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(2)
K-3
Adapted by Helen Mixter.
Illustrated by
Igor Oleynikov.
After returning to his family with just one small fish, a father polar bear announces that they will have to move and find a place with more food resources. The four bears wander into a city, where they happily discover the dumpsters overflowing with treats. Then, seeking a place to sleep, they notice things that "look a lot like square icebergs" (apartment buildings) and move right into one. All is well until the food runs out. The bears look through the books in their new home hoping to get ideas about where to go next. They see images that tempt them--polar bears in a zoo; a snowy prehistoric scene complete with woolly mammoth; a moonscape--but decide, after watching a television program on Antarctica, to head there for the huge icebergs, tasty penguins and seals, and ice fields. First published in China, the story has the rhythm and spare text of an oral tale. "'I need a rest!' says Papa. 'I need more food!' says Misha. 'I need to sleep!' says Masha. 'This looks just right!' says Mama." Oleynikow uses a scratchy, textured style to give his atmospheric paintings depth. The polar bears are expressive and sometimes quite funny. Author and illustrator handle some heavy themes with a deft, light touch.
160 pp.
| Abrams
| April, 2022
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-3740-4$12.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-6833-5573-1$11.69
(3)
4-6
First Names series.
Illustrated by
Tom Knight.
This illustrated chapter-book biography traces the life of young Greta Thunberg from outraged eight-year-old to powerhouse teen activist while also introducing the politics, history, and science surrounding her impassioned cause of slowing global climate change. Thunberg's life story captures the significant physical and emotional toll that global warming enacted on her childhood, as well as her success in harnessing her personal strengths to influence global decision-makers. Ample comic-style line drawings lighten the tone and clarify complex concepts. When cartoon Greta speaks directly--through speech bubbles and with Thunberg's signature intense gaze--readers will feel the urgency for both understanding and immediate action. A timeline of important dates in Thunberg's life (so far), glossary, bibliography, and index are appended.
40 pp.
| Quarto/Lincoln
| March, 2021
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7112-5630-9$19.99
(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.
(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.
(3)
YA
Special Reports series.
This excellent, extensively researched, and well-balanced series unpacks the details behind trending topics and current events. This volume examines President Trump's decision to leave the Paris Climate Agreement as well as its repercussions. Topics include arguments for and against the Paris Climate Agreement, other countries' reactions to the U.S. withdrawal, and the science of climate change. Sidebars, photographs, and individual profiles are featured throughout. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.
120 pp.
| Twenty-First Century
| February, 2019
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-5415-1979-4$37.32
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5415-4396-6
(3)
YA
Zimmer explains how chemical pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides, as well as fossil and nuclear fuels, affect human and environmental health. Case studies include prominent events like Chernobyl and the Flint water crisis. Each chapter ends with a "What You Can Do" section encouraging readers to learn more and take action. Photographs and scientific diagrams are found throughout. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
32 pp.
| Kids Can
| September, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-77138-731-6$17.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Drew Shannon.
Climate change is causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt. As the ice recedes, ancient artifacts are revealed and archaeologists scramble to recover them before they are destroyed. This book explores glacial archaeological sites from around the world, detailing the artifacts recovered and what they teach us about the past. Color photographs and illustrations provide visual depictions of the time periods being discussed. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind.
(3)
YA
Ecological Disasters series.
Contemporary threats to ecological systems and to the health of people, plants, and animals include natural disasters and human production of waste. These books delve deep into related science and technologies, each issue's history, and ethical considerations. Descriptions of attempts to mitigate a problem; quotes from experts; and helpful photographs, diagrams, and sidebars reinforce each problem's severity. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Ecological Disasters titles: E-Waste, Melting Arctic Ice, The California Drought, and The Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
(3)
4-6
Fact Finders: Humans and Our Planet series.
This series, aimed at third and fourth graders, discusses ways in which humans impact the natural environment, focusing mainly on pollution and the pressures of human development on animals and the atmosphere. After outlining many of the negative effects, each book's final chapter presents practical options for readers to help. Color photographs and diagrams clearly convey the severity of the problem. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: Humans and Our Planet titles: Humans and Earth's Atmosphere and Humans and Other Life on Earth.
96 pp.
| Twenty-First Century
| October, 2017
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-5124-1569-8$35.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5124-4864-1
(3)
YA
This well-researched and clearly formatted book outlines some of the most modern theories and research about possible solutions to climate change. The narrative, supported by relevant photographs and diagrams, introduces the problem then organizes potential solutions by category, with explorations of pros and cons included. Inserts and sidebars provide additional facts on related topics. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
(4)
4-6
Basher Science series.
