Skip to content

Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children's Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children's Literature Hardcover -

by Liam Heneghan


From the publisher

Talking lions, philosophical bears, very hungry caterpillars, wise spiders, altruistic trees, companionable moles, urbane elephants: this is the magnificent menagerie that delights our children at bedtime. Within the entertaining pages of many children's books, however, also lie profound teachings about the natural world that can help children develop an educated and engaged appreciation of the dynamic environment they inhabit. In Beasts at Bedtime, scientist (and father) Liam Heneghan examines the environmental underpinnings of children's stories. From Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter, Heneghan unearths the universal insights into our inextricable relationship with nature that underlie so many classic children's stories. Some of the largest environmental challenges in coming years--from climate instability, the extinction crisis, freshwater depletion, and deforestation--are likely to become even more severe as this generation of children grows up. Though today's young readers will bear the brunt of these environmental calamities, they will also be able to contribute to environmental solutions if prepared properly. And all it takes is an attentive eye: Heneghan shows how the nature curriculum is already embedded in bedtime stories, from the earliest board books like The Rainbow Fish to contemporary young adult classics like The Hunger Games. Beasts at Bedtime is an awakening to the vital environmental education children's stories can provide--from the misadventures of The Runaway Bunny to more overt tales like The Lorax. Heneghan serves as our guide, drawing richly upon his own adolescent and parental experiences, as well as his travels in landscapes both experienced and imagined. Organized into thematic sections, the work winds its way through literary forests, colorful characters, and global environments. This book enthralls as it engages. Heneghan as a guide is as charming as he is insightful, showing how kids (and adults) can start to experience the natural world in incredible ways from the comfort of their own rooms. Beasts at Bedtime will help parents, teachers, and guardians extend those cozy times curled up together with a good book into a lifetime of caring for our planet.

Details

  • Title Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children's Literature
  • Author Liam Heneghan
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Pages 338
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher University of Chicago Press
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780226431383 / 022643138X
  • Weight 1.35 lbs (0.61 kg)
  • Dimensions 8 x 6.4 x 1.4 in (20.32 x 16.26 x 3.56 cm)
  • Themes
    • Topical: Ecology
  • Library of Congress subjects Ecology in literature, Children's literature - History and criticism
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2017051961
  • Dewey Decimal Code 809.892

Media reviews

Citations

  • Choice, 11/01/2018, Page 0

About the author

Liam Heneghan is professor and chair of environmental science and studies at DePaul University. He is a Dubliner, an occasional poet, a tin whistle player, and a father of two grown children to whom he read every night of their early years.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children’s Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children’s Literature

by Heneghan, Liam

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used: Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780226431383
ISBN 10
022643138X
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$27.34
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
University of Chicago Press, 2018-05-15. Hardcover. Used: Good.
Item Price
$27.34
FREE shipping to USA
Beasts at Bedtime  Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Classic Children`s Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Beasts at Bedtime Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Classic Children`s Literature

by Heneghan, Liam

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780226431383
ISBN 10
022643138X
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$36.29
$12.80 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Univ of Chicago Pr, 2018. Hardcover. New. 1st edition. 338 pages. 8.50x6.50x1.25 inches.
Item Price
$36.29
$12.80 shipping to USA
Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children's Literature

Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children's Literature

by Liam Heneghan

  • New
  • Hardcover
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780226431383
ISBN 10
022643138x
Quantity Available
10
Seller
Southport, Merseyside, United Kingdom
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$36.65
$12.74 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Hardback. New. In Beasts at Bedtime, scientist (and father) Liam Heneghan examines the environmental underpinnings of children's stories.
Item Price
$36.65
$12.74 shipping to USA
Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children’s Literature
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Beasts at Bedtime: Revealing the Environmental Wisdom in Children’s Literature

by Heneghan, Liam

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used:Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780226431383
ISBN 10
022643138X
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$31.19
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
University of Chicago Press, 2018-05-15. Hardcover. Used:Good.
Item Price
$31.19
FREE shipping to USA