Andrea Koehle Jones's Blog, page 6
August 24, 2023
Canada children’s book author supports Maui Relief
ALOHA! Let's support relief efforts in Maui and raise funds for food, shelter, rebuilding resources and everything needed in the wake of these devastating wildfires. Canadian children's book author Andrea Koehle Jones has joined #BooksforMaui and donated signed copies of her children's tree planting book — The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place — to help raise money for Maui relief efforts.
Wildfires on Hawaii's Maui are the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. They devastated the historic resort city of Lahaina, killed more than 114 people and forced tens of thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate the island.
The #BooksforMaui Auction is now live. Win a signed copy of The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place — and support relief efforts in Maui by bidding here:
https://32auctions.com/organizations/111641/auctions/148492/auction_items/4735688
Inspiring and uplifting, The Wish Trees is rooted in the idea that every child can help make the world a better place. This whimsical children's book introduces young readers to the fun of tree planting as they meet kids around the globe planting Wish Trees and making wishes.
Kids will discover the wonder of trees and enjoy searching for different animals and tree names with each new page. Thoughtful, empowering and beautifully written by journalist and award-winning children's environmental education advocate Andrea Koehle Jones, The Wish Trees features illustrations by New York Times best-selling illustrator Alicia Padrón. The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place is inspiring little tree planters and wishers everywhere.
Discover how to plant a tree
Young children will fall in love with trees, learn how trees can help our planet and begin to understand that they are never too little to help the world. This September 15, 2021 edition of The Wish Trees includes a bonus: “How to Plant a Wish Tree.
“Planting a tree is an act of hope. And that is a message our children need to hear now more than ever.” — Andrea Koehle Jones
With two more days of bidding left, Books for Maui has already raised $93,756.28 for Maui relief!
This auction is designed to raise money for Maui relief efforts. All donations will be given to:
Hawaii Community Foundation - Maui Strong: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
Kamehameha - Ho’ōla Maui: bit.ly/3DXIMMY
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement - Kāko’o Maui https://www.hawaiiancouncil.org/
Maui Food Bank: https://mauifoodbank.org/
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. This auction is open from Monday, August 21 to Friday, August 25 at midnight Hawaii Standard Time.
2. We will not handle financial transactions for this auction. Please donate directly to one of the organizations below. Upload a screenshot of your receipt to the Google Form below as proof of donation. When this is completed, we will connect you with the donor of your item to coordinate your winnings. https://forms.gle/Er9n7kzSPoQDFaLr6
3. Winners must show proof of donation within 48 hours of notification. Items will go to the next highest bidder if donations/proof are not made within this time.
Thank you for your generosity for Maui aid and relief. Follow us on Instagram @booksformaui for more updates!
Fundraiser Organizers:
Malia Maunakea https://www.maliamaunakea.com/
Keala Kendall https://www.kealakendall.com/
Joanna Ho https://www.joannahowrites.com/
Kealani Netane https://www.kealaninetane.com/
Erika Cravalho-Meyers https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-cra...
Shar Tuʻiasoa https://www.punkyaloha.com/
Terisa Siagatonu https://www.terisasiagatonu.com/
Mahalo to the organizers, donors bidders and everyone helping Maui.
July 20, 2023
How to Host a Kids’ Beach Clean-up Party (by Andrea Koehle Jones)
By Climate Journalist ANDREA KOEHLE JONES for the next edition of EcoParent Magazine.
There’s no place like the beach, but you might not realize how much fun a beach clean-up party can be—until now. You'll be amazed at all the garbage that can wash up over time and the difference an enthusiastic group of kids can make in just a few hours. Click to read this EcoParent article to learn how to host and epic beach or shoreline clean-up party for children and teens.
Research shows that kids who spend more time outside are happier, more confident, better at paying attention, and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors. By hosting a beach clean-up party for kids you are introducing them to the wonders of nature and
helping to educate and empower them as well.
July 19, 2023
The Hummingbird Trees made The Red List and now has 4 accolades!
The trees are calling...
TREEmendous news! My tv screenplay — The Hummingbird Trees (Diary of a Tree Girl) — just advanced again!
Quarterfinalist, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards (2023)
Quarterfinalist, Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition (2023)
Quarterfinalist, Filmmatic Drama Screenplay Awards Season 8 (2023)
Quarterfinalist, ScreenCraft Film Fund (2023)
#2 Family Television (One-hour) in the past month (July 2023)
#TheRedList (Coverfly July 2023)
Thank you @Screenplay_LA, @FilmmaticNews, @screencrafting, @BigAppleFilm & @Coverfly!
