Once Upon the Future is an anthology of fictional stories written for children age 7-12 inspired by the research of six sustainability scientists. Each story is sprinkled with humor and magical realism, enlivened with beautiful illustrations, and complemented by educational resources. Using simple yet vibrant language, the stories convey insights on circular food economies, rural development and cultural textile traditions, forest commoning practices, biodiversity conservation and regeneration, youth in urban governance, and the importance of values and imagination for sustainability leadership.
Close your eyes. Imagine you're sitting around the fire in the forest. Firelight dances over your face, sparks float in the darkness, and the magic of storytelling begins...
Join Charlie, a big nosed carrot, as he battles the gang of plastic bottles and searches for the great compost heap. [The Magic Jumble by Anastasia Papangelou]
Follow Alma and Helio as they discover magical creatures and secret natural realms, while searching for the Skunk Cabbage, rare plant that can save their forest from destruction. [Alma in the Woods by Angela Moriggi]
Meet Olivia who never spends time outdoors until a new classmate from a distant land shows her the joy of street play. [The City's Heartbeat by Lorena Axinte]
Gather around the campfire to hear one-eyed Aunt Bloom tell stories of a secret society - the Cosmos Mariners - who battle the Hungry Ghosts destroying our planet. [The Legend of the Cosmos Mariners by Kelli Rose Pearson]
Go through a magic portal into the Wood Wide Web with Brunaia - a girl who has fused with a young oak tree to restore the lost equilibrium between humans and forests. [Brunaia by Marta Nieto Romero]
Attend a fashion show with young Jaime, who has put his reputation on the line to show off his grandmother's traditional linen.[Fashionista Jamie by Alessandro Vasta]
