“COPE” a Children DRR Story Book Series

COPE is a series of fun, innovative and beautifully illustrated children’s books intended for global distribution to increase the disaster resilience of children. Natural disasters are extreme sudden events such as earthquakes, flooding, volcanic eruption, landslides and hurricanes etcetera that cause lots of collateral damage or loss of life. They often happen with little warning. Children are among the most vulnerable groups affected by natural disasters and it is therefore of utmost importance that they are properly empowered to be prepared. According to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), which was adopted at the third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in March 2015, children have a vital role to play in reducing risk, strengthening community resilience and shaping legislation to better protect against disasters.

COPE’s touching and humorous illustrations will capture children’s imagination to teach them simple steps for disaster preparedness, which may one day save their lives, such as in the inspiring case of British girl, Tilly Smith who saved hundreds of tourists in the 2004 Thai tsunami.

The book targets at young readers ages 6-10 and parents to read to their children, ages 4-8. The COPE books will be written primarily in English with the intention that they will be translated into different languages for global distribution. Each title will focus on an individual disaster – see suggested titles above. The books will be story driven with an informative introduction at The COPE Academy, an action packed middle in the disaster location and a reassuring ending back at The COPE Academy.

The first book on “earthquakes” will be made available on a first-come-first-served basis.