Students Publish Environmental Book

Students from George's River School in Cape Breton have done more than their usual school work by launching their first children's book today, Dec. 3.

The year-long project involved 17 students from last year's grades primary and 1 class, and resulted in an environmental story titled Little Smelt, Little Smelt, Why Are You Sick? The students wrote the story and designed the pictures, which were professionally illustrated by Victoria Baldwin-Thomas. The book was edited by parent Barb Bryden and principal Sharon Landry.

"Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing children put their learning into action. This is a remarkable achievement and these students should all be very proud of what they've done," said Environment and Labour Minister David Morse. "This project has helped instill values in these young people that will help them to become active and responsible members of the community, both now, and later as adults."

The book is about children becoming aware of a situation that is harming the fish in their community, and the steps they take to fix it.

"My son was so excited when he saw the finished book and could actually recognize his own words in the story," said Ms. Bryden, whose son Senna was in last year's Grade 1 class. "My son is now writing like crazy on his own. It's really given him a lot of confidence."

The project was sponsored by the Department of Environment and Labour, Canada Trust Friends of the Environment, Nova Scotia Power Inc. and Resource Recovery Fund Board Nova Scotia.

The book can be purchased for $5 by contacting Atlantic Coastal Action Program Cape Breton at 902-567-6282 or [email protected] . All proceeds go to George's River School.