Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 04/20/2013 Gr 4–6—While comparing the Earth to Noah's ark, the author presents a wide range of environmental concerns centering on the need to maintain biodiversity. Loss of habitat, destruction of top soil, invasions by alien species, and overexploitation of resources have all resulted in the loss of countless species of animal and plant life. Each spread discusses a single topic such as habitat preservation or global warming in relation to biodiversity. Urging readers to become modern-day Noahs and work to save the Earth's precious resources, the book encourages the usual Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse but adds some additional suggestions. By Refusing unnecessary purchases and Rejoicing in the natural world, children are urged to emulate the example offered by young people throughout the world who have taken steps to combat the destruction of the environment in their countries. Illustrated with soft-toned pastel images of a variety of animals and habitats, the book seems aimed at a younger audience than the serious situations presented by the text would indicate. Still, it would be useful for classrooms studying the importance of biodiversity and other aspects of environmental science.—Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY - Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 06/01/2013 This handsome book explores biodiversity. Likening Earth to an ark carrying millions of species through space, Mason calls on readers to become modern-day Noahs, doing what they can to preserve the diversity of life on the planet. Each double-page spread introduces a topic such as the vital importance of protecting habitats, the destruction caused by invasive species, and the declining diversity of food crops. One section offers examples of volunteers, particularly young people, whose projects have made a difference. Though the reading level is higher than the elementary-school level one might expect, given the highly illustrated format, the writing is clear and informative. Whether showing a detailed cross section of soil or a broad landscape of farmland, Thompson’s richly colored acrylic paintings illustrate the text beautifully. A solid addition to the CitizenKid series, and incidentally, for language arts teachers, a good example of the use of metaphor in persuasive writing. - Copyright 2013 Booklist. Loading...
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