Series description: The colors on Z's planet are fading...fast! Join Z and friends as they explore nature, learning important lessons about themselves, each other and the world around them as we work together to bring color back to Z's planet. Our young storybook characters model a nature-based, play-based learning approach for supporting children's social emotional development and well-being. Each story is followed by child-centered activities that reinforce learning themes.
Each story's theme and corresponding color are taken Empathy in Nature's learning framework. Z (and readers!) collect colors with each new lesson on Earth until Z is ready to bring the colors back home.
In our first adventure, Z lands on the wondrous and colorful planet Earth. Z is welcomed by a Wise Tree and other forest friends. In "Z and the Wise Tree," we explore the color green and what it means to be connected to nature. Children will learn about curiosity, problem solving, regulation strategies, and resilience as Z models the first steps of a new exciting adventure.
This heartfelt and fun-filled series entertains and empowers children, caregivers, families, and educators. We welcome you to learn and play, we'll do our best to guide your way!
Angie Giovannini is an accomplished author and non-profit leader, dedicated to creating social and emotional, nature-based storybooks for young children. Her career journey is as diverse as it is impactful, marked by her deep commitment to various causes and her extensive experience in marketing and program development.
For nearly a decade, Angie served as the Vice President of a leading marketing agency. During this time, she was instrumental in integrating a transformative social and emotional learning (SEL) program that profoundly influenced her perspective. This program's success, particularly in educational settings, inspired Angie to pivot towards a new mission: making SEL accessible to all children, especially those in under-resourced communities.
Motivated by the remarkable feedback from educators who witnessed significant positive changes in their classrooms, Angie founded a non-profit organization. This organization is dedicated to bringing nature-based SEL to young learners, fostering emotional growth and resilience through the wonders of the natural world.
Angie's unique blend of academic excellence, professional experience, and passion for social and emotional development positions her as a leading voice in children's literature. Her storybooks not only entertain but also empower young minds, nurturing empathy, self-awareness, and a deep connection to nature.
