Through the telling of stories crafted to inspire love, understanding, and advocacy for wildlife, veterinary neurosurgeon and conservation photographer Rick LeCouteur’s journey has evolved beyond clinics and teaching, into the enchanting realm of children's literature, including his new children’s book Nasty Names Are Hurtful: An Australian White Ibis in the City. Through his stories about animals, Rick seeks to cultivate in young readers a sense of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility towards the natural world.
With his unique perspective, Rick blends his expertise in conservation photography, digital art, wildlife expeditions, and a career as a veterinarian to create captivating stories that educate and inspire young readers.
You can learn more in this interview.
Why did you start writing children's books?
I started writing children's books because I wanted to share my passions for wildlife, the environment, and conservation in a way that could inspire and educate the next generation. Growing up surrounded by books instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of stories to spark curiosity and imagination.
As a veterinarian, conservationist, and photographer, I’ve always been drawn to the natural world. I realized that through picture books, I could use my experiences and wildlife photographs to create realistic, engaging, and educational narratives that highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet. These stories also allow me to explore important themes like resilience, diversity, and environmental stewardship.
Children's books are a way to connect with young readers and their families, planting seeds of curiosity and awareness about the world around them. It’s incredibly rewarding to think that my stories might inspire a child to care for animals, protect the environment, or simply find joy in the natural world.
How does your background in veterinary medicine affect your message about animal conservation?
My background in veterinary medicine profoundly shapes my message about animal conservation by grounding it in a deep understanding of animal health, behavior, and ecosystems. Here’s how it influences my approach:
Firsthand Knowledge of Animal Welfare
Veterinary training has given me insight into the physical and psychological needs of animals, helping me communicate why their welfare matters.
My experience with both domestic and wild animals allows me to highlight the interconnectedness of animal health, human health, and environmental health (the "One Health" concept).
Understanding Ecosystem Interdependence
Working in rural and diverse settings has shown me how species rely on one another and their environments. This understanding allows me to emphasize the ripple effects of losing even one species in an ecosystem.
Highlighting the Human-Animal Bond
As a veterinarian, I’ve witnessed how people value their relationships with animals. I aim to extend this empathy to wildlife, encouraging people to see all animals as worthy of care and protection.
Practical Conservation Efforts
My experience has equipped me to speak about practical actions, such as habitat restoration, responsible wildlife tourism, and reducing human-wildlife conflict. I incorporate these real-world solutions into my messaging to inspire actionable change.
Educational Storytelling
Using veterinary case studies and firsthand encounters, I can craft authentic, compelling stories for children's books, blogs, or lectures. These narratives not only educate but also emotionally engage people with conservation issues.
Credibility in Advocacy
As a veterinarian, I bring scientific credibility to discussions about conservation. This allows me to bridge the gap between science and storytelling, making complex topics accessible to a wider audience.
Empathy for Animals in Crisis
My hands-on experience with injured or endangered animals gives me a unique perspective on the urgent need for conservation. I can vividly convey these experiences to inspire compassion and action in others.
Ultimately, veterinary medicine has provided me with both the knowledge and the emotional drive to advocate for conservation. It helps me deliver a message rooted in science but amplified by storytelling, empathy, and a genuine love for animals and the natural world.
Why is it important to encourage young children to be aware of topics such as the environment and conservation?
Encouraging young children to be aware of topics like the environment and conservation is essential because it lays the foundation for lifelong habits, values, and a sense of
responsibility.
Instilling Early Values: Young children are highly impressionable and form their values during early developmental stages. Teaching them about the importance of the environment fosters respect and care for nature, which can last a lifetime.
Building Awareness: Understanding how their actions impact the environment helps children make informed choices. Awareness at a young age empowers them to take small but meaningful steps, such as recycling, conserving water, or planting trees.
Creating Future Stewards: Children who grow up with a strong sense of environmental responsibility are more likely to become adults who advocate for sustainable practices and influence others to do the same.
Developing Problem-Solving Skills: Introducing children to environmental challenges, such as pollution or climate change, encourages them to think critically and creatively about solutions. This can help them become proactive problem solvers in the future.
Fostering Empathy and Connection: Learning about conservation helps children develop empathy for other living beings and understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems. This connection can motivate them to care for the planet and its inhabitants.
