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Self-Produced Ocean Picture Book "Come Play with Us" Expands Appreciation for the Ocean's Impact

The Radiant Education Foundation is situated in the harbor city of Kaohsiung. Committed to its mission of promoting environmental education, the Foundation aligns its initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In the realm of marine sustainability, it advances marine education through illustrated books. From 2024 to 2026, the Foundation will implement a publishing plan, releasing one book each year, with the themes "Lagoon, Harbor, and Ocean Current" serving as the focal points of the illustrated series. This year, in collaboration with the Dandelion Reading Promotion Association and the local nonprofit bookstore, Little House Bookstore, we are pleased to announce the publication of the ocean-themed picture book "Come Play with Us" for the first time. This book features picture book artist Chun Nan, and picture book author Ming Fang Hsieh, resulting in an ecological picture book titled "Come Play with Us" . The book explores the vital transition zone between the ocean and land, known as the "lagoon." It is hoped that through a delicate and engaging narrative, both adults and children will be prompted to reconnect with the relationship between our lives and the ocean, thus fostering a deeper understanding of, concern for, and love for the ocean.

Subsequently, we collaborated with the Kaohsiung City Lee Ko-Yung Memorial Library to organize the exhibition "Nan Jun Picture Book Original Art Exhibition:"Come Play with Us" ‒ Encountering the Ocean in the City Center." Through the display of original illustrations, we aimed to enhance public understanding of the unique coastal topography of the southern region, specifically the "lagoon" featured in the book. While enjoying the reading experience, the public also learned about various ecological species, including birds, and became more aware of the importance of ecological conservation.

During the original art exhibition, we organized a recruitment and training program for the "Radiant Little Water Drop Story Volunteers" to bring the ocean closer to the public in the city center. Through more than 20 community storytelling sessions, we shared the spirit of love for the ocean embodied in " Come Play with Us " with a broader audience. At the same time, there were as many as 20 visits from schools and organizations, during which trained volunteers shared the story of " Come Play with Us " and conducted exhibitions.

2024 – Sea You Again Infinite Love for the Ocean Action Plan — Marine Conservation × Picture-Book Reading × Educational Practice

Taiwan is surrounded by the sea on all sides, and Kaohsiung is a port city, yet the public’s relationship with the ocean often remains a familiar stranger. In 2024, Radiant continues to use picture books as a medium for environmental education. This year, it organized marine-themed picture-book workshops in conjunction with the debut of its original ocean-themed picture book, "Come Play with Us". Enrichment workshops for early childhood educators have been designed with engaging and creative lessons, leveraging the expertise of preschool teachers to integrate marine environmental education into early learning, anchoring the concept of ocean sustainability in young minds.

This year, through the efforts of 25 participating schools, the “Love the Sea” campaign reached over 3,000 individuals. A professional panel selected three outstanding proposals, and the initiative was shared with even more participants—inviting everyone to act and restore the ocean’s deep blue beauty!

2022 Love for the Ocean Action Plan shared here:  https://reurl.cc/Z1vzvA
2023 Love for the Ocean Action Plan shared here: https://reurl.cc/67yxY6
2024 Love for the Ocean Action Plan shared here: https://reurl.cc/V0mZ5y

Cooperation Partners

Transportation Bureau of Kaohsiung City Government, Bureau of Cultural Affairs of Kaohsiung City Government, The Pier-2 Art Center, National Science and Technology Museum, RE-THINK Environmental Education Association, Taiwan Environmental Information Association, Blue Ocean Alliance, Kaohsiung Municipal Ming Cheng Primary School, Kaohsiung Municipal Cian Jhen Primary School, Action Corporation, You Meng Creation Co., Ltd., WECAN Construction Co. Ltd., W.Can Design Co. Ltd.