I (heart) God’s Green Earth by Michael and Caroline Carroll

I Love God’s Green Earth
Devotions Encouraging Kids to Care for God’s Creation

“Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20, NLT). If God’s creation is a testament to his existence, we must do a better job of taking care of it.

Children are often the family’s biggest proponents of recycling. They love working on practical projects that take care of the Earth. Michael and Caroline Carroll want to encourage these ecofriendly kids to continue caring for the planet. That’s the message in their new book, I Love God’s
Green Earth (Tyndale Kids, March 2010).

I Love God’s Green Earth includes 90 devotions that teach kids how creation care can draw them closer to God. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, a “Connection” section to apply the biblical and environmental lesson, and a “What Can I Do?” section with practical ways kids can take action in response to what they’ve learned. Fun facts and jokes will keep kids interested while teaching them more about the environment and conservation.

Michael Carroll is a science writer who has authored books and articles for magazines all over the world, including Odyssey and Clubhouse. He enjoys teaching art to kids in elementary to high school.

Caroline Carroll is a librarian who works daily with preschool- through high school–age children. The Carrolls have cowritten several books for kids, including the Gold Medallion finalist Dinosaurs (Cook 2000) and Tyndale’s Absolutely Awesome books (2000 and 2001). The Carrolls and their two children live in Littleton, Colorado.

This is a great devotional book for kids.  Even if you’re not really “into” the whole “environmentally friendly” lifestyle, there’s something in this book for you and your kids.

I like the way this devotional book is laid out.  Each day’s lesson starts with a Scripture verse.  Using Day 49 as an example --- the verse is Ephesians 2:19.  Following the verse is the main text for the day.  Day 49 is entitled “Monkeying Around” and is about the rhesus monkeys in New Delhi, India (do a Google search to learn more!)  Next is the Connection section – this section ties the Scripture verse and text together and applies it to a child’s life – Day 49’s Connection talks about the feeling of not fitting in (I think every child – and adult – has experienced that feeling once or twice!)  Next comes the What Can I Do? section – these ideas are all based on “r” words – such as reuse, recycle, reduce, rethink, respect, reflect, and relay.  Day 49’s contains some questions for reflection. Some days include recycling and repurposing ideas and other simple ways that children can help respect the environment. 

Some days include Fun or Crazy Facts (which are fun trivia facts), other facts, Jokes, News Flash, or websites for further information or research.  Day 49’s devotional includes a Startling Fact and some Jokes.

Q. Where does a monkey go if he loses his tail?
A. The retail store.

To read the first chapter of this book, click here.  Check out Amazon.com or Christianbook.com to purchase.

I received this book, free of charge, from Tyndale Blog Network,
in exchange for my honest thoughts and review.