Bees – Illustrated by Carmen Saldaña
What are bees? How do they pollinate plants and produce honey? Why do we need them? Why are they in danger?
This lift-the-flap book is the perfect introduction to the world of bees. It imparts simple information in short sentences. Readers will enjoy the beautiful design, and the lift-the-flap game that allows them to find out more about the different subjects.
The illustrations introduce the reader to bees in their different settings. This is the perfect opportunity to ask the reader some questions. What are the bees up to in the garden? What shape is the honey packed into in the hive? Young readers will be keen to go outside after reading the book, and to spot some bees around any nearby plants and flowers.
Bees are so important to the Earth, and without them we would be in great trouble. It is important for children to see bees as friends early, and not as scary creatures with a sting. This book is the perfect introduction to bees in all their glory, and it will encourage readers to care for the bees around them.
How To Change Everything by Naomi Klein. With Rebecca Stefoff
Where are we in terms of climate disaster? How did we get here? What can we do to make a brighter future? The answer, according to this guide, is to follow the example of young climate activists like Greta Thunberg. We must raise our voices – and there’s plenty of advice in this book about where to begin.
Climate is a political issue, and this book doesn’t sweep over this fact. What it isn’t, however, is a manifesto – it is more like an introduction to the idea of climate in a political context. The first chapter discusses the recent protests from young people around the world – a topic children can hardly have failed to noticed. The next section of the book gives an overview of climate disaster and the history of poor choices made by humans.
I’m impressed by the balance this achieves. It encourages young people to raise their voices, but more importantly it gives them a grounding in what climate protests are about. It would be a wonderful books for teens and older children who are curious about the recent protests – it is both political and conscious of its young audience.
How You Can Save The Planet by Hendrikus Van Hensbergen
We all have power to make change. When young people are faced with the massive facts of environmental disaster, however, they can feel powerless. How You Can Save The Planet is filled with stories of young people whose actions have made a big difference. Every story is followed by activities that readers can try to take their first steps in making a positive impact on the planet.
A story about a girl who began by feeding birds in her school grounds and identifying the different species is followed by instructions for making bird feeders. A story about a girl who used eco-bricks to build the foundations of wild flower beds is followed with instructions for making a vertical wild flower planter. A story about a boy who set up walk to school routes for his school is followed by instructions for forming walk to school routes. The recurring theme within the stories is that one small action leads to a greater one. Every one of the young people featured went on to do more for the environment following their initial success. The activities are based around the same principle: they are designed so that anyone can do them, using simple materials and taking minimal research to achieve.
This is one of the most heartening books on topic of climate change for young people that I have encountered. It doesn’t pretend that there is a solution, but instead demonstrates that a change in behaviours begins with one simple action. It is pitched perfectly for primary and younger secondary students especially, who may be old enough to plan their own projects, but too young to take part in organised action. It also reminds us that being an environmental warrior begins long before anyone is ready to make international speeches or join in political campaigns.
A friendly, easy to use guide that demonstrates how much each of us can do if only we find a place to begin.
Wild Cities by Ben Lerwill and Harriet Hobday
When we think of cities, we imagine grey spaces filled with office blocks, skyscrapers, bridges, and polluting cars. This book reminds us that nature is everywhere – and that every city has pockets of wild.
We’re taken on an around the world tour. Sumptuously coloured double page spreads illustrate the wilder side of our cities. In London, the Thames houses harbour seals and dolphins, while peregrine falcons take advantage of the tall buildings to make their nests. Great cormorants are a frequent site in Tokyo, while Cape Town has its own colony of African penguins. This book really is an eye-opener – and it encourages us to look more closely as we move around the world’s cities.
This would be a great book for young wildlife enthusiasts who live in cities, to remind them that far from missing out, they can play a massive part in the fight for nature. City wildlife needs protecting more than ever, and our cities need to be redesigned and made more friendly towards animals. Even something as simple as planting a wildflower space in a small garden or on a balcony can make a big difference. Our combined actions make a great statement: we need nature everywhere.
Wild Cities is beautifully designed – the colour palette of jewel-like yellows and blues instantly attracts the eye and the illustrations give animals the focus they deserve. Until now, pigeons and insects and rats have been smudged into the background of cityscapes. Finally, they are given the focus and attention that they deserve.
A treasure-trove of nature that encourages readers to think differently about their surroundings.
- The books in this feature were sent for review. With thanks to Penguin Random House UK.
