Art and Environmental Education: The Experience of the Collection “Stories to Color the Soul”

Abstract

The Compilation “Stories to Color the Soul” emerged with the aim of presenting positive environmental conservation narratives to young audiences. Through the lens of various nature entities, the collection employs a playful and enjoyable approach to immerse children in the experiences of these natural beings. It encourages thoughtful reflection on the importance of fostering human connection with the environment. Each narrative features biodiversity protagonists, such as monkeys, mangroves, stones, frogs, snakes, and others. These characters share the challenges they face due to human activities, ultimately aiming to cultivate children’s empathy for these species and encourage more sustainable actions. Themes span from “hunting” to “mining,” exemplified by stories like “A Moonlight in the Mangrove,” a rhythmic poem addressing the closed season for crabs, and “The Tale of Dino Diamantino,” a precious stone disguising itself as coal to avoid mining. Reading these stories provides a window into an incredible reality, allowing readers to empathize with the characters and explore the daily lives of creatures like capuchin monkeys and marmosets. This compilation, comprising three volumes, offers enchanting and reflective tales on environmental conservation, always from the perspective of nature’s inhabitants. Developed by researchers and collaborators from the Federal University of Alagoas (UFAL), the material includes illustrations for coloring after each story, promoting creativity through colors. It features a glossary providing insights into characters mentioned in the narratives and a section for children to create their own stories. Through this collection, we aspire to contribute to children’s reading habits and educational development, strengthening the bonds of future generations with a healthy relationship with the environment.