Fiction picture books with a re-cycling/conservation theme are happily on the increase, and these recent examples cover three different aspects of the topic. All contain enough factual information to make them useful and attractive additions either to classroom study or for simply raising awareness. And, most importantly, they do it with a sense of fun.
George saves the world by lunchtime by Jo Readman, illustrated by Ley Honor Roberts
is set to become a re-cycling classic. Led by his feisty Grandpa, George learns how he can save electricity; dramatically reduce rubbish; cancel carbon miles by shopping locally, etc, etc--next step World Peace, perhaps? This true Super Hero in re-cycled clothing from the Op Shop will probably manage that as well. Jo Readman's earlier book The world came to my place (2004) seems oddly in denial as far as food miles are concerned, but, like George, it has the suitably green credential of being inspired by Britain's famous Eden Project
Published by Random House
Lucy's cat and the rainbow birds by Anthony Hill, illustrated by Jane Tanner
Lucy loves her cat (Jane Tanner's superb illustrations would make it hard not to love this animal) and Lucy's cat loves catching native birds. Set in Australia, this book deals with what is an everyday dilemma for many New Zealanders, and provides a sensible workable solution... although one which the birds probably appreciate more than the cat does!
Published by Penguin
365 penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental, illustrated by Joelle Jolivet.
This is a big book in more than one sense of the word, measuring an impressive 36 x 28 cms and covering a wide range of topics, from various aspects of maths through a lot of useful penguin information to the melting of the polar ice caps. When the first penguin arrives on their doorstep by post the family are intrigued and amused. By penguin number 50 some of the shine has worn off, and on New Year's Eve ..
"..365 guests in dinner jackets were in the house.
But we had New Year's Eve (outside) on the lawn."
All is revealed with the arrival of ecologist Uncle Victor, on a one-man mission to rescue as much wildlife as possible from the melting of the polar ice caps. He takes the penguins away, to the great relief of their hosts.....But Uncle Victor has now turned his attention to the North Pole, and the parcel that arrives on the doorstep next year is MUCH larger..
American weights and measures feature briefly on one page of this book. However, these are easily translatable, and could perhaps be seen as an occasion for inquiry learning!
Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers
Reviewed by Cecily Fisher
2 comments:
My Teddy Bear Pooh likes it more than you're son!!!!
My son loves this book so much its very enjoyable. He wants to hear them everynight he is so upset when I say no. This books a great I love them to they are great books with very good morals. I love them so much and my husband says there awesome to!!!!!
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