There is something truly special about the stories we experience during childhood. Whether they take us on extraordinary adventures, introduce us to unforgettable characters or simply allow us to discover a world beyond our own, the books we grow up with have a remarkable way of staying with us long after we have turned the final page.
And while the world of children’s literature is filled with countless stories that have captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of young readers, there is something particularly meaningful about those that encourage us to look at the world around us a little differently.
After all, some of the greatest adventures are not necessarily found in faraway kingdoms or magical worlds, but in the extraordinary places and among the remarkable creatures that exist right here on our own planet.
Something that children’s author and Green Kids Club founder Sylvia M. Medina knows all too well.
Having spent much of her professional career working as an environmental engineer, Medina has long held a passion for the natural world and the animals that call it home. However, it was becoming a mother that would ultimately inspire her to take that passion in an entirely new direction, leading to the creation of Green Kids Club and a collection of children’s books that introduce young readers to some of the most extraordinary animals and environments across our planet.
From imaginative adventures that take readers into the frozen landscapes of the Arctic to emotional stories inspired by real animals and their experiences, Green Kids Club has continued to explore the many ways storytelling can help children better understand the world around them.
And with titles such as Danger in the Arctic and Saving Skali, the collection is doing just that.
But behind each of these stories is something much more personal. From the experiences that first inspired Medina to begin writing to the remarkable animals and people she has encountered along the way, there is an entire world of stories waiting to be discovered beyond the pages of her books.
Recently, BSCKids had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Green Kids Club founder and author Sylvia M. Medina about her journey into children’s literature, the stories behind Danger in the Arctic and Saving Skali, the importance of helping young readers develop empathy for animals and what the future may hold for Green Kids Club.
Here’s what she had to share with us.
BSCKids: To begin, your journey is quite an interesting one. From working as an environmental engineer to becoming an author and founding Green Kids Club, you have spent much of your career helping protect our natural world. What was the moment that inspired you to take your passion for the environment and turn it into stories for children?
Medina: When my twins were born. I looked at them and wondered, wouldn’t it be great if my children could learn to be protectors and guardians of our world and its animals? As I rocked them to sleep, the idea for Green Kids Club began to take shape – where we could teach children the importance of becoming good stewards of our world. This idea was how I started the Green Kids Club.
BSCKids: There is something truly special about the stories we experience during childhood. Not only do they entertain us, but they can help shape how we view and understand the world long after we have turned the final page. When you first began Green Kids Club, what did you hope your stories would bring to the lives of young readers?
Medina: I want children to go outside and see the beauty of our world and its animals. Sometimes, it’s breathtaking. Just yesterday I was in Yellowstone early in the morning, and everything was frozen. The cold created a frozen landscape, with steam rising from the geyser and sunlight shining through. I was amazed at how beautiful it was. I was mesmerized. Then a bison appeared, its fur covered in frost – it was like I was in a magic land with all of its beauty. Every child should have the chance to experience something like this, a world that is wild and full of amazing animals. Perhaps some of those children will grow up to make a difference for animals and their habitats.
BSCKids: One of the wonderful things about children’s literature is that it can introduce young readers to subjects that may otherwise feel too complicated or even overwhelming. Environmental conservation is certainly one of those topics. How do you find that balance between exploring the very real challenges facing our planet while still allowing children to experience the wonder and joy of a good story?
Medina: I’m not going to say it’s easy – especially when you deal with subjects like poaching, or the loss of an animal in the story. You can’t help but make the children sad – but at the same time you always must leave them with hope, which I really try to do. Sometimes, honestly, we can’t write a true story of an animal experiencing difficult situations. One example is the book we co-authored with Ian Michler of Blood Lions, “A Tail of Three Lions.” Ian and I spoke through the difficulty of the subject and decided we had to create a fictionalized story to get the concept out there for children to understand, otherwise we felt it was too much.
The other part I often think of is that kids who watch television or spend time on their phones or iPads– may have already been exposed to a lot of these things. Nonetheless, we do take the children’s age into account, which has resulted in us creating the “kid friendly” version of our books, where we remove content that may be reserved for them when they are older.
BSCKids: In Danger in the Arctic, we are taken on quite the adventure alongside the Green Kids as they explore the beauty of the Arctic and meet some of its remarkable animal inhabitants. What inspired you to take readers to this particular part of our world, and what was most important for you to capture about the Arctic and the animals that call it home?
