Advertisement
Activism

Top 5 books to inspire kids into action

From cooking to acting on climate change Susan Hayes and Penelope Arlon pick their best books to inspire children into action

Kids haven’t had it easy during the pandemic. Confined to their homes, they haven’t been able to see their friends, play outdoors or even go to school.

But that hasn’t stopped many extraordinary young people from making their voices heard, such as 10-year-old Annie Jones from Oxford, who became a Big Issue cover star in January after urging politicians to do more on climate change and poverty.

Here, Susan Hayes and Penelope Arlon pick their best books to inspire children into action. Whether it is on climate changing, cooking, or acting – there’s something in this list for every type of child.

Lockdowns have taken income away from hundreds of Big Issue sellers. Support The Big Issue and our vendors by signing up for a subscription.

Tilly’s Kitchen Takeover by Matilda Ramsay

The great thing about this cookbook is that it’s written by, and for, a child. Matilda Ramsay (inspired by her father, Gordon) offers kid-friendly, healthy recipes with such fully explained step-by-steps and patient preparation tips that a child needs little overseeing. The recipes are delicious too!

Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

If you want kids to play creatively, develop their imaginations, and conjure up their own magical worlds, this beautiful picture book is a great place to start. It can also help children to cope with feelings of helplessness and anger.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Wood by Andy Goldsworthy

Art isn’t just about daubing a paintbrush. Andy Goldsworthy’s book will get kids making art with a whole host of found, natural materials. Goldsworthy’s gorgeous pieces are a wonderful inspiration to get all kids making art while appreciating the natural world.

No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference by Greta Thunberg

We all need to do something about climate change, and our kids are no exception. Greta’s fiery words, driven determination and down-to-earth thinking will empower even the youngest to get fired up, make their voices be heard, and literally help save the world.

Bug Book by Nick Baker

The best way to get kids noticing nature around them is to show them the zoo on their doorstep. This book teaches children how to capture and study bugs responsibly, and is packed with incredible facts and experiments.

The Extraordinary Book That Eats Itself by Susan Hayes and Penny Arlon, illustrated by Pintachan, is out now (Red Shed, £8.99)

Advertisement

Change a vendor's life this Christmas

This Christmas, 3.8 million people across the UK will be facing extreme poverty. Thousands of those struggling will turn to selling the Big Issue as a vital source of income - they need your support to earn and lift themselves out of poverty.

Recommended for you

Read All
How Mexico's women hijacked Día de los Muertos to remember the missing and the murdered
The Day of the Dead Women protests in Mexico City in 2021
Activism

How Mexico's women hijacked Día de los Muertos to remember the missing and the murdered

TV legend Carol Vorderman on death, social media and why she's still voice of the opposition
Exclusive

TV legend Carol Vorderman on death, social media and why she's still voice of the opposition

I'm an Israeli who helped survivors of 7 October attack. Here's why we need a ceasefire in Gaza
War in Gaza

I'm an Israeli who helped survivors of 7 October attack. Here's why we need a ceasefire in Gaza

100 students die by suicide at university each year. These parents are fighting to change that
Mental health

100 students die by suicide at university each year. These parents are fighting to change that

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue