SONA SHARMA, LOOKING AFTER PLANET EARTH

A young girl convinces her community to be more eco-conscious.

One Friday morning, Miss Rao tells Sona Sharma and her classmates about pollution and climate change. Inspired, Sona embarks on a mission to protect the planet. At first, her enthusiasm leads to some not-so-great ideas, including hiding her baby sister’s diapers and switching off the electricity in her house. Eventually, she settles on a more achievable goal: banning artificial powders from the upcoming neighborhood kolam competition. Going through with her idea, however, may anger her maternal grandmother, who wins the competition every year using these colorful pollutants. Sona seeks advice from her paternal grandfather, who judges the contest. Can Sona find a way to help the planet without alienating her family? Set in India, this tale shines with its protagonist’s sincerity and makes a complex, daunting topic feel accessible to a young audience. Sona’s relationships with various family members help move the plot forward; her conversations with her toy elephant are especially charming. Black-and-white illustrations peppered throughout break up the action. Though the book doesn’t speak to the importance of systemic action in combating climate change, it will nevertheless give climate-anxious children a much-needed sense of control.

An optimistic tale of eco-activism that’s sure to buoy little ones worried about the state of the planet.