By Nina Schuyler, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 27, 2012

Coral Reefs

By Jason Chin

Reading level: Ages 5 and up

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Flash Point (October 25, 2011)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Science, Nature, Biology, Marine life, Water

Jason Chin does something pretty wonderful in his nonfiction book, Coral Reefs: He hasn’t forgotten the wild imagination of a kid.

What makes Coral Reefs unique is that along with loads of interesting information, he’s included colorful watercolor illustrations that tell their own story. In a sense he is blurring the boundary between fiction and nonfiction. The result is something completely engaging. And this hybrid form dishes out just enough facts without overwhelming. So you learn that though coral reefs may look like plants, they’re actually animals; and at the same time, the pictures, which often take up more than half the page, tell the story of a girl who goes to the library and picks up a book about coral reefs.

Illustration copyright © 2011 by Jason Chin

You learn coral reefs are the largest structures built by an animal on earth! The Belize barrier reef is over 180 miles long!; and at the same time, the illustrations show the girl’s world transforming, with the library slipping away and turning into coral, along with sea plants and fish. “There are so many species living in reefs that they are often called the cities of the sea,” writes Chin. And the water whooshes into the library, and the girl is swept up on a wave that carries with it octopus, sea turtles, fish and more coral. Very quickly, the girl is floating underwater, exploring and learning about the city of the sea. It’s a city, Chin tells us, with “a complex web of relationships, and each has its own place in the system.”

“There are so many species living in reefs that they are often called the cities of the sea,”

After you’ve fallen in love with coral reefs and the teeming life that calls it home—“More than four thousand kinds of fish and thousands of other species have been discovered in coral reefs—more than in any other part of the ocean”—after he’s completely hooked you, Chin has bad news. The reefs, just like so many other living things, are threatened by pollution and over-fishing. Thankfully, he gives a list of things you can do to help. You can—and you’ll want to—form a relationship with the reefs.

Add this book to your collection: Coral Reefs

Nina Schuyler‘s first novel, The Painting, (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill/2004), was a finalist for the Northern California Book Awards. It was also selected by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Best Books for 2004 and a “Great Debut from 2004″ by the Rocky Mountain News. She currently teaches creative writing at the University of San Francisco and is working on a third novel.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman

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©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: June 20, 2011

When executed with expertise, a well-written and illustrated biography can be just the book to hook young readers. This year, Jane Goodall, the famous British primatologist and conservationist, is the subject of two wonderful picture books: Me … Jane, written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell; and The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life With the Chimps, Written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. Environmentalist, primatologist, humanitarian, and United Nations Messenger of Peace, Jane Goodall makes for a wonderful role model—especially for girls. Both of these books, while showcasing Goodall’s brilliant and dedicated work with artistic differences, highlight how a childhood dream can become a reality.

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps

By Jeanette Winter

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 48 pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (April 5, 2011)

Source: Publisher

What to expect: Jane Goodall, Women primatologist, Chimpanzees, Tanzania, Biography

In The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life With the Chimps, renowned picture book author Jeanette Winter, shows how the curiosity of a child, combined with patience and dedication, led Goodall down the fulfilling path of her dreams to work with and protect the animals of Africa—in particular, chimpanzees. Winter’s writing is factual and entertaining—great for reading aloud. Her colorful, folk-style illustrations truly create an amazing sense of wonder and curiosity. It is, perhaps, the author’s note that completes this well-rounded biography. Winter wrote:

“I wish that when I was a little girl, I could have read about someone like Jane Goodall—a brave woman who wasn’t afraid to do something that had never been done before. So now I’ve made this book for that little girl, who still speaks to me.”

Illustration by Jeanette Winter

Add this book to your collection: The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps

Me . . . Jane

By Patrick McDonnell

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 5, 2011)

Source: Library

What to expect: Jane Goodall, Nature Studies

Me . . . Jane, by Patrick McDonnell, feels like an extract from a personal journal of Jane Goodall. Using photographs, stamps, animal engravings, and his signature illustrations, McDonnell has intertwined drawings and sketches from Jane Goodall, herself, to create an authentic experience that is part picture book, part scrapbook. The focus is on Goodall’s childhood and her stuffed toy companion, a chimp named Jubilee. While this is not a chronological telling of Goodall’s life, it is an inspiring story of real childhood dreams that lead to a dedicated life of environmental and humanitarian efforts. A personal note and sketch from Goodall finish the book:

“Each one of us makes a difference. We cannot live through a single day without making an impact on the world around us—and we have a choice to what sort of difference we make.”