Written by Dan Green. The pun-laden prose of this balanced discussion introduces major factors in climate change, such as El Niño and acidification. Color-coding of topics like "Greenhouse Gang" is repeated throughout as individual subtopics speak for themselves (e.g., Smog: "I'm a flagon of foul air, a can of cough and splutter"), and anthropomorphized cartoon illustrations reinforce the point. Standard data, such as capabilities and extremes, accompany each subtopic. Glos., ind.
(4)
4-6
Earth Debates series.
The debates in these titles center on the benefits and/or problems associated with attempts to circumvent or remedy environmental depredation. The slim volumes don't get deeply detailed; Chambers's dispassionate, generally even-handed approach is realistic about the lack of clear answers to these dilemmas. Relevant photos, graphs, sidebars, and "eyewitness" accounts supplement the narratives. Each book includes a quiz. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth Debates titles: Are Humans Damaging the Atmosphere? and How Effective is Recycling?.
32 pp.
| Smart Apple
| October, 2015
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-62588-161-8$31.35
|
EbookISBN 978-1-62588-570-8
(4)
4-6
Unstable Earth series.
These titles present worst-case scenarios for each topic. Clear explanations of general problems come first, followed by chapters with specifics (e.g., oil drilling, pesticides) in text blocks. Increasingly dire projections for future decades and centuries are interspersed, complete with dystopian headlines. Small, individual mitigations are suggested on the last pages. Color photographs, charts, and other visuals fill busy spreads. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Unstable Earth titles: What Happens if the Ozone Disappears?, What Happens if the Rain Forests Disappear?, What Happens if We Overfish the Oceans?, and What Happens When an Ice Cap Melts?.
(3)
YA
History of Science series.
Both books trace the history of their respective earth-science fields, examining the ideas about earth processes or atmospheric chemistry that built over time to produce current theories within each field, and ending with contemporary challenges and predictions for the future. The sophisticated concepts are illustrated with diagrams, photographs, and sidebars that add case detail and profile key scientific contributors. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these History of Science titles: Seismology and Climate Change.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4014-4$23.93
(4)
4-6
Disasters--People in Peril series.
Storm looks at why severe weather occurs and its effects on the environment. Fiery recounts the 1980 volcanic eruption and the resulting damage. Waves focuses on the 1946 Hawaiian tsunami and the 2011 disaster in Japan. Illustrated with effective stock photos, these books relate their stories in informative if formulaic narratives. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Disasters--People in Peril titles: Deadly Storm Alert!, Deadly Waves, and Fiery Volcano.
32 pp.
| Sea to Sea
| March, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59771-295-8$28.50
(4)
4-6
Eco Alert! series.
Though highly formulaic (e.g., twenty-eight double-page spreads per volume), these books give wide-ranging information about problems and issues with natural resources. Paragraphs of text are augmented with photos, charts, and other visuals, as well as "hot spot" and "how can you help?" boxes. The information is generally accurate and balanced, though some of it begs for documentation. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Eco Alert! titles: Climate Change, Energy Supply, Rain Forests, Saving Wildlife, Waste and Recycling, and Water Supply.
292 pp.
| Walker
| March, 2012
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8027-2313-0$16.99
(4)
4-6
Massive tornadoes and storms are part of life in this near-future world, and even the daughter of a brilliant storm scientist knows she can't stop them. A horrific (but obvious) discovery about her dad's research, a reappearance of a diabolical relative presumed dead, and precocious children's flat dialogue are drawbacks, but Messner's rich and haunting descriptions of the storms are compelling.
48 pp.
| Smart Apple
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59920-508-3$35.65
(4)
YA
Mapping Global Issues series.
Each of these books discusses a potential threat to our planet and its inhabitants. The straightforward content provides basic information, relevant examples, and possible solutions to problems. Warming attempts to deal with the controversy surrounding the issue. Maps, photographs, and sidebars clarify and add interest to the text, but the dull layout is off-putting. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Mapping Global Issues titles: Global Warming, Endangered Species, and Rain Forest Destruction.
18 pp.
| Candlewick/Templar
| February, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-5262-3$17.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Beverley Young.
Facts about weather including precipitation, wind, hurricanes, and climate are conveyed over nine double-page spreads. Each layout contains interactive pop-ups, pull tabs, and flaps along with text boxes and spot illustrations. It's an engaging (if busy) presentation, but the information is uneven; for example, some complex terminology is included without sufficient explanation about its relation to meteorological concepts.
96 pp.
| ReferencePoint
| March, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-60152-142-2$26.95
(4)
YA
In Controversy series.
Topical issues are framed as debates, with chapter headings posed as provocative questions to drive reader interest. The books provide superficial coverage of various scientific and legal concepts interspersed with popular opinions and anecdotes; Climate Change in particular overstates the opposition to maintain its consider-all-sides format. The texts are complemented by photos, sidebars, and a fact summary following each chapter. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these In Controversy titles: How Serious a Threat Is Climate Change? and Is Offshore Oil Drilling Worth the Risks?.