February 1, 2021
Gr 2-4-This title, which describes climate change, presents an organized time line of events, from the formation of the Earth's atmosphere to the catastrophic possibilities for its future. The text shows how evolution brought change to the planet, how an asteroid incited further change, and how humanity's progression has caused climate catastrophes. The authors explain how pollution, deforestation, the meat industry, lack of education, and other forces have had detrimental effects on weather, vegetation, habitats, and more. Solutions are suggested: Children are encouraged to use less fuel-related resources as well as recycle, eat less meat, get educated, and follow other guidelines. The text frequently references scientists without any documentation and includes many anthropomorphisms, but the appealing design and format will attract elementary readers. The vocabulary level, small type size, and sentence structures are more suited to a fourth grader's beginning reading skills. The back matter contains a glossary. VERDICT The child-friendly design of this title makes it a good read-aloud.-Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz P.L., Aptos, CA
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January 1, 2021
"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.
(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)