U.S. Fund for UNICEF

Allison, Rachel Hope. I'm Not a Plastic Bag. Los Angeles, CA: Archaia Entertainment, 2012. Age Range: 6 and up Publisher's Description: Based on the real-life occurrence of The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an island of floating trash in a remote area of the Northern Pacific Ocean more than twice the size of Texas, I'm Not a Plastic Bag tells a moving story about loneliness, beauty, and humankind's connection to our planet. Produced in conjunction with American Forests and the Global ReLeaf programs, Archaia will plant two trees for each tree used in the manufacturing of this book. Presented in partnership with JeffCorwinConnect, a global, ecological, educational and entertainment multimedia company launched by Jeff Corwin, the popular wildlife expert and nature conservationist.

Van Allsburg, Chris. Just a Dream. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1990. Age Range: 4 - 8 years Publisher's Description: Walter is a litterbug who does not appreciate the beauty of nature, or understand his role in keeping the planet healthy . . . until a fantastic journey shows him the tragic fate that could befall Earth if humans like him are not more careful. Are Walter's actions really helping his planet along the road to destruction, or is it all just a dream?

O'Sullivan, Joanne. 101 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet Before You're 12! New York, NY: Lark Books, 2009. Age Range: 6 and up Publisher's Description: It's easy being green! Kids have enormous potential to affect change, and this enlightening book harnesses children's natural energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and drive to make a difference in the world. Young eco-activists will feel empowered as they begin doing simple things such as cutting down on water use, starting a compost bin, and creating litter-free lunches. From these activities will grow even greater sensitivity to how they, their families, schools, and neighbors can have a positive impact on our planet. A list of websites encourages further exploration.

Kelsey, Elin. Not Your Typical Book About the Environment. Toronto, Ontario: Owlkids Books Inc., 2010. Age Range: 9 and up Publisher's Description: This is an intriguing, fact-filled book about saving the environment in unusual ways. Imaginative, comic-booklike illustrations add to a lively layout that will keep readers moving from one paragraph to the next, and funny wordplay prevents the facts from becoming overwhelming or dry. The accessible narrative will help readers to realize how their purchases of food, clothes, and electronic equipment nurture or hurt the world around them, and achievable goals and ideas will enable them to pitch in and help. The concluding chapter discusses new and unique ways to create energy. Each chapter ends with an "Elin Explains" spread that describes ecological interrelatedness ("How Video Games and Cell Phones Are Connected to Gorillas") in a graphic-novel format. This hilarious, information-packed work is an excellent addition

Glaser, Linda. Our Big Home. Minneapolis, MN: Millbrook Press, 2000. Age Range: 5 and up Publisher's Description: A joyful celebration of the Earth with the important environmental message that we share the planet not only with all the various people of the world, but with the plant and animal worlds as well. The loosely rhymed poem describes water, sun, soil, air, wind, sky, night, and moon and serves as a breezy introduction to ecological interdependence. Kleven's colorful artwork is full of subtle detail and depicts children and adults playing, dancing, relaxing, and working all over the world-from the African plain to a Caribbean island to a South American mountain. The artist uses an effective mix of media, from collage to chalk, to portray depth of scenes and vibrancy of detail. A lively look at "-our big blue-green, growing-sun-warmed-life-giving-precious living home."

Seuss, Dr. The Lorax. New York: Random House, Inc., 1971. Age Range: 6 - 9 years Publisher's Description: When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the earth's environment. In The Lorax, we find what we've come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

Cherry, Lynne. How We Know What We Know about Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications, 2008. Age Range: 10 and up Publisher's Description: Cherry and Braasch introduce readers to scientists around the world whose research contributes to an understanding of the causes and consequences of global warming. They also describe the work of citizen scientists, including children, whose observations contribute to knowledge about important changes that are occurring. Studies range from documenting bloom dates of trees and flowers to extracting mud cores from the ocean floor. Small color photographs show the fieldwork and experiments of scientists and students. Even though many findings indicate a grim outlook for plant and animal life, including humans, if the current trends continue, the authors consistently note ways in which students can have a positive impact by making personal choices and influencing public policy. A concluding spread identifies the more than 40 scientists mentioned in the text. The book's wide-ranging exploration of scientific studies and the encouragement to people of every age to become citizen scientists and active participants for change make this a valuable purchase.

