I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to a great many who have supported and inspired this project.
First, the African Climate Alliance youth showed me what this is really all about. It was my honor to be of service to their media team. Next, Milandi Coetzer’s contributions go beyond her extraordinary illustrations turning idea into image. Thank you for persevering through vision & revision.
This book may not have happened without Steve and Jennifer Curwood’s friendship and hospitality. Steve’s relentless, pioneering efforts reporting on climate and environmental justice for Living on Earth span more than three decades. His work is an inspiration to me and many others in independent media.
Rev. Berry Behr provided priceless insights from her interfaith/environmental perspective – plus countless hours reading drafts. Thanks to Rev. Rachel Mash for her enthusiasm and encouragement. Sam Ford provided great insight into publishing and storytelling. He, along with Henry Jenkins, brought an appreciation for how stories can guide society. Douglas Green, an old friend, child psychotherapist and children's book author, played a crucial part as this came together. Katherine
Duff Smith introduced me to The Lorax in addition to many other contributions. Marina Gipps has
been an indispensable sounding board from the start. Ferline Tiard insisted that I could not be possessed by this vision without having the ability to manifest it. Kendall Buster and Christine Taylor-Butler helped me get the meter for my rhymes in proper rhythm. Finally, Ledelle Moe has never wavered in her faith in what has been an arduous creative adventure. A pat on the head for Tula, too!
Any writer is grievously handicapped without a great editor. I’ve had the good fortune of having several. Erica Green lifted this up from initial incoherence. Rose Alexandre-Leach took this to completion. Then, Diana Vives, artist extraordinaire and environmental action advocate, brought the gift of her many insights. Thanks to all for providing the focus necessary for realizing this vision.
-CL