Andrea Koehle Jones is an environmental journalist, screenwriter/producer, author | Kid's environmental education advocate, United Nations Climate Observer | Founder of The ChariTree Foundation. She has been working on a children's middle grade novel about The Hummingbird Trees for ten years!
LEARN MORE about this screenplay.
#screenwriting #5amwritersclub #NeverGiveUp
June 7, 2023
The Wish Trees (2021 edition) is #1 in Children’s Forest & Tree Books again!
“Planting a tree is an act of hope. And that is a message our children need to hear now more than ever.”
The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place:
#1 in Children’s Forest & Tree Books (Kindle Store)
#2 in Children’s Nonfiction Nature Books
#4 in Children’s Environment & Ecology Books (Kindle Store)
• Originally created as part of a humanitarian children's tree project in Africa.
• Beautiful text and illustrations pair to show the wonderful ways children around the world can connect with nature through a single wish tree.
• The text is poetic and soothing, but simple enough for young listeners and young independent readers. A sweet environmental children’s book that introduces children to the wonder of trees and the joy of tree planting.
• Written and produced by award-winning children’s climate education advocate, climate journalist and United Nations Climate Observer Andrea Koehle Jones.
• Illustrated by New York Times bestseller Alicia Padrón.
• Non-fiction STEM back matter shows kids how to plant a tree and make a wish for the world.
• A great new baby gift, Earth Day gift or any day gift for nature-loving kids and an outstanding addition to any classroom, library, or home.
• Bestselling children's Earth Day book.
• 100% of book profits donated to climate education opportunities for children and youth around the world.
Make a wish...
Inspiring and uplifting, The Wish Trees is rooted in the idea that every child can help make the world a better place. This whimsical children's book introduces young readers to the fun of tree planting as they meet kids around the globe planting Wish Trees and making wishes.Kids will discover the wonder of trees and enjoy searching for different animals and tree names with each new page. Thoughtful, empowering and beautifully written by journalist and children's environmental education advocate Andrea Koehle Jones, The Wish Trees features illustrations by New York Times best-selling illustrator Alicia Padrón. The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place is inspiring little tree planters and wishers everywhere.
Learn how to plant a tree
Young children will fall in love with trees, learn how trees can help our planet and begin to understand that they are never too little to help the world. This July 4, 2021 edition of The Wish Trees includes a bonus: “How to Plant a Wish Tree.
100% of profits from this book will be donated to The ChariTree Foundation and other children's environmental education and tree planting projects.
REVIEWS
Here are a few children's book reviews for The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place by Andrea Koehle Jones and illustrated by Alicia Padrón.
"In today's tumultuous world, The Wish Trees, tells a gentle story filled with a love for trees and their meaning for the young among us — if they wish. Beautifully illustrated and scripted—it's a gift to be cherished, lifelong. I wish it had been available when my daughters were early in life so they could have planted a Wish Tree to help make the world a better place." — Mike Hoffmann, Professor Emeritus at Cornell University dedicated to confronting the climate change challenge we now face. October 7, 2021.
"When it comes to the environment, everyone focuses on how we ought to reduce our harm. It is so refreshing to have a book that shows our children instead of causing less damage, we should and can, do more good. Planting a tree is an act of hope. And that is a message our children need to hear now more than ever. This book, so beautifully illustrated and poignantly written, empowers our children to create a better world. A book that teaches us the importance of not merely sustaining, but of regenerating."— Jacob Rodenburg, an award-winning educator, author, executive director of Camp Kawartha, a summer camp and outdoor education center, and instructor in environmental education at Trent University. October 4, 2021.
"Thank you so much for your book THE WISH TREES. My young audience spontaneously started suggesting their own ideas for wish trees before we were even half way through, and the W-i-s-h-h-h parts were fun to read out loud!" — Natasha Zimmers, Outdoor Educator, September 8, 2022.
"Beautiful illustrations and text pair to show the wonderful ways children can connect with nature through a single wish tree. The text is poetic and soothing, but simple enough for young listeners and young independent readers. A great gift for nature-loving kids and a wonderful addition to any classroom, library, or home." — Kate Allen Fox, author, July 17, 2021 (Amazon + Goodreads)
"I love this book. I love the warmth of the illustrations, I love the language of the book and I love the feeling that I have when reading it. This is certainly a feel-good book that focuses on wishes we make throughout our life… simple, basic wishes… pure and genuine. We wish for shelter, friendship, memories, and yes, mountain bikes too!" - Heather (continued on the right)
Great book for a wide range of ages
"This book provides beautiful illustrations and text in a simplistic yet educational format that teaches children the importance of nature and how each person can play a critical role in the future of our earth. Would highly recommend this book!" - Hilda (Amazon)
I LOVE The Wish Trees!
