This month’s Turning the Tide spotlight is on Jane Calame, author of Our Earth (Atmosphere Press), a children’s book about sustainability. The book is illustrated by Daniela Frongia. Our Earth is an upbeat, rhyming guide to sustainability for little ones! From water conservation to recycling, this book offers up healthy lifestyle habits on how to help preserve our planet. Not only can kids learn how to live in a way that is more eco-friendly, they can have fun doing it!
Mary: What is your background, and what inspired you to write Our Earth?
Jane: I’m a native San Franciscan and daughter of two Earth-loving parents, who raised me with a passion for environmentalism and sustainability. I was inspired to write the book because, as an educator, I wanted to share the message of the importance of stewardship for the Earth—not only with children, but also with parents who may not have received this message growing up. We live in a time in which our simple daily actions are becoming critical to our survival, and raising a generation that takes ownership and accountability for their own sustainable practices is a great place to begin.
Mary: What’s going on in the book?
Jane: The book is a lighthearted rhyming guide to simple daily practices that, if done by everyone, children and parents alike, would ideally decrease our global carbon footprint. Practices such as remembering to turn off the light when you leave a room, eating more fruits and veggies, or pledging to walk and take the bus. The book suggests just a few everyday healthy habits that can be done by most anyone daily to help improve the current strain on our natural resources, and what will be available to the future generations as they age.
Mary: What is the audience age for this book, and who is the illustrator?
Jane: The target audience for this book is ages 3-9, but truly the message of stewardship for the Earth within the book is universal and timeless, and can be learned by anyone seeking to improve their carbon footprint. Luckily, I was able to find an amazingly experienced and talented illustrator, Daniela Frongia, who could bring these ideas to life. I wanted the images to coincide with the message, and we were able to achieve just that. This way the kids are really able to grasp the meaning and content of the message through both the story and its illustrations.
Mary: hat has been the reception to this book?
Jane: So far it has been very well received, getting a ⅘ star average with Readers Favorite. The feedback I got from reviewers was honest, which I appreciated, as I agreed with most of the comments, even with those regarding some of the book’s shortcomings. But, hey, first book, and it’s all a learning curve. But prior to the reviews, I donated a copy of the book to the library of an elementary school where my sister works. She reports it’s been checked out almost non-stop by the kids, and the teachers competed over who got to use it for this past Earth day. So, it’s nice to know it’s been making a small impact at a local level, but that’s exactly how I think this shift is going to begin. With each of us choosing to be the person that makes a small daily impact, so we can create more lasting change together.
Mary: Are you working on anything else?
Jane: Yes! I have a second children’s book written, which, so far, only my nieces have given the seal of approval. I don’t have plans to publish in motion yet, but it’s there on the ol’ idea shelf. However, in the meantime, I try to promote an Earth-forward ethos and share information regarding environmental solutions on my social media pages under the name Sage Advice. Additionally, I plan to improve my website to include a resource information page with links on how to lower one’s carbon footprint. So, definitely more to come!
Mary: Sounds great! Thanks so much, Jane, and please be in touch with any news.
Jane is a childcare professional with almost 20 years experience in the field. She is presently working as a pre-kindergarten teacher in her native city of San Francisco. The daughter of two environmentalists, sustainability and the natural world have been her passions from an early age. As an educator she hopes to teach and inspire future generations to live with an eco-conscious mindset as well. In her free time Jane enjoys: gardening, hiking, biking, taking the bus to museums, lounging around with her two cats, drinking tea, and playing Scrabble with her family.