Cherry, Lynne. The Great Kapok Tree. San Diego, CA: Voyager Books, 2000. Age Range: 4 - 8 years Publisher's Description: If a tree falls in the forest... someone or something will always be there to hear it. Many, many creatures will feel the effects when their source of sustenance and shelter falls to the earth. So when a man is sent into the Amazon rain forest one day, under instructions to chop down a great kapok tree, many eyes watch him nervously. It's not long before he grows tired, though, and the "heat and hum" of the rain forest lulls him to sleep. One by one, snakes, bees, monkeys, birds, frogs, and even a jaguar emerge from the jungle canopy to plead with the sleeping ax-man to spare their home. When the man awakens, startled at all the rare and marvelous animals surrounding him, he picks up his ax as if to begin chopping again, then drops it and walks away, presumably never to return. Unfortunately, there's always someone else who is willing to take his place, but the message of this environmental book is plain: Save the rain forest! The story itself is not overly compelling, but each personalized entreaty from the animals provides an accurate and persuasive scientific argument for preserving nature's gifts. Lynne Cherry's fertile watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations, including a map of the tropical rain forests of the world, are vivid and colorful. A fine starting point for a discussion about conservation.

Cherry, Lynne. A River Ran Wild. San Diego, CA: Voyager Books, 2002. Age Range: 6 - 9 years Publisher's Description: In the 15th century, when native people first settled on the banks of the river now called the Nashua, it was a fertile and beautiful place. By the 1960s, the river valley had been ravaged by many years of serious pollution , and fish, birds, and other animals were no longer seen in the area. Through the efforts of Marion Stoddart and the Nashua River Watershed Association, laws were passed that resulted in the restoration of this river and the protection of all rivers. The author gets high marks for documenting the negative impact of industry on the environment and for highlighting the difference one determined person can make. However, young readers lacking historical background need more facts and dates than are included here. Cherry uses borders on pages that detail, for example, some of the inventions conceived in the 19th century; inexplicably, most are labeled but only some are dated. Her note and the maps on the endpapers, which include a timeline, also help to place the events in context. The watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations are sweeping in their subject matter and adequately convey the physical deterioration of the watershed. However, one picture is misleading; although all the animals depicted live in this habitat, they would not all be seen together. The current concern over the environment will make this a sought-after title, since it is brief enough to read aloud to groups of children. With assistance from informed adult readers, it makes an important contribution to literature on water pollution.

Amsel, Sheri. 365 Ways to Live Green for Kids: Saving the Environment at Home, School, or at Play--Every Day! Avon, MA: Adams Media, 2009. Age Range: 9 and up Publisher's Description: In the green-conscious world we live in today, parents realize the importance of teaching the lessons of green living, early on. With this book, parents can encourage their children to be ecologically friendly with fun lessons such as: the three R's: reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling; why we should keep the air, oceans, and forests pollution-free; why organic food is tastier and better for you; how to protect plants and animals; and Earth Day celebrations. Complete with tips for every day of the year and activities for home, school, and during playtime this book reveals how easy it is to be an ecofriendly family and prepare for a better future together.

Brown, Marc, and Laura Krasny Brown, Dinosaurs Alive and Well: A Guide to Good Health (Dino Life Guides for Families) New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company, 1990. Age Level: 4-8 Publisher Description:A liberal mix of humorous dinosaurs and lively text create a unique treatment in health education. A regular dose of the Browns' lovable creatures is sure to become the enticement to a better and more healthful life. The smooth style of writing develops the theme across a broad span of coverage, giving information and advice about nutrition, cleanliness, illness, the value of exercise, and how to handle stress (child oriented!). Frequent exposure to this book will help children realize the ultimate goal--that of staying healthyand feeling good about themselves. An upbeat mood pervades this nonpatronizing treatment of an otherwise "doesn't-everybody-know-that" subject. The exuberant watercolor illustrations make the book a complete success. Teachers will find it invaluable for classroom collections, and librarians should consider multiple copies. There are no others like it!

​One of the first steps toward developing an internationalization strategy is to analyze the current state of internationalization and global engagement on your campus. This web tool will assist you in mapping internationalization at your institution and, to help you put this into perspective, will allow you to compare your efforts to those of your peer institutions using national averages.

Atkins, Jeannine, and Venantius J. Pinto. Aani & the Tree Huggers. New York: LEE & LOW BOOKS, Inc., 1995. Age Range: 6 and up Based on true events in northern India, this is the story of a little girl's bravery. One day, Aani hears the roaring of the tree cutters. Hoping to get the workers to put down their saws and hatchets, Aani and the village women explain that the trees provide food, fuel, and homes for animals, but to no avail. Finally, Aani wraps her body around one of the trees, with surprising results. Distinctive color illustrations, inspired by Indian miniature painting, accompany the moving story.

