JOHNMUIR 5

This competition ends on 10 April 2014.

A graphic novel based upon the life of pioneering conservationist John Muir was launched by Scottish Book Trust today, with free copies going to every secondary school in Scotland, for use by S1, S2 and S3 pupils.

Muir, a Scottish born inventor, naturalist, artist, mountaineer, geologist, glaciologist and writer, spent his life exploring wild places and was the founding father of national parks in America. Through the graphic novel, entitled John Muir, Earth – Planet, Universe, Scottish Book Trust hopes to ensure that his legacy is also upheld in Scotland, the land of his birth.

Written by award-winning author Julia Bertagna and illustrated by Glasgow-based artist William Goldsmith, the novel is based on the key moments and life adventures of John Muir and is intended to help children develop a deeper understanding and awareness of the natural environment and the importance of protecting wild places. With the assistance of Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Eco-Schools Scotland programme, a class set of 24 copies will be distributed to every secondary school in Scotland this month to coincide with the opening of the John Muir Way by the First Minister on the 21 April 2014.

There will also be an accessible pdf version of John Muir, Earth – Planet, Universe available to download as well as teaching support notes and pupil activities which accompany the book. Click Here for the pdf.

The novel was developed in partnership with John Muir Trust, Creative Scotland, Education Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage and in consultation with teachers and school pupils. It combines environmental studies with literacy in an innovative way that hasn’t previously been implemented in Scotland, and is supported by accompanying online resources for teachers. As well as literacy, the novel will cover many other aspects of the Curriculum for Excellence, such as citizenship, outdoor learning and health and well being.

Commenting on the use of graphic novels as a way of engaging pupils in learning, Marc Lambert, Director of Scottish Book Trust, said:-“The importance of taking care of the planet for future generations is one of the most vital lessons our children can learn. Telling the story of John Muir’s life and thoughts through the highly accessible and entertaining form of a graphic novel allows us to reclaim a Scottish hero and helps children to develop a deeper understanding of the key environmental issues he campaigned for, in a creative and enjoyable way.”

John Muir’s great, great grandson, Robert Hanna said: –“John Muir’s passion and commitment to protecting and preserving the outdoors continues to inspire so many of us today. Every single one of us can contribute to his vision by protecting and enjoying the places we love and our actions now will speak to all future generations.”

Janet Archer, CEO of Creative Scotland commented: -“We’re delighted to work in partnership with Scottish Book Trust, John Muir Trust, Education Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage to bring John Muir’s story to the children of Scotland.  We hope that the graphic novel, created by contemporary artists, about John Muir, an accomplished artist in his own right, will educate and inspire the children on the issues of our natural environment and the importance of protecting wild places.”

Pete Rawcliffe, Scottish Natural Heritage’s People & Places Unit Manager, said:-“The values which John Muir held dear – how much nature gives us and how important it is to protect it – ring as true today as they did in Muir’s day. Outdoor learning and play is important in giving our young people the best start in life and supporting their education. This lively, fun book is a terrific tool to get children thinking and talking about nature, and to encourage them to enjoy the great outdoors. The wonderful stories and drawings certainly made me keen to get out and see more of Scotland’s nature myself!”

All of these lovely photos above and below are by Rob McDougall. Pupils from Dunbar Grammar School enjoyed an advance read of the John Muir graphic novel in the ruins of Dunbar Castle, one of the famous conservationist’s childhood haunts.

So now to our competition – Just answer the question below and win one of three copies of this lovely book that the Scottish Book Trust have given us to hand out as prizes.

Perhaps you would take a moment to subscribe to The Edinburgh Reporter daily email as well!

The competition runs until 10 April 2014 at 5pm.  Good Luck!

JOHNMUIR 4 JOHNMUIR 3 JOHNMUIR 2 FREE TO USE - JOHN MUIR GRAPHIC NOVEL LAUNCH

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Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.