The Wild World Handbook

March 1, 2021
Grades 4-7 This beautifully illustrated book of nature and ecology is full of fascinating facts, activities, and suggestions on how to save nine different habitats around the world. Its inviting format and short, concise chapters offer habitat facts, biographies, a natural wonder, a field trip, an environmental success, DIY activities, and stewardship ideas (personally, locally, globally). A diverse group of naturalists, explorers, photographers, writers, and athletes who've made a positive impact on each ecosystem are profiled. Outstanding examples include Ada Blackjack, an Alaskan I�upiat who survived alone on an Arctic island for two years; Rue Mapp, founder of Outdoor Afro, which provides opportunities for Black Americans to explore the outdoors; and Bob Coomber, the first person in a wheelchair to summit a 14,000-foot mountain. The book includes websites and a bibliography and index (both not seen). The stewardship suggestions, while not necessarily unique, are easily achievable, and the activities are fun (create a rain-forest biome or frozen time capsule). An entertaining and educational book for environmentally conscious nature lovers that will inspire action.

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March 15, 2021
A hands-on handbook that traverses nine habitats around the globe, sharing stories of nature protectors and encouraging new ones. Well-designed and smartly organized, this handsome title demonstrates the wide range of ways the environment can be protected. Each chapter focuses on one habitat: mountains, forests, deserts, polar lands, ocean, freshwater, cities, rainforests, and grasslands. The structure of each chapter is simple to follow and is repeated consistently, including profiles of two individuals, a description of a natural wonder, creative ways to experience the habitat close to home, an environmental success story, a DIY project, and concrete steps readers can take to protect this habitat. With every turn of the page, stimulating stories, compelling facts, colorful pictures, and action items provide ideas for readers. The biographies and success stories are entertaining human-interest tales that read like short stories. The habitat protectors vary in age, gender, ability, nationality, and race--some, like Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, are modern while others, such as Central Park designer Frederick Law Olmsted, are historical. The suggested activities are interdisciplinary, providing inspiration that proves that all types of people can enjoy and protect nature. Orlando's truly beautiful art, with its soft edges and natural tones, contributes to the inviting, welcoming reading experience. A strong choice for any young reader interested in the natural world. (bibliography, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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