Environmental Awareness in Children's Books: An Analysis of Sally Morgan's “Discover It Yourself” Series from the Perspective of Raising Environmental Awareness

Abstract

The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent rise in the demands of a growing population have resulted in the emergence of consumer societies. The perception of nature merely as a tool for exploitation by the capital, along with the recent deterioration of the human-nature relationship, have collectively led to a climate crisis. As non-governmental organizations and associations strive against the increasingly apparent climate crisis, the publishing sector is concurrently producing works aimed at instilling environmental awareness in children from an early age. This study aims to analyze how environmental awareness is handled in four books from Sally Morgan's "Discover It Yourself" series. The study adopts a qualitative research method, and the technique of document analysis is used to obtain the data. The four books in Sally Morgan's "Discover It Yourself" series are primarily written with the goal of fostering environmental awareness. The books tackle a wide range of environmental issues such as the role of living beings in the ecosystem, air/water/soil pollution and preventive measures, overhunting, disruption of the food chain, wildlife protection, reduction of biological diversity, organic agriculture and nutrition, recycling, composting, the water and air cycles, acid rain, renewable energy sources, the harmful impacts of cleaning chemicals, public transportation and bicycle usage for a cleaner environment, efficient use of water, energy, food, combating environmental destruction, tree planting, eco-friendly housing, and noise pollution in urban areas. The books feature three sections: 'Discover It Yourself', including activities and experiments to promote active learning, 'Observer', encouraging greater environmental attentiveness, and 'How Can We Help?', providing guidance through role models. Through vibrant colors and compelling illustrations, the series aims to cultivate environmental awareness by engaging children's interest.