In Simsbury, Connecticut, a mother‑daughter team is turning the conversation about climate stewardship into a classroom lesson for kids. Kim Haidinger and her daughter Luna, a high‑school junior, have finished their second children’s book, A Kid’s Guide to Economic Activism for the Climate. The 78‑page volume explains how the choices families make with their money can either protect or harm the environment.
From concept to illustration
Haidinger wrote the text, weaving basic economic ideas—such as gross domestic product, production cycles, and resource use—into a narrative that young readers can follow. Luna contributed every illustration, a task she described as “a little harder” because she had to picture abstract economic concepts in visual form. One drawing shows a single person’s purchase sparking a ripple of positive change, reinforcing the book’s central message: individual spending matters.
Local launch at Suburban Livin
The family chose to showcase the book at Suburban Livin, a locally owned shop in Simsbury, to underline the link between buying locally and supporting the community. “When you shop here, your money stays in the local economy,” Haidinger said. “Kids are in charge of that money in their pocket and how it goes into the market.” The event highlighted how local businesses can serve as practical examples of the book’s lessons.
Characters that teach
Three recurring characters guide readers through the material: Sunny the Spark, who inspires new ideas; Curious Quinn, who asks probing questions about climate change; and Vista Vera, who explains the broader impact of economic decisions. Through their adventures, children encounter terms like GDP and learn why unchecked growth can deplete natural resources faster than they can be replenished.
Practical tips for families
Haidinger emphasizes simple actions families can take during the busy shopping season. “Buying something made from recycled material, choosing reused items, and rethinking every purchase are choices that can make a difference,” she explained. By connecting these habits to the book’s storyline, the authors hope to empower children to become thoughtful consumers.
Looking ahead
The project is part of a broader mission the family calls the Carbon Emissions Project, which seeks to educate the next generation about the economic roots of climate change. More information about the book and the family’s outreach efforts is available at thecarbonemissionsproject.com.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
