Blog

ants

Cultivating Compassionate Kids: 10 Children’s Picture Books

by Marsha Rakestraw One of the deepest wishes of many parents is that their children will grow up as thoughtful citizens, showing compassion for people, animals and the earth throughout their lives. Reading and discussing children’s picture books is a great tool for helping children embrace compassion for others. Here are 10 suggested titles: 1….

Read more »
quilt maker's gift

The Joy of Generosity: 9 Titles for Younger Children

  by Marsha Rakestraw Every holiday season there’s an almost frenzied conflicting focus on acquiring and sharing, getting and giving. Help bring the joy of generosity into clearer focus for younger kids with the help of these nine children’s picture books. The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau. 2000. (48 pgs) Gr. 1-5. A seamstress makes…

Read more »
factory pollution

Teaching About Environmental Racism: Four Activities

by Marsha Rakestraw We enjoy our cars, our homes, our stuff, and the wastes and the toxic chemicals and pollutants used to create — or which are a result of — our shiny stuff go “away” somewhere that we don’t really have to think about. But there is no “away.” The waste processing plants, the…

Read more »
MOGO page

Most Good, Least Harm

by Zoe Weil I wanted to share an excerpt from my book, Most Good, Least Harm: A Simple Principle for a Better World and Meaningful Life. My book, Most Good, Least Harm, “is based on a very simple premise: when we do the most good and the least harm through our daily choices, our acts…

Read more »
injured animal

Animals Overcoming Odds: A Sampling of Picture Books for Kids

This month marks the 4th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which not only devastated the lives of millions of people and wreaked havoc on the natural areas of Louisiana and other parts of the southern U.S. coast, but also affected millions of animals. In honor of those who have courageously endured and thrived despite such difficult…

Read more »
kids

10 Tips for Helping Create a Humane School Experience

by Marsha Rakestraw Backpacks, bells, and bus schedules are taking center stage as millions of kids, parents, and teachers jump into a new school year. If you’re a parent, it’s a great time to integrate humane choices into your child’s school experience and to inspire others. If you’re a teacher, the fresh start of a…

Read more »
resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions: MOGO (Most Good Least Harm) Style

by Zoe Weil In case you’re in the market for some New Year’s resolutions (having been unable to come up with any on your own that compel you), here are 10 to pick from that won’t leave you feeling like a failure if you haven’t lost weight, written your magnum opus, or run a marathon…

Read more »