Local high school students inspire environmental change with new children’s book
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Local high school students inspire environmental change with new children’s book
Ava Pursley and Leah Naylor have transformed a science project into a children’s book. “One Step at a Time” aims to educate and motivate kids to help the environment. The book tells the story of a 9-year-old boy named Jake who learns about pollution in his town from talking animals. Their book will be featured in the Story Walk display at Meade Historic Preserve in Symmes Township on Friday. The display will showcase the book’s pages along a nature walk trail.
Ava Pursley and Leah Naylor have transformed a science project into a children’s book titled “One Step at a Time,” aiming to educate and motivate kids to help the environment.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are. Anybody can do something to help their community and help the environment,” said Pursley.
The book tells the story of a 9-year-old boy named Jake who learns about pollution in his town from talking animals. They provide him with ideas on how to help, and he shares these ideas with his friends, leading them to collectively make small changes to improve the environment. Pursley illustrated the book, while Naylor painted the images using plants.
“I didn’t know that we would make as big of an impact as we did and it’s just really cool to see how this project has grown and the people that we have inspired and reached through this project,” said Pursley.
Originally a biology project, the book was submitted to an academic competition by the nonprofit Caring for Our Watersheds, where it became a top 10 finalist. The duo has since shared the story with Loveland Elementary School classrooms.
“I think it’s really cool, especially after we read to them, hearing them talk about how they can help, and thinking about ways that they can make a change. It’s just good to know that we kind of sparked something in them,” said Naylor.
Pursley and Naylor are now working to self-publish the book to continue their mission of educating kids about environmental stewardship.
“I hope that it inspires people to be creative in the ways that they help out with their community,” said Pursley. “Helping the environment can be a fun thing, and making a difference can be fun, and something that you’re excited about is something that you love doing.”
Their book will be featured in the Story Walk display at Meade Historic Preserve in Symmes Township on Friday. The display will showcase the book’s pages along a nature walk trail, offering children an engaging way to learn about taking care of the Earth.