Medina: Danger in the Arctic, is an updated version of an earlier book. We redid the artwork to make it more current. We wrote this book because I saw the issues of habitat loss for Arctic animals, and frankly, because I saw what is happening with global warming and climate change. Everywhere in our world, we are experiencing the results of how we as humans have not cared for our planet – all the emissions into the atmosphere, the trash, the habitat loss, and not protecting our wildlife and sea life. This story aims to help children think about how they can protect our planet through small daily changes. Perhaps we as adults can also learn from this – and from them.
BSCKids: While Danger in the Arctic approaches environmental conservation through a magical adventure, Saving Skali introduces readers to a much more emotional story rooted in real events. These are two very different approaches to storytelling, yet both carry such important messages. How do you determine the best way to tell each story, especially when approaching subjects that may be difficult for younger readers?
Medina: This has been an evolution over time for me, learning how to write the stories while still getting the information across. When I wrote the story about Lek, the Elephant Whisperer, I realized I could tell the story of a person who made a difference by showing things from their point of view. This way, I could help children see what they can become, not just as supporters of environmental causes, but as champions for what they believe in, especially when it comes to conservation.
Each story is different, but I always try to show children what the animal’s life was like before any problems began due to environmental impacts ,what happens when bad things happen to them or their environment, and finally what can be done to prevent this from happening. Our books all have a science section in the back that describes the environmental impacts featured in the story and how people can make a positive difference.
BSCKids: Speaking of Saving Skali, the story of an orca being taken away from her family and natural home is certainly one that can leave a lasting impression. What first drew you and Phil Fairclough to this story, and what was the most important part of Skali’s journey for you to share with children?
Medina: Phil approached me about writing this story since he had been involved in producing a film called The Whale Jail. The film followed undercover investigations and efforts to rescue 87 belugas and 11 orcas that had been illegally captured and held in cramped pens in Srednyaya Bay, Russia, before they could be sold to marine amusement parks in China. The film led him to look more closely at what was happening to marine life around the world, and he came to me with the idea for this book.
From those discussions came our book about Skali, often referred to as Lolita, who spent more than 50 years in captivity at the Miami Sea Aquarium. The comparison between what happened in Russia and what is taking place here in the United States is, in some ways, not so different. We continue to keep marine life and other animals in small, cramped spaces where they cannot live as they would in the wild, just so they can entertain us.
I think, for me, the most important part of Skali’s story is that she never got the chance to return home. She was finally going to be released but she died before that could happen. Her story, however, shows how much activism can do to change the life of an animal living under these kinds of conditions, but also how important it is to change the laws, so this never happens in the first place.
Our books introduce children to these issues early, helping them understand what is happening and encouraging them to learn more about protecting animals and the environment.
BSCKids: Something that has always made stories so powerful is their ability to allow us to see the world through another’s eyes. With Saving Skali, readers are given the opportunity to experience the world from the perspective of an animal whose life has been forever changed by human actions. Howimportant do you feel that emotional connection is when helping children develop empathy and a greater understanding of wildlife?
Medina: I think it’s so important for children to develop emotion and empathy, especially in a world where gaming and media can sometimes make it harder to connect with what’s happening around them in real life. My hope is that our stories encourage children to feel something, even if those feelings aren’t always happy. Ultimately, I want them to walk away with a story they’ll remember, one that inspires them to become environmental stewards and help protect animals and their homes.
BSCKids: Another fascinating aspect of Green Kids Club is how many of your stories are inspired by real animals and their experiences, including Grizzly 399. With so many remarkable animals and stories across our world, how do you decide which ones you want to bring to life next? Has there ever been a story that you knew immediately you needed to tell?
Medina: It is tough because I get approached quite a bit, and I often have a hard time saying no. I love animals, and want to write about them all! Grizzly 399 was the story I immediately wanted to write, especially since I had seen her in real life trying to navigate Teton National Park while she was raising her cubs in that difficult environment. Part of what drew me to this story was working with Thomas D. Mangelsen, a famous wildlife photographer who was able to capture who 399 was through his images. Seeing what he captured in his photos made me want to bring her to life in a story, which we did together.
BSCKids: Of course, we cannot talk about children’s books without discussing the artwork! The illustrations throughout your collection help bring these incredible animals and their environments to life. When working with an illustrator, how do you approach translating your vision into something that can capture the imagination of young readers?
Medina: It’s funny because I already imagine the scene in my mind as I am writing the story. I can see what’s happening and then share that vision with my illustrator. Sometimes, I find photos that help show me what should be in the scene. And my artists fr the Green Kids Club titles are some of the best! Joy Eagle, Andreas Wessel-Therhorn, and Morgan Spicer really bring these stories to life.