"A wonderful book with a beautiful and timely message! This book is absolutely on my go to gift list for kids and new parents. Highly recommend!" - Sue (Amazon)
"This is a wonderful book for all ages, with an inspiring and timely theme of caring for the world we live in. Young children especially will love the gentle story and enjoy the colourful illustrations. I highly recommend The Wish Trees!" - Deb (Goodreads)
"The Wish Tree is a wonderful book, inspiring children to think about how trees keep our planet healthy. The idea of a wish tree and the beautiful illustrations is inspirational in educating children. All proceeds go to environmental education. Well worth reading to your child and then planting a wish tree." - Helen (Goodreads)
"Everyone should plant a wish tree! What a beautiful book and a beautiful inspiration! My granddaughters and I will be planting wish trees. One for each of them so that as they grow up we can also be blessed with the beauty of their trees!" - Charla (Amazon + Goodreads)
Children’s tree planting book beautifully introduces children to the wonder of trees and the power of tree planting.
"This is a wonderful book that introduces children to the importance of trees to our planet and the idea that you are never too little to help the world.
My children LOVE this global tree planting book. The text is simple enough for the youngest listeners and early readers. I love that The Wish Trees is thoughtfully written by a children’s environmental education advocate and beautifully illustrated by a New York Times best-selling illustrator.
I highly recommend The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place to babies, young children, parents, teachers, everyone…. And I love that the author gives away so many copies to children and supports children’s environmental education projects around the world. Inspiring!" - David (Goodreads)
"Wonderful environmental theme in a book kids enjoy. Postive and uplifting theme. Beautifully illustrated. Printed on recycled paper. Be sure to check out the Love Trees website where, for a small donation, a tree will be planted for your special child, teacher, etc. and that person will receive a “tree certificate” with their name on it." - Cirroc (Goodreads)
"A lovely book which will make you do something good after reading it. A book with message for all. Its quite amusing and the illustrations are fantastic." - Famma (Goodreads)
"This reminds me…I want to plant a tree in our garden. Such simple but environmental and inspirational book." - Vim
"I was looking for a book for my niece , so that she can improve her English reading skill. I think the book is amazing with its simple sentences , and beautiful drawings. Thank you." - Halal (Goodreads)
"Fantastic book! I purchased this book as a sample to view before purchasing a larger quantity as part of a holiday gift. The graphics are great and the unique stories/characters on each page were heartwarming. I recommend this book for all children!" - Melanie (Goodreads)
"This is a very cute book about trees and the wishes we make when planting them. It's also a book that invites readers to plant a tree and is therefor a very educational book because it shows children the importance trees have in our life." - Catarina (Goodreads)
"I loved it… I have a two year old girl and read a small paragraph before she goes to sleep. I finished and and we enjoyed every second of it. It has so much imagination and very simple. I want a tree. ♥" - Rosario (Goodreads)
“I'm planting a tree to teach me to gather strength from my deepest roots.” ― Andrea Koehle Jones, The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place
May 11, 2023
The Hummingbird Trees made The Red List and is a Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Quarter Finalist!
The trees are calling...
TREEmendous news! A television screenplay by Canadian screenwriter Andrea Koehle Jones — The Hummingbird Trees (Diary of a Tree Girl) — was just selected a Quarter Finalist by the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition!
MAY 11 UPDATE: The Hummingbird Trees (Diary of a Tree Girl) also made #TheRedList for the first time! (see below)
Andrea Koehle Jones is an environmental journalist, screenwriter/producer, author | Kid's environmental education advocate, United Nations Climate Observer | Founder of The ChariTree Foundation and Russell Hill Productions.
LEARN MORE about this screenplay.
2023 Big Apple Film Festival Screenplay Competition Finalists.
April 28, 2023
The Hummingbird Trees is a Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition Quarter Finalist!
The trees are calling...
TREEmendous news! A television screenplay by Canadian screenwriter Andrea Koehle Jones — The Hummingbird Trees (Diary of a Tree Girl) — was just selected a Quarter Finalist by the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition!
Andrea Koehle Jones is an environmental journalist, screenwriter/producer, author | Kid's environmental education advocate, United Nations Climate Observer | Founder of The ChariTree Foundation and Russell Hill Productions.
