2024 Green Earth Book Award RECOMMENDED READING
Dive into our oceans to learn why we need them—and why they need us.
Our five oceans cover about 71 percent of the earth's surface and hold about 97 percent of our water. A central part of the planet's water cycle, oceans are essential to all living things. They are home to thousands of species, and they provide humans with food and medicine. Oceans are one of the world's most valuable natural resources, and we must take care of them.
November 1, 2023
K-Gr 3-These books introduce readers to ecosystems such as the rainforest and ocean, explaining their importance. The text examines how these areas act as carbon sinks and details how they are affected by pollution and deforestation. There are also suggestions for how to help preserve these key natural resources. Colorful illustrations reveal howler monkeys, harpy eagles, sharks, and other wildlife. Some spreads must be turned sideways to show the various layers of the rainforest or the different zones of the ocean. Another illustration shows goldfish bowls stacked from the Earth to the moon to help students visualize how much water the oceans hold. A few pages also have inset images to show close-ups of phytoplankton and krill. A glossary and a list of selected sources appear in the back matter. VERDICT An engaging introduction to environmental awareness for primary grades.
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 15, 2024
Grades K-3 These new books in the Tell Me Why series (2 new titles) have an appealing picture-book style, in both their text and illustrations. Readers may exclaim at interesting facts, such as the number of different species of fish and sharks that live in the ocean, or the amazing biodiversity of the Amazon River and its rain forest. Tell Me Why: The Ocean Is More than a Home for Fish covers creatures that live in the ocean as well as the water cycle. The illustrations are friendly and whimsical, often showing visiting children and families alongside the native flora and fauna. One or two spreads in each book are oriented vertically, so readers can turn the book to see the up-and-down layers in the environment. The books also address the importance of each environment and the threats it faces. Each title has one page of back matter, which includes a glossary and selected print sources for more information about the topic. Beyond their actual content, these books will likely inspire young readers to learn more about--and do more to help conserve--oceans and rain forests.
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