New Picture Book Teaches Kids about Air Quality
By Melissa Payne
We’re big readers in our house. With two small children always looking for something to do, reading is easy, fun, and lets Mommy (and Daddy) sit down for a minute. Recently, we’ve started getting into books that correspond to the seasons- books about falling leaves in autumn, snow and holidays in the wintertime, and planting seeds in the spring. We can now add another season to our repertoire- ozone season- which lasts from May until October.
“Why is Coco Orange?” is a new book about a chameleon with asthma who can’t change colors. He and his friends at Lizard Lick Elementary solve this mystery as they learn about air quality and how to stay healthy and active when the air quality is a concern. This picture book explains the concept of ozone to young children in a way that they can understand. My kids keep coming back to this book, and find something new to learn every time.
Parents, teachers and other caretakers will learn along with the children as they read this story together. Schools, libraries, doctors’ offices, and families can take advantage of the book–it’s free to order your copy. With Earth Day (Friday, April 22) and Air Quality Awareness Week (May 2-6) coming up, now is the time to place your order. Celebrate the return of warmer weather with Coco and his healthy tips. Happy reading!
For more information on air quality, please visit airnow.gov
About the author: Melissa Payne has worked at EPA Headquarters since 1997, and currently works on air quality rule implementation.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.
Mar 26, 2011 @ 12:18:33
Melissa, I attempted to use the “to order” link in your blog. It took me to “National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP)” home page, not to the publication, Do you know book pub # ?
I’ll attempt to locate it after I write this note. Is it downloadable? Is it child interactive “coloring book style”?
Thank You,
Ken
Mar 28, 2011 @ 10:49:06
Hi, Ken- thanks for the comment. To order a hard copy, the item number is EPA-456/K-10-001.
In terms of being interactive, we do have a quiz in the back of the book so that children can demonstrate what they’ve learned.
You can also view or download a copy of the book at http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=picture_book.index
Thanks again!
Melissa
Mar 28, 2011 @ 12:23:12
Ken,
Was looking for myself and found the site I think you are wanting
http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=picture_book.index
has the pdf, printable, and order information
Hope this helps
Angie
Mar 27, 2011 @ 01:30:31
it’s funny..
Mar 28, 2011 @ 12:06:20
Ken, thanks for pointing that out. The book item number is EPA-456/K-10-001, or you can type in the title.
You can also view or download the book at http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=picture_book.index.
Although not a coloring book, we do have an interactive quiz in the back, so that kids can demonstrate how much they’ve learned.
Thanks again!
Melissa
Mar 30, 2011 @ 03:52:59
Love the branding on this good work
greetings from the uk
Oct 01, 2011 @ 13:52:03
Thks Melissa for the book. Will check them out for my kids…
Nov 23, 2011 @ 08:14:41
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
Jul 31, 2012 @ 02:30:53
Great idea. My 4 old loves books full of colorful pictures. Recently he fall in love with bearded dragons after see books with pictures of different kinds of lizards.
Dec 22, 2013 @ 02:19:28
Awesome, thanks i actually already printed it out. Its a great educational tool
Dec 22, 2013 @ 02:21:04
Awesome, thanks i actually already printed it out. Its a great educational tool, I like the bearded dragons