Children’s book: Eco-words of wisdom

An expat novelist has created an Arab character in her new children's picture book to raise environmental awareness.

The book, titled Omar's Goats, is proof that a little child can make a big difference, author Kathy Hoopmann said.

In the book, which is published both in English and Arabic, Omar is a young Arab shepherd who asks local animals to help him collect trash which keeps hurting his grazing goats.

"If you don't teach children now that it is not right to pollute [the environment], they will do it as adults," said Hoopmann, an Australian novelist.

"There are six billion people in the world. Every time a child does not throw a piece of trash, it is less rubbish out there."

Trash inspiration

Hoopmann decided to write the book after seeing tourists trashing the UAE countryside.

"Trash travels across countries on winds. It flows out of wadis in streams. Once it hits the sea, it can go anywhere," she said.

Hoopmann targets children because "that is where learning starts".

Besides, they can make grown-ups think twice before chucking that coffee cup or sandwich wrap. "If your child says, ‘Mom, don't throw that!' you will listen, won't you?"

She is also working on an environmental handbook for teachers and parents.

"Although set in Arabia, the book has a wider potential: as expats take it to their home countries it can help foster cross-cultural understanding." she said.

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