2007’s Why Are The Ice Caps Melting?: The Dangers Of Global Warming, with curious penguins on an ice crack gracing the hardcover, is a Stage 2 book in the Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science Book series, originated by an Astronomer Emeritus, that simply explores, not lectures, children in the primary grades about the basic concepts around global warming. Author Anne Rockwell gives special thanks to a professor of Earth and Climate Sciences at Columbia University for his valuable assistance.
Illustrator Paul Meisel dedicates the large, 33-page book to all those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the environment and Rockwell dedicates it to her grandchildren. I like both of these dedications because our environment needs more and more protecting as our numbers grow and put a greater strain on all of nature and it is the next generation that must live with the accumulated effects of the strain we’ve put on Earth.
This is very easy to read and understand with colorful pictures that go along with the text. For example, the first two pages introduces the concept of global warming, but not before explaining that scientists believe that we live on the only planet in the vast universe that is filled with plants and animals and they need ‘an environment just right for their needs.’ We see a young boy, two girls and a dog sitting on a rocky shore at night and looking at an owl in the tree over the pages. Of course country kids are more likely to be doing this than city kids, heh.
It then tells us about greenhouse gases that includes a big picture of the sun over our planet and how its rays can be less or more reradiated, surely a big word, but parents and/or teachers should be available if the kids need help. I don’t think they will need too much help because the science is basic and should engage them if they enjoy science. The next page has a big scene of a man showing a boy how some plants are wilting in the greenhouse they’re in because “it’s too warm for these plants in the greenhouse” and that, likewise, when too much greenhouse gas surrounds the Earth, the sun’s heat is trapped. We then learn about the many things that cause carbon dioxide and how what we do makes it increase, as well as melts the ice shelf in the South Pole and Arctic land glaciers. We learn about increasing tides and temperatures around the world and rivers drying up, but also that while most scientists feel this is bad news, some don’t.
The book doesn’t leave out the rainforest and ocean plankton, either, to help kids understand that they’re not soaking up the carbon dioxide like they used to. What this means to our environment is discussed. It seems like everything is covered that young children need to know to make an informed decision, but I noticed that species extinction and dying/drowning polar bears are not covered. That’s probably too heavy for them.
I recently read The Down-To-Earth Guide To Global Warming, which is more scientifically helpful and aimed at children a little older, and thought that I should review a book for younger children like Rockwell’s. It ends with some suggestions for activities they can do to help, such as planting trees, walking or biking if possible, turning off lights and other appliances when not being used, writing your congressman and such. They might even visit a greenhouse and check the temperature inside and outside. Things like asking your parents to drive a hybrid or unplug chargers are not included. I like that kids are not overwhelmed with things to do so they can focus on a few things, but neither is it too skimpy. I also applaud Why Are The Ice Caps Melting? for encouraging kids to learn more about science and maybe become scientists who will find more ways to keep our planet and all living things healthy.
This is a great, little book with fun pictures to draw primary-school children in. I even saw a joke on mussels and muscles as kids waded near a beach. Well, maybe that’s a little geeky, but the rest of it is highly recommended! Check out the Compare Prices link above to further help with your buying decision. Thanks for reading, parents!
This is another entry in my Global Warming Write-off (see my profile) and The Best Little Write-off Ever. For more details and entries please see http://www.epinions.com/user-dianapinions
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