Art and heritage combine to inspire next generation of wildlife enthusiasts in Kilkenny

The Puffin Rock Wildlife Activity Book, a biodiversity-focused publication designed to help children engage with nature, was launched this week just in time for summer.

The book was produced in partnership by the Heritage Council and Cartoon Saloon, inspired by the artwork and message of the film ‘Puffin Rock and the New Friends’.

The activity book is available for teachers, parents and children to download from here and is a perfect way to bring the magic of Ireland's wild habitats into your home or school.

Through the Heritage Council’s heritage and biodiversity officer networks, free hard copies of the activity books are also available in county libraries throughout the country.

Young readers are guided throughout by the characters of Cartoon Saloon’s much loved Puffin Rock series, where they are invited to learn about the intricate relationships within and between habitats, and to understand what makes these environments such special homes for their inhabitants.

Speaking at the launch of the book at St Aidan’s National School in Kilmanagh, Co. Kilkenny, author of the book, Juanita Browne, said:

“It was such a pleasure to work with the Heritage Council and Cartoon Saloon on this project which aims to help everyone - from beginners to experts - to engage with nature. Children care deeply about the environment and it is up to us to harness their interest in accessible and entertaining ways. Books like this are important because they can act as a gateway for
children who are searching for ways to contribute to our habitats, and who just need a little bit of guidance.”

Cartoon Saloon illustrator, Enora Le Luherne, said:

“By allowing the characters of Puffin Rock guide the young readers, we hope this book enables them to share in the beauty and wonder of wildlife and our fragile habitats. The combination of activities and artwork will not only entertain but also bring important lessons about conservation and the natural world."

Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan said:

"We are currently fighting a battle to reverse the trends of biodiversity and habitat loss, but the real leaders are our young people who will go on to become the torchbearers of change. It's our responsibility now, to equip them with the tools they will need and to equip them in an accessible and optimistic way. The Puffin Rock Wildlife Activity Book and the accompanying
exhibition will both inspire and entertain our young heroes.”

The Puffin Rock Wildlife Activity Book is part of the wider Puffin Rock Habitats project – an interactive biodiversity exhibition currently touring the country, and which opens at the Mayfair Library in Kilkenny on May 11.

Marine biologist Tasneem Khan devised workshops to accompany the exhibition and
support the touring venues to activate the exhibition as a learning tool for their communities.
These innovative hands-on workshops will now be available to primary schools across the
country, through the Heritage Council’s Heritage in Schools Scheme.