It is perhaps an unfortunate coincidence that even as need to instill the next generation with a sense of connection to the natural world becomes increasingly important, the ability to nurture this type of connection and sense of responsibility in children has perhaps become more and more difficult in proportion. Mediated as we are by our technology and with the boundaries of the “real” wilderness receding ever further from our front doors, by what means can we best relate the importance of  protecting a seemingly alien ecology, upon which we nevertheless depend?

With his recent book Beasts at Bedtime, University of DePaul Professor of Environmental Science Liam Heneghan offers one answer – one that is right under our noses, deeply infused in the tales that delight our children at bedtime.

In his book Heneghan unearths the universal insights into our inextricable relationship with nature that underlie so many classic children’s stories from Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter, showing how kids (and adults) can start to experience the natural world in incredible ways from the comfort of their own rooms.

Recently Heneghan stopped by WBEZ’s Worldview to discuss the vital environmental education children’s stories can provide with host Jerome McDonnell. The show aired Tuesday but the archived audio is available now on the WBEZ website or itunes.

And don’t miss the BBC radio 4’s Open Book on August 28th as Heneghan joins host Alex Clark to discuss “why children’s writers have been so drawn to trees and forests.”

Heneghan was also recently invited to discuss his book on BYU Radio’s Thinking Aloud. Get the audio at the BYU Radio website.

Also check out these links to Heneghan’s other writing around the web including for the City Creatures blog and Aeon.