LEARN MORE about this screenplay.
Be a Hummingbird Changemaker: How small steps lead to big impacts
There is a fable that tells the story of a forest fire and a small but courageous hummingbird.As this hummingbird sees its home be destroyed by the flames, and the other animals staring in despair, the hummingbird says “I’m going to do something about the fire.”And so our feathered friend flies to the nearest stream, scooping a single drop of water into its beak to try to put out the fire. The hummingbird flies back and forth, doing this over and over to save their home – the refuge for all these animals.The animals watched, some so defeated they shouted “Don’t bother. You’re too little. Your wings will burn. Your beak is too tiny. You can’t put out this fire.”But the hummingbird didn’t give up. And when an elephant shouted “What do you think you’re doing?” our friend the hummingbird said “I’m doing the best I can.”Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai shared this message that small actions lead to big impacts. More than ever, the world needs more hummingbird changemakers. Here are 4 ways you can become one today to contribute positively to climate action and help make the world a better place.
Read about climate and nature
Every child can help make the world a better place, and storytelling is a fantastic way to share this message with them.
The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place introduces children to the fun of planting trees and how this promotes climate and nature protection.
Recycle for art
Your recycling bin is a great place to find materials for arts and crafts projects while teaching the importance of reduce, reuse, recycle and the impact these principles have on climate change.
Planting trees
Trees absorb and store greenhouse gasses, regulate water levels, protect shorelines from extreme weather events like storm surges, and can even cool down cities!
Planting trees with children and youth can connect them to nature and understand the impact of natural environments in a hands-on way.
Make indoor greenhouses
For many of us, outdoor greenhouses aren’t viable year-round due to winter and other weather conditions.But mini, indoor greenhouses are a fun way to get kids planting gardens while they learn about sustainability.You can make a difference too
The ChariTree Foundation is a Vancouver-based charity connecting local and international youth to climate education to help them survive and thrive today and lead a better tomorrow. Follow us on Twitter or donate today to help children survive and thrive in a changing climate.
April 22, 2023
The Hummingbird Trees is a Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition Quarter Finalist!
TREE-mendous news! My television pilot screenplay — The Hummingbird Trees (Diary of a Tree Girl) — was just selected a Quarter Finalist by the Big Apple Film Festival and Screenplay Competition!
So excited! Thank you #bigapplefilmfestival! The trees are calling...LEARN MORE about this screenplay: https://writers.coverfly.com/projects/view/e11206f6-3378-4cc8-9b0f-c54dd9f3a5bb/The_Hummingbird_Trees_Diary_of_a_Tree_Girl
April 19, 2023
5 fun ways to connect children and youth to nature this Earth Day
For us at The ChariTree Foundation, every day is Earth Day. We work every day to put children’s rights at the forefront of climate action to improve their education, health, and future. Today is the globally recognized Earth Day, and this year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” ensuring everyone is accounted for and everyone is accountable in actions to protect nature and climate.And these actions start in childhood.
Now more than ever, we must support a child’s ability to flourish amidst a changing climate to protect nature, improve their climate education, maintain infrastructures needed for their well-being, and secure their futures.Empowering children and youth to be the climate leaders of tomorrow starts with climate literacy today.
5 Earth Day activities for children
1.) Outdoor learning
Children need time in nature to foster their physical and mental well-being. Taking the classroom outside to connect youth to nature and learn about climate change in a hands-on way transforms their understanding of the world around them.
We support national and international children’s outdoor education programs to develop youth’s environmental literacy and awareness of nature.
Children need time in nature to foster their physical and mental well-being. Taking the classroom outside to connect youth to nature and learn about climate change in a hands-on way transforms their understanding of the world around them.
We support national and international children’s outdoor education programs to develop youth’s environmental literacy and awareness of nature.
2.) Planting a wish tree
Children can plant wish trees to support current and future generations and take meaningful steps for climate action. A wish tree is simply any local, native tree seedling planted by children with a wish they make for the world.
3.) Reading books about climate action
Reading gives children an opportunity to boost their environmental literacy while getting lost in storytelling. Here are some of 2023’s top sustainability books for children and youth:
The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place highlights the idea that every child’s contributions make a difference. (100% of book profits donated to children’s environmental programs)
Forest Bath Right Down This Path introduces readers to a young girl who helps her father leave his cell phone behind and embrace the sights, smells, and sounds of the natural world around him.
A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn chronicles the true story of how The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, known as the Strong People of the Pacific Northwest, successfully fought to restore the struggling Elwha river and their way of life.
