"A beautiful message to mankind about climate change, inspiring the hope that children can make a difference. This will appeal to nature loving families and young eco-warriors everywhere."
October 2026 Book of the Month
If ever a book were to be created to match the epic summer that we have just endured, then this lyrical picture book must be it.
The Green Child is a fairy like embodiment of nature, and she has an urgent message for humanity. We meet her as she wakes from a winter sleep, deep in the forest, which is captured in the most delicate detail by Brita Teckentrup’s stunning illustrations, made with beautifully textured digital collage.
Through the onset of spring and into a glorious summer, the colours and vegetation change, but ‘soon the air is dry as dust, the greens turn withered brown’ and the Green Child and all creatures and organisms in the forest realise ‘that they have a job to do..’ They must spread a message about helping the world to cool down.
At first, it is heard by just ‘one tiny human heart’, but then the momentum grows until what started as a whisper is heard by all. The lyrical language incorporates both rhyme and alliteration making it a pleasure to read aloud and together with the images it creates a gentle, almost mystical feeling.
It certainly has a strong environmental message, but it is gently and appropriately shared for its young audience; there are no scary images of the fires and burning that we witnessed this year. Instead, it empowers children by letting them know that they can make a difference, especially if we can all work together and care for nature.
It is never too early to instil a sense of responsibility for the world we live in. This is a special book to simply enjoy at home or at school, but it will also be a valuable springboard for discussions and creative activities. I can envisage some beautiful hats made to match the Green Child’s cone of flowers!

In the deepest, darkest forest, where the trees twist gnarled and wild, along a winding path we find . . . a deep asleep Green Child.
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In the deepest, darkest forest, where the trees twist gnarled and wild, along a winding path we find . . . a deep asleep Green Child. Meet the Green Child, guardian of the seasons and protector of our planet. As winter shifts into spring, the Green Child rouses from slumber and breathes new life into the world.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Green Child and determined it is suitable for children aged 3-6 years old
The Green Child features in the following genres: Featured Books for 3+ readers, Featured Books for 5+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Fantasy / Magical, Stories in Verse, The Natural World, Wildlife, Ecological and Environmental Interest - Non Fiction, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s picture books, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Wildlife and habitats: Woodlands and forests, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Weather and climate, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Children’s / Teenage: Social issues / topics, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Physical world, Children's and Young Adult Fiction
Hardback. £11.69, down from the £12.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Green Child was written by Hollie Hughes and published by Post Wave Children's Books an imprint of Post Wave Publishing UK LTD
The Green Child has 30 pages
£11.69, reduced from £12.99. In Stock.