A splash of paint, a place to sit, a popup park or playground bring life and a sense of fun to our cities.Neighborhoods where people look out for each other, eat together, make art and build community are healthier, happier, greener and cleaner. Journey around the world to discover how people have been dreaming up new ways to ensure their cities and neighbourhoods are creative, inclusive and environmentally sustainable.These placemaking ideas can be big ― like the skateboard park built on the grounds of an orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya ― or small ― like the painted rock snake that winds along a beach in Toronto, Ontario. Together, we can create public spaces where everyone belongs. Includes a list of ideas for children to get involved in their neighborhoods, along with a glossary and sources for further reading. The ThinkCities series is inspired by the urgency for new approaches to city life as a result of climate change, population growth and increased density. It highlights the challenges and risks cities face, but also offers hope for building resilience, sustainability and quality of life as young people advocate for themselves and their communities.
Andrea Curtis Books
Andrea Curtis crafts compelling narratives drawn from real-life events and profound human experiences. Her writing explores themes of survival, community resilience, and the search for connection, whether delving into historical shipwrecks or contemporary social issues. Curtis excels at transforming complex subjects into accessible and thought-provoking stories that resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Her work is characterized by its meticulous research and its ability to illuminate the enduring power of the human spirit.




City of Water
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
"This narrative nonfiction book explores the water system as it affects cities. The narrative tracks our water from its source, moving through pipes and treatment facilities into our taps and fire hydrants, our pools and toilets, then out through storm and sewer systems. It takes a fun, engaged approach that emphasizes the experience of kids and how they relate to water. The underlying message is one of conservation and the importance of equitable access to this vital resource."-- Provided by publisher
A Forest in the City
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
This beautiful book of narrative non-fiction looks at the urban forest and dives into the question of how we can live in harmony with city trees.
Stadt, Land, Wasser
Von der Quelle bis ins Haus
Stadt, Land, Wasser zeichnet den Weg des Wassers von fernen Seen, Flüssen und Quellen durch Rohre und Aufbereitungsanlagen bis in unsere Häuser nach – und wieder zurück: durch Abwassersysteme und Kläranlagen in Flüsse und Seen. Unterwegs erfahren wir, wie die Wasserversorgung früher aussah und wie sie heute in verschiedenen Teilen der Welt funktioniert. Die frischen und fröhlichen Illustrationen laden ein, sich mit dem wichtigen Thema Wasser in all seinen Facetten zu beschäftigen. Mit einfachen und praktischen Tipps, wie Kinder und ihre Familien Wasser sparen und schützen können. Wasser ist kostbar!