03. Sun, Trees & Seas

Little ones will be enthralled by the wonder and beauty of nature with these richly illustrated picture books. Author Tae Keller and illustrator Rachel Wada will present and read from We Carry the Sun—not only an engaging history of humankind’s relationship with solar power, but also a call for kids to imagine a brighter future. Kids will then dive beneath the waves with fascinating sea creatures in What Fish Are Saying by Kirsten Pendreigh. Roz MacLean’s journey into the woods, Together, a Forest, reveals that everyone—including those of us with neurodivergence or differing abilities—belong to nature. This educational storytime will inspire awe and respect for the environment we live in. Grades 1–3.

Themes: Picture books, solar energy, sustainability, nature, earth sciences, STEM, conservation, diversity
Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts K-3, Arts Education K-3, Science 1-10

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Event Participants:

Tae Keller

TAE KELLER is the Newbery Medal–winning and New York Times best-selling author of When You Trap a Tiger, Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone, and The Science of Breakable Things. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

Roz MacLean

ROZ MACLEAN is an artist and children’s book author illustrator living on the traditional territory of the K’omoks First Nation in Comox Valley, British Columbia. Her work and books often reflect on themes of neurodiversity and disability, the natural world, community and relationships. Her books include More Than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean and Together, a Forest, both with Henry Holt Books For Young Readers.

Kirsten Pendreigh

KIRSTEN PENDREIGH is a poet and children’s author from Vancouver. Her children’s books celebrate our early instincts to care for the plants and creatures that share our planet. They include Maybe a Whale, When a Tree Falls, What Fish are Saying and Luna's Green Pet.

Kirsten's poems are found in Canadian literary magazines and anthologies, including Best Canadian Poetry 2021.

Rachel Wada

RACHEL WADA is a freelance illustrator and designer. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.