Let’s Change the World
We spoke with the Megan Anderson, the writer behind the incredible series - Let’s Change the World about her two new books in the series, Clean Energy and Community Spirit!
Was there something in particular that inspired or triggered your desire to create this series, or was it something you’d been thinking about for a while?
Many themes and scenes in the series are ideas I’ve been mulling over, writing and exploring for years as a journalist and editor – as well as for fun. But the real urge to act hit in early 2020. My son turned one in a summer of fire. While bushfires devasted eastern Australia, we closed our windows and cranked the air purifier. Then the whole world turned inwards and indoors with the onset of the global pandemic. In conditions like those, inaction felt easier than ever. But incredibly, despite everything, there were signs everywhere of families and communities coming together to create something positive. During the first Melbourne lockdown, I started chatting with designer Carolyn Ang, based in London at the time, and Genna, our illustrator, who was based in Vancouver. We wanted to contribute something positive too, so we started sharing ideas and stories over early-morning and late-night video calls. Inspired by Spoonvilles, sunset city choruses and neighbourhood libraries, we decided to make something to pay tribute to that special hopeful feeling at the start of the pandemic. Let's Change the World celebrates the small but powerful things families and communities do to create the future they want for themselves and their kids.
Why do you think this story is important for young readers (and parents alike!)?
I feel like many of the themes in the books are ones I discovered far too late in life. Introducing kids to big themes early might help give them a sense of responsibility to take care of our planet and hopefully inspire them to take action into their own hands. At the very least, the books might help them understand the importance of living a purposeful life, where every action has a meaning – and a consequence.
At the same time, the books are just as much for parents and caregivers as they are for children. I actually wrote them with myself in mind. Parenting is wonderful, sure, but it’s also incredibly draining. While I love reading my son stories, it kills me when they’re boring. Parents need mental stimulation too! I really hope the books will add an extra dimension of interest to bedtime, with provoking, timely topics that can be fun for big and little people to explore and discuss together.
What would you say to anyone who is just starting out in their journey of helping to Change the World with kids?
That they’re amazing for starting out! Parenting is tough enough without the weight of the world’s biggest problems on your shoulders. But taking on small things one at a time – like recycling soft plastics or mending a coat – are important and meaningful steps. And not just for the environment, but for that powerful sense of purpose. Because if we do nothing, we’ll be left with nothing.
What’s your favourite illustration in the series so far?
Genna (our super talented illustrator and textiles designer) is always surprising me with her beautiful creations. I’ve loved seeing everything come together. Favourites include the uniform-dressing kid in Slow Fashion and the sneaky cameo of myself, my son and cat Peter in Community Spirit.
What topics would you love to delve into for future books in this series?
As a passionate but not very good gardener, I’m keen to explore big topics like regenerative agriculture, regreening and urban farming. Regenerative agriculture and regreening are incredible movements led by farmers and farming families all around the world who are completely transforming their environments – and better yet, benefiting hugely from it. While farming can be incredibly destructive to the planet, these farmers are showing how working with and nurturing our environment can also build food security, feed families and grow incomes. Another idea is a spin-off from the Zero Waste book focusing on zero-waste birthday parties and holidays. I’ve seen some amazing examples of how parents are creatively re-imagining these events without the waste. They definitely deserve a book!