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Down To Earth Guide To Global Warming (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
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A comprehensive resource filled with facts about global warming and its disastrous consequences. Includes loads of photos and illustrations, as well as suggestions for how kids can help combat global warming in their homes, schools, and communities.
Eco-activist David, a producer of the documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and former copywriter Gordon pool their energies in this upbeat and articulate book. The authors estimate that 1.2 billion kids between the ages of eight and sixteen live on Earth, each contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. "Your carbon footprint comes from normal, everyday activities like using your computer, turning on the light in your bedroom, taking a bath (heating water uses energy!), and riding in a bus or car to school." But rather than play the blame game, the book examines the climate crisis and recommends taking action by recycling, carpooling, starting "no-waste" policies in cafeterias (watch those juice boxes) and monitoring the efficiency of home and school appliances-things a young reader can do right away. Kid-friendly analogies, surprising statistics and punchy sidebars enable readers to reflect on scientific evidence. David and Gordon compare oceans to "carbon sponges," the atmosphere to a jam-packed "bedroom closet" and forests and soils to a "piggy bank" that stores carbon dioxide. Dynamic layouts and abundant illustrations and photos enliven the passionate words-lush, full-bleed photographs emphasize the high stakes by portraying both the splendor of the natural world and the devastating effects of climate change. Printed in soy ink on recycled paper, this engaging and accessible guide, ideal as a gift or book-club option, inspires commitment to the planet. Ages 8-up. (Sept.)
Copyright 2007 Reed Business InformationGr 4-6 David and Gordon present a mass of material on this broad topic in a clearly explained, kid-friendly format. While documenting the decline of species, the dangers presented by melting ice caps, and the hazards of weather-related catastrophes, they also suggest positive and doable steps to address the problems. Eye-catching color illustrations and photos appear throughout, but are often more decorative than informative. Some analogies and statements could use further clarification. "One tree can absorb the amount of CO2 released by an average car that's been driven for 4,000 miles." This rate depends on whether you are discussing the offset for one year or for the lifetime of the tree, as well as its type, age, and size. Most sources feel that it takes far more than one tree to effect this offset. When calculating the "carbon footprint" of an average child, the criteria used are reflective of the industrialized West, yet are applied worldwide. An extensive list of recommended reading in the way of books, articles, and Web sites is included. An appealing title for reports and for general readers.-Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
Anonymous
Posted October 10, 2007
The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming is beautiful, easy to read and, even more exciting, easy to understand! The science is complete and does not gloss over any topics, without being intimidating. This book takes the next step from explaining the science to real action tips everyone can do in their daily lives, making it educational and empowering. Every family and school needs a copy this book!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 9, 2007
The graph on page 18 has the labels of the left and right y-axes reversed, thus making it appear that rising temperature generally follows rising CO2. In fact, the reverse is true: Ice core samples show that rising temperatures precede rising CO2 by several years. This is inconvenient to the authors' premise but they have pledged to correct the graph in subsequent editions.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 6, 2007
Josef Goebbels would have been proud of Ms. David. That disgusting little Nazi made 'the big lie' work by telling the same lies over and over until the gullible people in Germany believed them. He didn't have Photoshop to edit photographs like Ms. David has done, even though her efforts are clumsy and painfully obviously distortions. Her graphs are trimmed to eliminate the true trends and are pitiful efforts to lie by telling half truths. Make sure your child, or impressionable adult friends avoid this hemipygial work of doctored pseudoscience. Or read it for a good laugh. Also, get The Sky's NOT Falling by Fretwell for a good expose' of David's book.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 4, 2009
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Overview
A comprehensive resource filled with facts about global warming and its disastrous consequences. Includes loads of photos and illustrations, as well as suggestions for how kids can help combat global warming in their homes, schools, and communities.