how’s your needless consumption?

This is my one and only post plugging something for the holidays…I think.

My daughter turned three last week, and there was a decision to be made: presents or no presents. Call me the grinch or any other name you come up with - but my kids have enough toys. Not only that, but they don’t even understand presents, or birthdays, yet.

Why would we teach them that birthdays and holidays are about getting crap they don’t need, when we could teach them that birthdays and holidays are a time to open their home to their friends, to celebrate with their families (and eat good food).

My solution was to ask people to bring presents that they had made or a book. Because I also think that the gift giving children should put a little muscle into this. And, of course, books are the perfect gift - they’re educational, they last forever, they can be used again and again.

In the case of the book I’m hawking to you right now - the profits even go to help a worthy cause.

If you are a looking for the perfect present this holiday season for any child (small or big), check out I’m Lucy: A Day in the Life of a Young Bonobo. Not only is the story by Mathea Levine hysterical and heartwarming, but the photos by Marian Brickner are divine and the afterword by Jane Goodall is insightful and important.

Bonobos are great apes (like us) that live in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are known for their peaceful, loving behavior and matriarchal society. Currently, they are facing total extinction.

The book has its own (beautiful) website about bonobos and how we’re all connected by the environment and a fantastic blog about and for kids, the environment, daily tips and endangered species. The book comes with a secret password that lets you into the Can-Do Meter - an interactive web-activity where a child, family or classroom can track their green behavior.

Currently, the blog is running a contest where you can buy a book to give as a gift and then be entered to win a bonobo adoption in your name (or anyone’s name you choose)! The contest ends on December 15th.

Best part - all profits from the book go to the Bonobo Kids’ non-profit partners: Jane Goodall’s youth organization, Roots & Shoots, and the Bonobo Conservation Initiative. Important Note: The book must be bought HERE from the Bonobo Kids website for the profit donation and for entrance into the contest.

Now, go, go! Reduce needless consumption and buy your son, daughter, grandchild, nephew, niece, kid you babysit, kid’s preschool, 1st grade class, Sunday school group or anyone else, this fantastic, gift-worthy book!

Thanks!!!