Counting in Green

A positive and simple introduction to the vital need for conservation, for young children.

What can we do when Mother Earth needs our help? From one to ten we’re counting green to keep our planet safe and clean.

From one new tree and two breezy bicycle wheels to seven beach pick-ups, nine wild flowers and ten friendly neighbours, follow a group of children as they discover how every small action can make a big difference and help to save our Earth.

Illustrated with the simplicity, warmth and charm which Barroux is famous for, Counting in Green is an inspirational picture book, encouraging young children and their families to push for change and keep our planet safe and secure for all living things.

"Illustrated with the simplicity, warmth and charm which Barroux is famous for, Counting in Green is an inspirational picture book, encouraging young children and their families to push for change and keep our planet safe and secure for all living things."

"So much more than a mere counting book: this collaboration between Hollis Kurman, a climate activist, and Barroux, an award winning illustrator, presents - as the subtitle says - ’10 little ways to help our big planet’.

Barroux’s gently humorous illustrations are inclusive and work well with the straightforward text; and the final spread concludes with this challenge to young readers: how many ways can you think of to go green? That would make an excellent starting point to get a class of primary children thinking about this vital topic."

"This is a bright, gorgeously illustrated book which gently encourages children to take care of the planet around them. It’s also an empowering book, showing children that even small actions can have a huge impact and make a difference to help save our perfect planet.  Not only is it a great simple counting book, but it helps to development empathy and eco-awareness in the young... 

The illustrations are exquisite – beautiful, bright spreads of colour showcasing the beauty and wonder of the natural world."

"A brilliant book that will appeal to the youngest of environmentalists and the generation who can really make a change!... Simple rhyming text is memorable and chant-able for readers to remember and make those changes in daily life... Barroux’s well loved style of illustration is beautifully matched with the text. I will be sharing this one with our youngest of readers in the library."

"This book, with its charming illustrations, encourages young children and their families to push for change and keep our planet safe and secure for all living things. The endnote includes extra conservation information and useful websites for further exploration."

"The great power of Counting in Green is the simplicity of its delivery. Each double-paged spread contains just one recommendation in sparse, perfectly-pitched language. Once that has been read, the fun, vibrant illustrations add a whole palette of other shades and context to the idea...

It’s a brave book too, and doesn’t hide away from the terrible reality of a hotter, stormier and ecologically-depleted planet. But, by providing a manifesto for earth-friendly living for children in Early Years and KS1, its central message remains one of hope."

"A charming picture book suggesting ten practical ways to help the planet. A positive and simple introduction to the need for conservation for the very young."

Hollis Kurman writes poetry and children’s stories. Hello! A Counting Book of Kindnesses, illustrated by Barroux and published by Otter-Barry Books, was Hollis’ debut picture book. Her poems, one nominated for a Pushcart Prize, have been published in multiple journals. When not writing, Hollis moderates literary events and is Chairperson of the Ivy Circle Netherlands; member of the Fulbright Board NL; Founder of the Human Rights Watch NL Committee and member of HRW Women’s Rights Advisory Council. She was born in New York but lives in an old canal house in Amsterdam with her Dutch husband and their two children.

Barroux was born in Paris and grew up in Morocco. He is the author and illustrator of many books, published all over the world, and children in need are a special theme of his. From the 2005 Enfantasie Award to the English PEN Award and the Prix Médecins Sans Frontières in 2015, he has won numerous honours and awards. His books include Line of Fire with Michael Morpurgo, and Alpha with Bessora, as well as picture books for younger children including Where's the Elephant? Barroux lives in Paris.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.