GENRE: STEM/STEAM, Non-Fiction, Biography
WORDS: 290
Query:
Dear Judges, Agents, Editors and Art Directors,
I am excited to share with you a real David and Goliath story, that is the perfect antidote to those experiencing eco-anxiety.
When birds are pushed to the edge of extinction, so that their feathers can be used to decorate hats, three women who love birds start a 32-year fight against the fashion industry to save them.
Emily, Etta and Eliza: The Women Who Saved A Million Birds (290 words) is a story about standing up for what you believe in and trusting that you have the power to make a difference. At a time in history when women weren’t allowed to vote, and their expected role in society was that of homemaker, these early icons of animal rights activism managed to change the minds and habits of society to save the species they loved. They took on a Goliath — the fashion industry and won. I believe this message of empowerment is vital, now more than ever, when many children are experiencing eco-anxiety and are wondering whether they have the power to action change. Strengthening children’s sense of agency is one of the best antidotes to anxiety.
My story will appeal to children who are driven to protect the animals they love, as in Shark Lady: The True Story of how Eugenie Clark Became The Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist (written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns), and are inspired to change the world, as in Little People Big Dreams: Emmeline Pankhurst (written by Lisbeth Kaiser and illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo).
In my former career as an environmental lawyer, fighting to change the law to protect the natural world was what got me out of bed in the morning. I now run a small wildlife charity. I began writing and illustrating stories to engage children as part of our educational outreach project. I regularly visit schools to speak to children about the environment and writing. I raise funds for wildlife conservation initiatives from my self-published book sales. I am a member of SCBWI, and several critique groups. I achieved a PBParty Honorable Mention in 2023.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I have a dummy available and back matter that includes a timeline and fun birds facts.
Excerpt:
Emily’s friends had feathers.
She loved to watch them soar, swoop and sing.
But not everyone loved birds the way Emily did.
Some preferred to see them plucked, pinned and primped.
‘How fantastic.’ How fabulous.’ ‘How fashionable.’
But Emily disagreed. Feathers belonged on birds, not on fancy hats.
As more and more hats were made, fewer and fewer birds were left.
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
I’m a mad keen bird watcher and was amazed to find out that a charity I had been a member of for years was founded by three incredible women, in response to the damage being caused by the fashion industry on the environment. This is a real David and Goliath story and it fills me with hope. Emily, Etta and Eliza have largely been forgotten by history and I feel the story of these remarkable women deserves to be told.
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