Encouraging Resilience and Action: By teaching children that they can make a difference - whether by protecting wildlife, reducing waste, or advocating for cleaner energy - they learn resilience and the importance of taking action in the face of challenges.
Preparing for the Future: As environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss become more pressing, equipping children with knowledge and eco-friendly habits prepares them to navigate and contribute positively to a world that will increasingly need sustainable practices.
Engaging young children with these topics through picture books make learning fun and impactful, fostering a generation that values and protects the planet.
What ways can families get kids involved in supporting more eco-friendly behaviors?
Families play a crucial role in teaching eco-friendly behaviors to children, through hands-on involvement and modeling sustainable practices.
Lead by Example
Show children how to recycle, compost, conserve water, and reduce energy usage.
Use reusable shopping bags, bottles, and containers to demonstrate waste reduction.
Choose public transport, biking, or walking instead of driving when possible.
Engage in Fun, Eco-Friendly Activities
Gardening: Let kids help plant and care for a garden, emphasizing native plants and pollinator-friendly flowers.
DIY Projects: Make crafts using recycled materials to teach the value of repurposing.
Outdoor Exploration: Take family hikes, beach cleanups, or nature walks to connect kids with the environment.
Make Conservation a Game
Create challenges like "Who can turn off the most lights?" or "How little waste can we produce this week?"
Use apps or charts to track eco-friendly actions, rewarding kids for consistent efforts.
Teach Recycling and Composting
Set up a recycling station at home and involve kids in sorting materials.
Start a compost bin and explain how it reduces food waste while enriching the soil.
Discuss and Reduce Energy Use
Teach kids to turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use.
Encourage activities like reading or playing outside instead of screen time to save electricity.
Reduce Waste Together
Involve kids in meal planning to reduce food waste and teach about portion sizes.
Organize a family “no-buy” month, focusing on reusing and repairing instead of purchasing new items.
Support Wildlife
Build a birdhouse or bee hotel with your child to provide habitats for local wildlife.
Participate in citizen science projects like bird counts or butterfly tracking.
Choose Eco-Friendly Products
Shop together for sustainable goods and explain why you’re choosing them (e.g., bamboo toothbrushes, cloth napkins).
Let kids help pick out reusable lunch containers or water bottles.
Teach About Water Conservation
Encourage shorter showers and turning off taps while brushing teeth.
Use buckets to collect rainwater for gardening and explain its importance.
Participate in Community Efforts
Join neighborhood cleanup events, tree-planting drives, or environmental workshops.
Engage kids in local recycling programs or initiatives, such as donating old toys or clothes.
Involve Kids in Environmental Education
Watch documentaries or read books about the environment and conservation together.
Create projects, like building a solar oven or studying renewable energy.
Celebrate Eco-Friendly Milestones
Celebrate Earth Day as a family with specific activities like litter-picking or planting a tree.
Mark milestones like “100 days of turning off lights” with a family outing.
By making eco-friendly practices engaging and accessible, families can nurture environmental stewardship in children while spending quality time together.
About Dr. Rick LeCouteur
Based on a childhood spent immersed in the rustic charm of rural Australia, Rick’s love for animals blossomed into a lifelong career as a veterinary educator, conservation photographer and advocate for animal well-being.
Currently, as director of education for a company dedicated to introducing people to the wonders of wildlife in remote locations, Rick shares his love and knowledge of animals with enthusiasts of all ages.
Through the telling of stories crafted to inspire love, understanding, and advocacy for wildlife, Rick’s journey has evolved beyond clinics and teaching, into the enchanting realm of children's literature. Through his stories about animals, such as in his new book, Nasty Names Are Hurtful, Rick seeks to cultivate in young readers a sense of curiosity, empathy, and responsibility toward the natural world.
Moreover, Rick’s narratives serve as a clarion call for environmental stewardship in the face of climate challenges. Rick believes that by nurturing young minds with the mystery and fascination of animals, we can sow the seeds of compassion and a deep reverence for the delicate balance of life on our planet. Through his stories and illustrations, Rick hopes to kindle imagination in young hearts and to inspire a new generation of animal lovers and conservationists.
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