On Our Nature Walk

December 1, 2019
This installment in the World Around Us series addresses how humans can affect the environment in good and bad ways. The most memorable part of this book is the foreword, which describes how the Earth is the only habitable planet we know of, setting the tone for why we humans must take care of it. The text then uses a Q-and-A format, with questions in large, colored display type on the verso and answers (about a half-page paragraph in large type) on the recto. A sidebar on the far right introduces more details about a topic on each spread (for example, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch). Large photographs are set on a lightly patterned pastel background, with drawings of children in various poses filling space around the text and photographs. The text begins with a nature walk during which a child notices litter in the forest, progresses through questions about pollution and what people can do about it, and ends with an emphasis on the sort of innovation and problem-solving that will be needed to save our planet. Unfortunately, the straightforward text does not sustain the level of interest promised by the dramatic foreword; the Q-and-A format works to bring in different topics, but it leaves openings for readers' minds to wander. While the photographs are well chosen and child-friendly, the drawings distract from rather than add to the presentation. Accessible and informative--but look elsewhere to get kids excited about the topic. (note, resources) (Informational picture book. 6-10)

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April 1, 2020

Gr 1-3-The title of this book is a bit of a misnomer, as the text explores the environment far beyond the activity of a stroll through the forest. A broad array of subjects is covered, meant to enlist children in an all-important struggle to save our planet from irreparable harm. Information is clearly conveyed. Most sections are introduced with a single question on one side of a spread, and a simple answer on an accompanying page contains an additional text box. The author explains interconnectedness, provides a breakdown of the various kinds of pollution, defines sustainability, and differentiates types of natural resources. Real kids who have distinguished themselves as climate control activists, inventors, and environmental entrepreneurs are spotlighted. Children representing different communities are portrayed in an appealing combination of photography and cartoon illustrations. VERDICT Accessible and inspiring, this is a worthwhile introduction to an essential topic.-Gloria Koster, formerly at West School, New Canaan, CT

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2019
Grades 1-3 In this addition to the World Around Us series, young readers are primed on the challenges and concerns facing the environment, largely as a result of human activity. Roberts emphasizes that we have only one Earth and delves into a variety of environmental issues and possible solutions. Topics are introduced as questions as if?somewhat unconvincingly?from a child's point of view: for example, Is anybody doing anything to help our environment? Answers and additional sidebars are written in an adult voice. Images include a mix of illustrations of concerned-looking children and photos related to the topic of each page. The end of the book focuses on current and future innovation as a potential way to deal with environmental problems. As part of this focus, sidebars profile young innovators such as Greta Thunberg, and the back matter includes several adult innovators. The book's tone can feel a bit bland and didactic, but the text is informative and manages to treat weighty issues seriously without being too scary.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)