BSCKids: One thing that stands out about Green Kids Club is that your mission does not simply end when a reader closes one of your books. From the educational sections included in the stories to your work alongside conservation organizations, there is a clear desire to make a difference beyond the pages. How important was it for you to build Green Kids Club into something that could have an impact on the real world as well?
Medina: My hope is that one day, Green Kids Club will be known around the world, reaching children and their families through our books and stories, and maybe even through movies or videos at some point. I want children to learn about animals, the challenges they face, and what they can do to help protect them.
Children can also teach their parents. Sometimes, all it takes is a child asking a question or sharing something they’ve learned to make an adult think differently. A good example of this is our story, Gorilla’s Roar, where children teach their father not to poach animals.
Ultimately, I would love to see Green Kids Club go viral, with children, families, and friends becoming champions for animals and our natural world.
BSCKids: Looking back on your journey and everything Green Kids Club has accomplished, I imagine there have been some truly memorable moments along the way. Has there been a particular experience, perhaps with a young reader or through your conservation work, that has stayed with you and reminded you why these stories matter so much?
Medina: I think the story of Molelo is one that really stands out to me. When I met this little baby elephant in Botswana, he had been burned in a fire started by poachers, and his family had run off, leaving him all alone. Seeing him and watching my friends from Elephant Without Borders working to save him made a lasting impression on me. I knew there were important stories like this that had to be told, and that experience helped inspire the Environmental Hero stories we are doing now.
BSCKids: With so many stories already told and countless more waiting to be discovered, what does the next chapter look like for Green Kids Club? Are there any animals, environments, or stories you have been especially eager to explore?
Medina: I honestly thought I would be retiring from Green Kids Club as I get older, but it doesn’t seem to be happening. If anything, I find myself getting deeper into the stories and issues I see.
This fall and spring, we’re planning to release the story of Kabosu, the dog who became famous as DOGE. The story also highlights important issues surrounding puppy mills. I haven’t written a story about a domestic animal before, but it makes sense for me to write it since I founded the Snake River Animal Shelter here in my hometown of Idaho Falls.
My wildlife photography has also taken me in new directions, allowing me to capture amazing photos of wildlife and discover animals I hadn’t previously thought of writing about, like wild horses or mustangs, here in the U.S. I will be writing a story about Elvis, a wild horse who was captured during a Bureau of Land Management roundup, but through the efforts of activists, was able to return to his home in the wild.
I also have a new love for Yellowstone National Park, especially its wolves. I am planning to write another book about a pack of wolves alongside Taylor Rabe, who was one of the park’s main wolf biologists.
BSCKids: Lastly, I would love to end with something for our younger readers. Sometimes, when we look at the challenges facing our planet, it can feel like making a difference is something only adults can do. But even the smallest actions can have an impact. What would you say to a child who has just finished one of your books and wants to begin their own journey toward helping protect our natural world?
Medina: I encourage kids to follow their heart and find an environmental issue or animal that they really care about and want to protect. You don’t have to do something huge to make a difference. It’s important to remember that even the little things you do to help protect animals and their homes matter. And when others join in, you’d be amazed at how much more you can do together!
If you need help, contact Green Kids Club! We’re here to support you as you get started.
From the frozen landscapes of the Arctic to the remarkable animals whose real-life experiences have inspired some of her most emotional stories, Sylvia M. Medina’s journey with Green Kids Club is one that continues to grow with each new adventure.
And while the stories themselves may take readers to very different corners of the world, there is something particularly meaningful about the message at the heart of her work. That no matter how young someone may be, there is always an opportunity to learn, to care and to make a difference in the world around them.
Perhaps one of the most interesting things to come out of our conversation was just how personal many of these stories are to Medina herself. Whether it was the birth of her twins that first inspired Green Kids Club, her experiences encountering animals such as Grizzly 399 and Molelo, or the new stories she is continuing to develop, it is clear that the inspiration behind her work extends far beyond the pages of a book.
And with upcoming projects exploring the story of Kabosu, the dog who became an internet sensation, alongside stories about wild horses and Yellowstone’s wolves, it certainly sounds as though there are plenty of new adventures still waiting to be told.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Sylvia M. Medina for taking the time to speak with us and for sharing so much about her work, experiences and the stories behind Green Kids Club.
For families looking to discover more about Green Kids Club and its collection of children’s books, be sure to visit the official Green Kids Club website to learn more about the stories and adventures awaiting young readers.
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