Redbridge school student publishes storybooks to inspire environmental awareness

A Redbridge school student has penned a series of eco-minded books, two of which have already been published, to help inspire people to take care of the planet.

Henry Newman from Clore Tikva Primary School, in Ilford, has been busy co-writing several children’s book with his mum Natalie, about Lark the Shark – a loveable, friendly shark on a quest to rid the ocean of litter.

Following the success of their first book called Lark the Shark, which can be found in Redbridge Libraries, the mother and son duo have gone on to write four more stories.

Each is themed around looking after the environment, and also introduces children to different sea creatures including a baby Orca who appears in the recently published title, Lark the Shark and Wonda the Whale.

As well as the environmental messages, the books also have an important point to make on diversity and inclusion.

Mum Natalie explains: “Lark wants to banish negative feelings about him being a shark by teaching children not to judge others by the way they look but on what they do.”

There are a series of FREE readings of the latest book taking place at Redbridge Libraries for National Story Telling Week 2023 (Jan 28 – Feb 5):

 Tuesday 31 Jan:

• Redbridge Central Library: 10.30am-11am
• South Woodford Library and Gym: 2pm-2.30pm

Friday 3 Feb:

• Fullwell Cross Library: 10am-10.30am

For more info on the readings go to: https://visionrcl.org.uk/event/lark-the-shark-and-wonda-the-whale-storytime-with-natalie-newman/

Henry was just 7 when he started to write the first book after being inspired by his school homework about pollution. Now aged 10, Henry is hoping his series of books will help promote environmental awareness to other children and inspire everyone to “do their bit for the environment”.

The young author and avid recycler said: “It’s important we take care of the environment and look after our oceans to help protect the creatures living in them. I think there are lots of things people can try out to be kinder to the planet. Recycling is one, and so is using less plastic. Plastic litter can end up in our oceans, polluting them and causing a danger to sea life. I hope the stories my mum and I write inspire other children to become involved in activities that help take care of the environment.”

Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride Cllr Jo Blackman said: “It’s always fantastic to see Redbridge school children making such a positive impact in their local communities, and Henry is a shining example of this. With the help of his mum, he has found a very creative way to inspire environmental awareness.

“Tackling the climate emergency is also a priority for Redbridge and we’re running many green initiatives and activities in the borough to help businesses and communities respond to the climate emergency. Together, we can make Redbridge a cleaner, greener, and healthier borough for everyone.”

Find out what Redbridge Council is doing to tackle Climate Change in the borough, and how you can get involved: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/about-the-council/climate-change/

Get tips and advice on reducing, re-using and recycling to help protect the environment: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/our-streets/

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