No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change celebrates twelve young activists and three activist groups on front lines of the climate crisis who have planted trees in Uganda, protected water in Canada, reduced school-bus climate footprint in Indonesia, invented alternate power sources in Ohio, and more.
Island Girls: Free the Sea of Plastic empowers children to help their under-the-sea friends and use their voices to fight against plastic in our oceans.
4.) Going for a walk or hike in nature
Children need time in nature for their physical and mental health. Research has proven time spent outdoors decreases feelings of stress, sadness, and anxiety. Plus, time spent exploring nature helps children and youth build critical thinking, creativity,
resiliency, and social skills. Taking a walk, going for a run, hiking, or other forms of movement in nature helps children
connect with the outdoors and grow an appreciation for the natural world.
5.) Taking photos of nature
Head to your local park and take photos of the plants, trees, birds, and other animals. Seeing and experiencing nature and all those calling it home can help children connect to the environment and climate on a deeper level.
You can make a difference this Earth Day
The ChariTree Foundation is a Vancouver-based charity connecting local and international youth to climate education to help them survive and thrive today and lead a better tomorrow. Follow us on Twitter or donate today to help children survive and thrive in a changing climate.
5 ways to connect youth to nature and climate this Earth Day
For us at The ChariTree Foundation, every day is Earth Day. We work every day to put children’s rights at the forefront of climate action to improve their education, health, and future. Today is the globally recognized Earth Day, and this year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet,” ensuring everyone is accounted for and everyone is accountable in actions to protect nature and climate.And these actions start in childhood.
Now more than ever, we must support a child’s ability to flourish amidst a changing climate to protect nature, improve their climate education, maintain infrastructures needed for their well-being, and secure their futures.Empowering children and youth to be the climate leaders of tomorrow starts with climate literacy today.
5 Earth Day activities for children
1.) Outdoor learning
Children need time in nature to foster their physical and mental well-being. Taking the classroom outside to connect youth to nature and learn about climate change in a hands-on way transforms their understanding of the world around them.
We support national and international children’s outdoor education programs to develop youth’s environmental literacy and awareness of nature.
Children need time in nature to foster their physical and mental well-being. Taking the classroom outside to connect youth to nature and learn about climate change in a hands-on way transforms their understanding of the world around them.
We support national and international children’s outdoor education programs to develop youth’s environmental literacy and awareness of nature.
2.) Planting a wish tree
Children can plant wish trees to support current and future generations and take meaningful steps for climate action. A wish tree is simply any local, native tree seedling planted by children with a wish they make for the world.
3.) Reading books about climate action
Reading gives children an opportunity to boost their environmental literacy while getting lost in storytelling. Here are some of 2023’s top sustainability books for children and youth:
The Wish Trees: How Planting Trees Can Help Make the World a Better Place highlights the idea that every child’s contributions make a difference. (100% of book profits donated to children’s environmental programs)
Forest Bath Right Down This Path introduces readers to a young girl who helps her father leave his cell phone behind and embrace the sights, smells, and sounds of the natural world around him.
A River’s Gifts: The Mighty Elwha River Reborn chronicles the true story of how The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, known as the Strong People of the Pacific Northwest, successfully fought to restore the struggling Elwha river and their way of life.
No World Too Big: Young People Fighting Global Climate Change celebrates twelve young activists and three activist groups on front lines of the climate crisis who have planted trees in Uganda, protected water in Canada, reduced school-bus climate footprint in Indonesia, invented alternate power sources in Ohio, and more.
Island Girls: Free the Sea of Plastic empowers children to help their under-the-sea friends and use their voices to fight against plastic in our oceans.
4.) Going for a walk or hike in nature
Children need time in nature for their physical and mental health. Research has proven time spent outdoors decreases feelings of stress, sadness, and anxiety. Plus, time spent exploring nature helps children and youth build critical thinking, creativity,
resiliency, and social skills. Taking a walk, going for a run, hiking, or other forms of movement in nature helps children
connect with the outdoors and grow an appreciation for the natural world.
5.) Taking photos of nature
Head to your local park and take photos of the plants, trees, birds, and other animals. Seeing and experiencing nature and all those calling it home can help children connect to the environment and climate on a deeper level.
You can make a difference this Earth Day
The ChariTree Foundation is a Vancouver-based charity connecting local and international youth to climate education to help them survive and thrive today and lead a better tomorrow. Follow us on Twitter or donate today to help children survive and thrive in a changing climate.
