The Day We Went To Away: and introduction to environmental impact
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There is nothing like moving house to make you aware of the clutter. We had SO! MUCH! STUFF!… sadly most of it unwanted and unneeded.
It would have been easy to just throw away everything we didn’t want, but the kids and I did our best to find new uses or new homes for our unwanted things. This was largely inspired by The Day We Went To Away from ethicool books.
The Day We Went To Away teaches about the concept of ‘away’ and what really happens when things are thrown away, in an understandable and empowering way for young readers.
Oh, do you know this place called Away, this place we throw things when they’ve no home to stay?
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Away, they call it, but no ones ever been. It’s mountains, its colours, I’ve so far not seen.
It’s an important concept to explore because for kids (and adults), out of sight often means out of mind, and understanding that there are consequences, even if we can’t see them, is something that needs to be taught. It’s a wonderful way of introducing young kids to the idea that even when we throw things ‘away’ they are not really gone, they still exist somewhere.
It blusters and blows, and it’s stench hits my nose.
For Away, I learn, is where all rubbish goes.
The illustrations are expressive and help support the sentiment of the story for those who may be too young yet to understand. The Day We Went To Away is a wonderful book for introducing young readers to the idea of environmental impact and invites everyone to consider their responsibility and ability to enact change.
Gather some thins or forever they’ll stay.
Use them and love them - don’t throw them Away!
Written by Stuart French illustrated by Madison Pollard – ethicool books, 2020
ages 2 to 6 years
