Winston of Churchill: One Bear’s Battle Against Global Warming

A lot of times on Mondays, I talk about helping girls and women around the world. I usually highlight a way that someone or some charity is helping others. Today, I’m doing something a little different because I found this super cute picture book that I wanted to share with you. Winston of Churchill: One Bear’s Battle Against Global Warming is also trying to help everyone around the world, including animals, understand global warming and “going green.” It’s perfect for kids, but adults can learn from it, too.

Basically, Winston the polar bear lives in Manitoba, Canada, and he is letting the other polar bears know that their home is basically melting away. He writes a book titled, “Why It’s Getting Hotter.” All the polar bears are on board with Winston and want to make changes to the environment, except HIS WIFE! She says she won’t help if he doesn’t quit smoking that horrible cigar. Winston switches to a tree branch; and when the tourists come to see the polar bears, they are in for a real treat. They don’t just see polar bears–they see polar bears with signs that say things like: “Save Trees.” “Cool it!” “Solar Power” and so on.

At the end of the book, author Jean Davies Okimoto includes an author’s note titled, “The Plight of the Polar Bears. . .” At the end of this note, she states: “Everyone must do their part, no matter how small.” You can use this statement with your students or your children to figure out something you can do in your classroom or at home to go green or help the environment. It can be as simple as planting a tree! What are some other ideas you have or have already tried with your children or students?