high school.

Society’s carbon-intensive economy as a driver of climate change and other concerns is explored without focusing directly on the science of climate change itself. Packed with simple portrayals representing a long list of environmental, social, and economic issues, the book aims to present a stylised system to show how the issues are all connected. By tracing and mapping economic connections illustrated across the book, readers can build an awareness of how different ways of life contribute to carbon emissions as well as other problems. Concepts such as ecological footprints, carrying capacities, and embodied energy can also be explored.

A Forest Child Adventure covers a wide range of issues, at varying levels of complexity, and relates to many subject areas in the curriculum: social studies, geography, history, English, music, art, drama, science, technology, and even mathematics. Thus, the story could provide a common launch point for whatever topics classes are currently focusing on. In this way, the one resource could be utilised multiple times – across different subject areas, and over time as students progress through the grades. This repetition would serve to reinforce previous lessons, and students’ understanding of how the different issues are connected, promoting development of critical awareness and systems thinking skills.

A forthcoming educator’s guide will unpack and explain everything, with references, links, and suggestions for class activities. The book or some other format could also support the film as a learning tool. So, as you can see, A Forest Child Adventure is an educational resource with a lot of potential!