For more than 30 years, Kottie Christie-Blick stood before elementary students, transforming science lessons into moments of wonder. Now retired from the classroom, she's channeling that same magic into children's literature with her debut science book, "Too Much Quiet," published by NSTA Kids, and recently chosen by the Children’s Book Council as an anticipated best seller for December 2025.

The book follows second-grader Patsy Beth and her classmates as they discover an unsettling silence in nature - the birds have stopped singing. Through colorful illustrations by Kris Dresen, young readers explore climate change and discover how even small actions can make a difference.

"One of my very favorite days in teaching was when one of the kids said, 'Ms. Christie-Blick, we didn't work at all today. We just played all day,'" Christie-Blick recalled. "He then turned to me and said, 'You tricked us into learning something. And we didn't even realize, and it wasn't even painful.'"

That idea - making learning feel like play - permeates every page of "Too Much Quiet."

Getting Acclimated

Christie-Blick's journey from educator to author was shaped by decades of teaching, combined with extensive travel that opened her eyes to climate change's global impact. A pivotal moment came in 2008, during a visit to Norway, where Al Gore had recently won the Nobel Peace Prize.

"The entire second floor was dedicated to the connection between climate change and world peace," she said. "I ended up spending four hours there."

As a 2011-2012 Fulbright teacher in South Africa, Christie-Blick witnessed firsthand how climate change affects different regions. During a recent trip to Australia, she learned that California and Australia once shared firefighting aircraft because their fire seasons were offset. Climate change has lengthened both seasons, making that arrangement impossible.

"Everywhere I go, I ask about the weather and if it is ‘normal’" she said. "And so often the answer is no. This is very, very different."

Addressing Climate Anxiety

Writing a children's book about climate change requires a delicate balance - acknowledging the reality without overwhelming young readers. Christie-Blick, who also teaches an online course on the subject for the University of San Diego, was acutely aware of this challenge.

"Children are finding out about climate change anyway. They overhear it in the news. They overhear parents and people talking," she said. "So, we need to help them understand it at an age-appropriate level."

The book's format provides comfort around a topic known to elicit strong feelings. The story is lighthearted, featuring funny moments that capture how children naturally see the world. But it doesn't shy away from difficult emotions. Patsy Beth initially wants to ignore the problem, closing her eyes and ears to block it out.

"She realizes very quickly that ignoring it doesn't change anything. So, she needs to take some action," Christie-Blick said.

Patsy Beth is moved to consult with Peter Piper, a local nursery owner, about native plants that would attract birds back to the school grounds. When she tries to pay him, Peter Piper donates the greenery — showing how businesses, small and large, can support environmental stewardship efforts.

The book emphasizes that children have power, even if through what most would consider small actions. Patsy Beth can't choose solar panels or decide what car her parents drive, but she can turn off lights and power down computers.

"A big part of that is not the fact that she turns off the light in her kitchen, but rather that she's made her family members more mindful of electricity," Christie-Blick explained.

When students question whether their small actions matter, she believes that educators should encourage them to think bigger.

"What you're really trying to do is make students mindful so they will make everybody else they come into contact with mindful," she said.

The Start of a Series

"Too Much Quiet" is just the beginning of Christie-Blick’s foray into writing. The book ends with a teaser for the next installment: "Too Much Stink," which will focus on another way to be better to the planet we call home: composting.

Christie-Blick plans to eventually feature Patsy Beth's kindergarten brother, Jay, who carries a toy dinosaur throughout "Too Much Quiet." His book will explore why dinosaurs became extinct and draw parallels to current climate change.

Christie-Blick's son created a website for Too Much Quiet that features resources appropriate for young learners. The author also partnered with Van Houten Farms, which will donate native plants to a local school and honor discount coupons featured in the story.

This real-world connection exemplifies Christie-Blick's broader strategy: meeting people where they are. If environmental actions also save money or boost business, the message becomes easier to hear.

When asked what she wants children to take away, Christie-Blick's answer was simple: "Be like Patsy Beth and Jay. Be curious. Number one, be courageous and then take action where it makes sense."

She reinforces the idea that children have unique power to influence adults who might dismiss scientists or politicians.

"They will listen to their children. Kids can take messages to the dinner table and have their parents listen - really listen," she said. "I know that their parents and the other adults in their lives really want the best for their future."

"Too Much Quiet" offers young readers - and the adults who love them - a way to understand and respond to climate change without feeling helpless. As Patsy Beth moves from concern to action, Christie-Blick shows that even the smallest voices can break through the silence.

The mission of NSTA is to transform science education to benefit all through professional learning, partnerships, and advocacy.