Ganesha Goes Green Book Review & Activities

By Julie Yeros

Lakshmi Thamizhmani’s Ganesha Goes Green is a beautiful picture book introducing young readers to the importance of environmental consciousness through the beloved Hindu deity, Ganesha.

Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes; however, all opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and making a purchase, we receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. All proceeds help support our free global education website. Thank you!

Ganesha Goes Green

In the heart of her town’s Ganesha Chaturthi* festival, young Prema devises a creative solution to combat river pollution. Overcoming various challenges, she rallies her friends to join her in crafting natural clay Ganesha statues as an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional plaster ones that pose harm to the river when dissolved.

* Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and success. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi and can last up to 10 days during the Hindu Month of Bhadra, which usually falls between mid-August and mid-September.

A collaborative effort by an author and an artist from different regions of India, this contemporary narrative unfolds in present-day India, offering an inclusive and inspiring story of activism, resourcefulness, and sustainability for young readers.

The story is complemented by endnotes featuring information about Ganesha Chaturthi, a homemade sculpting dough recipe, and instructions for crafting an environmentally friendly statue.

Ganesha Goes Green Discussion Questions

What was Prema’s mission in the story, and how did she try to make a difference?
Identify specific examples from the book where Prema demonstrated problem-solving skills.
Why do you think the author chose Ganesha, a well-known Hindu deity, as the main character in a story about going green?
What are some ways that you can help the environment?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and how would they contribute to Prema’s mission to make her community greener?

Ganesha Goes Green Activities

Identify the Problem & Solution: Describe the main problem Prema faces and explain why it is a problem for her and her community. Describe how Prema solves the problem, and identify some obstacles she overcomes to achieve her goal. Click here to download.

Explore India: Discover the country’s geography and culture through our India profile page and research project.

Create Eco-Friendly Art: Follow the directions in the back of the book for making earth-friendly statues using homemade sculpting dough.

Organize a “Green” Awareness Campaign: Create posters and messages about recycling, conservation, and eco-friendly practices. Display these around the school or community to spread awareness.

Ganesha: Read a brief description of Ganesha from Britannica Kids.
Ganesha Coloring Page: Use this quote from the story to help you write or tell a summary of the book. “Ganesha goes green. Let’s keep our river clean!” Click here to download the coloring page.