Promoting Yorkshire Authors

 

PYA Children's Author Group Meeting - 18th August 2022

Linda Jones hosted August's Children's Author Group with a far ranging discussion on Climate Change and the Environment - within the context of Children's literature.

There seemed to be a dearth of fiction that tackled the environmental problems that the next generation will face and have to solve, with the exception of picture books and those that have an apocalyptic dystopian leaning.

Pam and Paul's children's novels do address environmental issues with Pam's Tree in Time contrasting the Mesolithic stage where humankind lived more in harmony with the nature and modern humans who clearly do not. Paul's books take theme in each novel - Keystone Beavers describing how a species can be beneficial and Return of Spotter the Otter which outlines the potential impact of climate change.

It was felt that we should produce a story at the next meeting on 22nd September at 2.30pm which is encouraging for a child - suggesting solutions rather than describing a frightening future. We all felt that there were solutions to climate degradation and warming. The story should be less than 700 words in length.

Some references that were raised during the discussion were: The Centre for Alternative Technology, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, the BBC and Positive Thinking on BBC Sounds.

Hope to see you at the next session - bring along your piece to read to the group - 22nd September at 2.30pm - date for your diary.