Planet Ark

Starred review from March 11, 2013
“In many ways, our beautiful blue home—planet Earth—is like an ark sailing through the universe,” writes Mason, drawing an analogy between the story of Noah’s Ark and Earth’s biodiversity in this thorough and informative addition to the CitizenKid line. Discussions of food chains, habitats, and such environmental threats follow. Thompson complements Mason’s emphatic text with textured acrylic portraits of animals and ecosystems that resemble weathered tapestries. Closing pages offer examples of “modern-day Noahs” who have acted on behalf of protecting biodiversity, and ways kids can do the same. Ages 8–12.

March 15, 2013
The latest title in the CitizenKid series offers children an accessible, informative introduction to the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it. Mason frames the narrative with an image of Earth as an ark and readers as potential modern-day Noahs who can help preserve the world's biodiversity. She explains in clear, engaging prose such concepts as species, habitats, ecosystems, food chains, conservation, invasive species, overexploitation, global warming, extinction, captive breeding and fair-trade commerce. Numerous sidebars expand on ideas in the main text. Mason concludes with descriptions of individuals and organizations and the work they do as modern-day Noahs. Practical advice is offered to readers, suggesting simple, everyday things they can do to be good environmental citizens. Thompson's warm, expressive illustrations are appealing and complementary to the text. Failing to include a list of websites and suggestions for further reading is an unfortunate oversight, especially given the book's emphasis on individual action--how are kids to find further direction? An engaging and reasonably practical introduction to environmental stewardship. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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May 1, 2013

Gr 4-6-While comparing the Earth to Noah's ark, the author presents a wide range of environmental concerns centering on the need to maintain biodiversity. Loss of habitat, destruction of top soil, invasions by alien species, and overexploitation of resources have all resulted in the loss of countless species of animal and plant life. Each spread discusses a single topic such as habitat preservation or global warming in relation to biodiversity. Urging readers to become modern-day Noahs and work to save the Earth's precious resources, the book encourages the usual Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse but adds some additional suggestions. By Refusing unnecessary purchases and Rejoicing in the natural world, children are urged to emulate the example offered by young people throughout the world who have taken steps to combat the destruction of the environment in their countries. Illustrated with soft-toned pastel images of a variety of animals and habitats, the book seems aimed at a younger audience than the serious situations presented by the text would indicate. Still, it would be useful for classrooms studying the importance of biodiversity and other aspects of environmental science.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2013
Grades 3-6 This handsome book explores biodiversity. Likening Earth to an ark carrying millions of species through space, Mason calls on readers to become modern-day Noahs, doing what they can to preserve the diversity of life on the planet. Each double-page spread introduces a topic such as the vital importance of protecting habitats, the destruction caused by invasive species, and the declining diversity of food crops. One section offers examples of volunteers, particularly young people, whose projects have made a difference. Though the reading level is higher than the elementary-school level one might expect, given the highly illustrated format, the writing is clear and informative. Whether showing a detailed cross section of soil or a broad landscape of farmland, Thompson's richly colored acrylic paintings illustrate the text beautifully. A solid addition to the CitizenKid series, and incidentally, for language arts teachers, a good example of the use of metaphor in persuasive writing.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)