Book Review Wednesday: Books For Young Environmentalists

New for 2009 on the Green Life is a weekly roundup of books addressing a particular aspect of environmentalism. Today we're reviewing books that foster a sense of environmental awareness in children and young adults. Check back here every Wednesday to discover new and worthwhile books.

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters (by Lenore Look, $16, Schwartz & Wade Books, Jun. 2009): Pre-adolescent kids will love neurotic narrator Alvin Ho, who must tackle some of his many phobias to go camping with his father. The quirky, lighthearted novella is a great way to introduce reticent explorers to the outdoors.

How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming (by Lynne Cherry and Gary Braasch, $18, Dawn Publications, 2008): As the long-winded title of this book suggests, a serious study of global warming isn't exactly a picture book. But don't expect the subject matter to be a downer, either. Aspiring scientists will find ideas for experiments and suggestions for planet-friendly action in this informative book for 5th through 8th graders.

Big Earth, Little Me (by Thom Wiley, $17, Cartwheel Books, Apr. 2009): This simple and affirmative picture book introduces the concept of environmental responsibility to children ages 4 through 8. Statements like "I can help in the garden" and "I can recycle" are paired with fold-out flaps that provoke curiosity and create an interactive reading experience.

The Legend of Honey Hollow (by Jeanne McNaney, $17, Ovation Books, Jan. 2009): Colorful illustrations by David Cochard bring to life a group of displaced bears who create a sanctuary in the mythic Honey Hollow. Fighting deforestation and oil drills, these panda, polar, brown, black, and spectacled bears work together to protect their environment in a fantastic tale for children ages 4 through 8.

--Della Watson