1. There is growing recognition from a wide range of disciplines environmental sociology, environmental education, political theory, ecological economics, etc., that kids are feeling overwhelmed and hopeless in response to gloom and doom forecasts about the state of the environment and their own futures. David Sobel coined the now widely used phrase: Eco-phobia. Title and illustrative style of our book signals a dramatic departure from the depressing narrative that dominates books about the environment. HOPEFUL VOICE. ANTIDOTE TO ECO-PHOBIA.

2. A Respectful, Hopeful Voice… (The Antidote to Ecophobia!)

3. PERSONAL, RESPECTFUL, INCLUSIVE TONE. Not Preachy. Not Rules
PERSONAL, RESPECTFUL, INCLUSIVE TONE. Not Preachy. Not Rules. Not 101 things you can do for the environment.
Connections leads to CHOICES/ POWER/INSPIRATION.

4. Serious Subjects, Playful Approaches…

5. Environmental connections are complex, controversial, complicated
Environmental connections are complex, controversial, complicated. Mary Beth Leatherdale’s genius decision to PAIR me with Clayton Hammer. Book includes cartoon format spreads that serve like adult political cartoons – fresh, playful approach to serious subject matter such as land mines, our dependence on pollinators and colony collapse disorder. GROUND BREAKING

6. Innovative Technologies, International Examples…

7. INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES OF INNOVATION
INTERNATIONAL EXAMPLES OF INNOVATION. Green economy, rethinking the idea of garbage and the birth of “Re-use industries” for instance. Sidebar examples how ordinary objects in a kid’s life and what they choose to do with those things ties them into these inspiring innovations – How recycling a shoe becomes a basket ball court.

8. Interviews with Experts, Cutting-edge Concepts…

9. FIRST PERSON INTERVIEWS WITH SCIENTISTS
FIRST PERSON INTERVIEWS WITH SCIENTISTS. Hall mark of my previous 10 books for children and adults. Draws on my professional networks as an academic and consultant working internationally in environmental communications for the past twenty five years. Connections to leading thinkers in innovative new fields. Spreads that weave researcher bios with the cutting edge concepts they study. In this case, the first kids book to introduce the concept of ECOLOGICAL EC”ONOM”Y. Gretchen Daly, Stanford professor just won the 2009 international Cosmos Prize (following the likes of Jared Diamond and David Attenborough) for work focused on finding pathways to harmonious relationships between humans and nature,

10. Connections to Actions and Emotions…

11. And the pioneering academic field of SUSTAINABLE HAPPINESS
And the pioneering academic field of SUSTAINABLE HAPPINESS. Shift to hope and happiness as a means to promote sustainable living. Reflected in New York Times bestseller, Geography of Bliss and Jane Goodall’s 2009 launch of Hope for Animals and their World. Jane has kindly agreed to write a promotional quote for the cover of Hey! Not Your Typical Book about the Environment.

12. Familiar Scenes, Fresh Ideas…

14. Everyday Objects, New Discoveries…

16. Media-savvy Author, Genius Illustrator…

17. Buzz about Elin’s Last Book
“An appealing, agitating foray into the world of whales that ignites both protective instincts and a hungry curiosity to know more.”—Kirkus Reviews “Cogent, compassionate Brilliant at pursuing seemingly unrelated trails back down the blowhole, Kelsey illuminates the ‘humanity’ of whales.”—Publishers Weekly starred review “Engaging portrayal of the lives and culture of whales.”—The Economist
National CBC interview with Elin Kelsey

18. Thanks!