Shoveller, Herb. Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa that Brought Them Together. Toronto: Kids Can Press Ltd., 2006. Age Range: 8 and up It costs a lot of money to build a well in Africa -- a lot more than Ryan Hreljac had thought. Still, the six year old kept doing chores around his parents' house, even after he learned it could take him years to earn enough money. Then a friend of the family wrote an article in the local newspaper about Ryan's wish to build a well to supply people with safe, clean water. Before long, ripples of goodwill began spreading. People started sending money to help pay for Ryan's well. Ryan was interviewed on television. His dream of a well became an international news story. In Agweo, Uganda, villagers were used to walking a long way every day in search of water. What they found was often brown and smelly and made a lot of people sick. But when Ryan's well was built, life in the village changed for the better. A young orphan named Akana Jimmy longed for a chance to thank Ryan in person for this gift of life -- clean water. When they finally meet, an unbreakable bond unites these boys from very different backgrounds, and a long and sometimes life-threatening journey begins. Ryan and Jimmy is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens."

Winter, Jeannette. The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq. New York: Harcourt, Inc., 2005. "In the Koran, the first thing God said to Muhammad was 'Read.'"* --Alia Muhammad Baker Alia Muhammad Baker is a librarian in Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her library has been a meeting place for those who love books. Until now. Now war has come, and Alia fears that the library--along with the thirty thousand books within it--will be destroyed forever. In a war-stricken country where civilians--especially women--have little power, this true story about a librarian's struggle to save her community's priceless collection of books reminds us all how, throughout the world, the love of literature and the respect for knowledge know no boundaries."

Shea, Pegi Deitz, and Leane Morin. The Carpet Boy's Gift. Gardiner, ME: Tilbury House Publishers, 2006. Age Range: 6 and up Leadership comes easily for Nadeem, the biggest and oldest boy in a rug factory in Pakistan. But how can he lead the other child laborers to freedom after he's been shamed and beaten for his first attempt? Nadeem and his fellow workers are bonded laborers, children who work day and night to pay off loans their families have accepted from a factory owner. While Nadeem and his cousin Amina take pride in helping their poor families, they feel trapped. They yearn to go to school and to have time to play. One day a former carpet boy named Iqbal Masih leads a parade in the village. New laws have abolished bonded labor! Iqbal urges Nadeem to fight for freedom and to lead the children to a new school in town. Can Nadeem summon the courage to try again? This fictional story honors the legacy of Iqbal Masih, a real boy who had escaped from a factory. Protected and educated, he worked to liberate child workers like Nadeem by the thousands. His work won him the ReebokYouth in Action award and special recognition at the International Labor Conference. When he returned to Pakistan after his trip, he was fatally shot while riding his bicycle. He was only twelve, but he had already made a difference in children's lives all over the world. Resources at the end of the story lead to more information about child labor issues and encourage children to support companies that work to make the world a better place for all.

Winter, Jeanette. Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa. New York: Harcourt, Inc., 2008 Age Range: 4 - 8 years As a young girl growing up in Kenya, Wangari was surrounded by trees. But years later when she returns home, she is shocked to see whole forests being cut down, and she knows that soon all the trees will be destroyed. So Wangari decides to do something-and starts by planting nine seedlings in her own backyard. And as they grow, so do her plans. . . . This true story of Wangari Maathai, environmentalist and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is a shining example of how one woman's passion, vision, and determination inspired great change. Includes an author's note. This book was printed on 100% recycled paper with 50% postconsumer waste.

Guillain, Adam, and Elke Steiner. Bella's Chocolate Surprise. London: Milet Publishing, 2008. Age Range: 7 - 9 years | Series: Bella Balistica Lessons about fair trade are at the center of this adventure that begins on Bella's birthday. Her mother has baked a chocolate cake and, delicious though it is, Bella begins to wonder where chocolate comes from. With the help of her friend the Quetzal bird, Bella harnesses the powers of her mystical pendant and flies to Ghana in West Africa, where she befriends a group of children working in the cacao fields. She soon learns that they are part of a collective that guarantees a fair income to workers and pays for the children to go to school. Delighting in her new cross-cultural friendships, Bella starts to plan how to get people from home involved in supporting fair-trade practices around the world.

This site presents numerous global issues, aiming to show how they are inter-related.

Children's nutrition education website that provides health and nutrition resources for students, parents, and the classroom. By offering kids different engaging activities that focus on health and nutritional awareness, Super Kids Nutrition hopes to "save the world, one healthy food at a time."