Planting Seeds Early
Children are naturally curious about the world around them. They ask why the sky is blue, how trees grow, and what things are made of. That curiosity is a gift — and it's the perfect starting point for teaching them about sustainability.
Christopher L. Penn recognized this early. As a father of two, he saw an opportunity to introduce children to the wonders of hemp and environmental stewardship through the medium they respond to best: storytelling.
Happy Hemp Hearts
Happy Hemp Hearts is a children's book designed for young readers (ages 4-8) that introduces the hemp plant in a warm, approachable way. The story follows characters who discover how one plant can make paper, clothing, food, building materials, and more — all without harming the planet.
The book avoids anything preachy or political. Instead, it taps into a child's natural sense of wonder: Wow, one plant can do all that?
The goal isn't to turn children into activists. It's to plant a seed of awareness — so that when they grow up, they understand that sustainable alternatives exist and have always existed.
Pick up a copy of Happy Hemp Hearts on Barnes & Noble.
Captain Hemp
For older kids (ages 8-12), Captain Hemp takes a different approach — adventure. The story blends superhero-style action with environmental education, creating a character who uses hemp-based innovations to solve problems and protect communities.
It's entertainment with substance. Kids get a story they actually want to read, and along the way, they absorb real information about sustainable materials, environmental challenges, and creative problem-solving.
Get your copy of Captain Hemp on Barnes & Noble.
Why It Matters
According to a 2023 report from the Pew Research Center, 67% of Gen Z and younger Millennials say climate change is their top concern. But concern alone doesn't drive change — knowledge does.
By introducing concepts like renewable materials, carbon sequestration, and non-toxic living through age-appropriate storytelling, Christopher is equipping the next generation with the vocabulary and understanding they'll need to make better choices.
Beyond the Page
The children's books are part of a larger ecosystem. Parents who read Happy Hemp Hearts with their kids often discover Mr Hemp House™ and the healthy home movement. Families start asking questions about what their homes are made of. Conversations begin.
That's the power of story — it opens doors that data alone cannot.