Book Bundles: No Planet B

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Amy Husband & Mike Love. "Billions of years ago, Earth was very hot." This effective overview begins by describing conditions that made life possible on the planet and how climate change has occurred naturally over the millennia. Most of the discussion is devoted to our current environmental crisis, touching on extreme weather, threats to animal and human populations, and exacerbation of poverty (particularly for girls and women). The lively double-page spreads balance the sober text with cartoonlike touches (speech bubbles, burping livestock), making concepts more accessible to younger readers. A glossary is appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Adelina Lirius. Two British teenage sisters speak out against single-use plastics; a twelve-year-old in Indonesia organizes to prevent flooding; a seven-year-old South African boy advocates for endangered species. With minimal text and engagingly detailed illustrations, this book introduces twelve young eco-activists from around the world. Each inviting double-page spread offers one or two brief paragraphs outlining an individual's focus and initiatives. Additional information appears in smaller-type captions whimsically integrated into the illustrations. Ten things that "help to save the planet," ten ways "to make your voice heard," and a list of related websites conclude a book with lots of appeal to browsers and visual learners.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 In this information-rich overview of climate change, Simon clarifies terms (e.g. global warming, greenhouse gases); discusses the effects of rising temperatures on crops, wildlife, forests, and communities; examines recent devastating weather events; and covers alternative energy sources. Throughout the well-organized book, Simon profiles some of the kid activists demanding action from governments around the world and provides action steps that readers can take themselves. Lots of well-chosen photos support the clear-eyed text. Reading list, glossary of terms, and index are appended.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn