Purpose of the Session

This hands-on workshop will train participants to develop engaging coloring and activity books focused on birds, biodiversity, and local natural heritage. Participants will learn how to create fun, educational, and age-appropriate activities while exploring ways to adapt content for different audiences and communities.

Background and Rationale

Coloring and activity books are an effective and scalable tool for environmental education, helping connect children and families with local biodiversity through creative learning. Over the past several years, Les Fruits de Mer has developed and distributed more than 50 books about the nature and heritage of St. Martin, with over 50,000 copies distributed to schools and communities. These books have proven highly successful in fostering curiosity, environmental awareness, and pride in local ecosystems and culture.

Books provide a cost-effective way to bring nature education directly into homes and classrooms while supporting literacy, creativity, and long-term engagement with conservation. They can also help inspire future careers in science, conservation, education, and nature-based tourism. By making biodiversity accessible and enjoyable, these resources can strengthen community connections to nature and encourage lasting conservation values.

This workshop builds on a successful session held at the 2024 BirdsCaribbean Conference and will provide new participants—as well as past attendees seeking a refresher—with practical guidance, resources, and support for developing their own educational books and activities.

Session Objectives

• Train participants in developing coloring and activity books focused on birds and biodiversity
• Guide participants in identifying themes, educational objectives, and target audiences
• Build skills for creating engaging, age-appropriate educational activities
• Share practical resources and approaches for book development and production
• Encourage participants to develop and adapt book projects for their own islands and communities

Session Structure and Format

This interactive workshop will combine short presentations, hands-on activity development, and group sharing sessions. Participants will receive Booktastic!, a specialized workbook designed to guide them through developing a book concept, creating educational activities, and identifying useful design and production resources.

Throughout the workshop, participants will work on developing a variety of activity types while receiving feedback and support from facilitators and peers. Examples of previously developed books and workshop resources will be shared to inspire ideas and demonstrate different approaches.

Pre-workshop communication may include optional preparation materials and access to digital resources, although the workshop is designed to be fully self-contained. Additional support and guidance may also be available during and after the conference to help participants continue developing their projects.

Target Audience

Researchers, conservation practitioners, NGOs, government agencies, educators, outreach professionals, students, early-career professionals, ecotourism and bird guides, and members of the general public.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased participant skills in developing educational books and activities
• Greater capacity to create engaging biodiversity education materials across the Caribbean
• Expanded access to practical book-making resources and templates
• New collaborations and connections among educators, conservation practitioners, and artists
• Development of new educational materials that promote appreciation and conservation of Caribbean birds and biodiversity