Illustration by Patrick McDonnell

Add this book to your collection: Me . . . Jane

To learn more about Jane Goodall, visit: www.janegoodall.org

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 12, 2011

Compost Stew

By Mary McKenna Siddals (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth uses a clever and entertaining rhyme that, just as the title suggests, gives a great recipe for making compost. All of the ingredients are familiar household products, such as vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and oatmeal. At the back of the book the “Chef’s Note” can be found—it’s another witty rhyme all of its own and teaches readers what shouldn’t go in compost. The illustrations, which are rendered in gouache and collage, compliment the tone of the recipe with the use of more familiar recyclable materials.

Illustration by Ashley Wolff

Illustration by Ashley Wolff

Illustration by Ashley Wolff

Illustration by Ashley Wolff

About the Author: Mary McKenna Siddals is the author of several picture books for the very young, including Millions of Snowflakes. In addition, she has written dozens of children’s stories, articles, poems, and activities appearing in a variety of magazines. A former teacher, she lives in British Columbia, Canada, where she enjoys tending to her own batch of Compost Stew. Learn more about Mary at www.siddals.com.

About the Illustrator: Ashley Wolff is the author and/or illustrator of more than sixty children’s books, including Baby Beluga; I Love My Mommy Because; I Love My Daddy Because; Mama’s Milk; Stella and Roy Go Camping; I Call My Grandma Nana; I Call My Grandpa Papa; When Lucy Goes Out Walking; and the beloved Miss Bindergarten series. Ashley wrangles thousands of red wriggler compost worms in her San Francisco backyard garden. She grows flowers, vegetables, and an amazingly prolific persimmon tree. Visit her website at www.ashleywolff.com.

Activities: http://www.siddals.com/compost-stew.html

Giveaway: Enter to win one of five copies of Compost Stew or one of two art prints from the book, autographed by illustrator Ashley Wolff.

Add this book to your collection: Compost Stew

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 12, 2011

Learning to Nurture Nature

Gardening, recycling, composting, and being at one with nature (including our vanishing honeybees) and all it has to offer; these are great ways to connect young children with our environment and encourage them to nurture our special one-of-a-kind Earth.

Picture Books

By Mary McKenna Siddals (Author), Ashley Wolff (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth uses a clever and entertaining rhyme that, just as the title suggests, gives a great recipe for making compost. All of the ingredients are familiar household products, such as vegetable trimmings, coffee grounds, and oatmeal. At the back of the book the “Chef’s Note” can be found—it’s another witty rhyme all of its own and teaches readers what shouldn’t go in compost. The illustrations, which are rendered in gouache and collage, compliment the tone of the recipe with the use of more familiar recyclable materials.

Add this book to your collection: Compost Stew

Sofia’s Dream
By Land Wilson (Author), Sue Cornelison (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 19 pages

Publisher: Little Pickle Press LLC; 1st edition (November 24, 2010)

Source: Author

Sofia’s Dream was written for the sole purpose of inspiring children to take care of the earth. Beginning with the cover image of an angelic young girl soaring high in the sky, her eyes full of hope and untarnished optimism, a magical tone is set for the story. Wilson’s appreciation for nature and environmental protection shine through in this powerfully uncomplicated picture book.

Add this book to your collection: Sofia’s Dream

Water, Weed, and Wait
By Edith Hope Fine (Author), Angela Halpin (Author), Colleen M. Madden (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press (August 10, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Gardening requires a little hard work and patience, but the benefits are plentiful. In Water, Weed, Wait, Miss Marigold’s class discovers this firsthand when they turn a rocky patch of dirt into a thriving garden. However, this is not just a book about gardening and nurturing the earth, this is also a book about community and the rewards that come from working together. The mixed media illustrations have kid appeal and the tips for “Sprouting Your Own School Garden” on the last double page spread are sure to inspire readers.

Add this book to your collection: Water, Weed, and Wait

Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf
by Olivia Bouler

Reading level: Ages 3-9

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Sterling (April 5, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Eleven-year-old Olivia Bouler’s first picture book proves that one child—one person—can make a difference. An avid bird lover, Olivia is determined to make a difference for the birds affected by the 2010 Gulf oil spill. Sterling Children’s Books said: “She has single-handedly risen over $150,000 via Audobon’s Gulf oil spill recovery program by sending every donor one of her own bird paintings … .” Many of her paintings have been reproduced in this book and have been combined with useful everyday tips that kids can use to get involved and help make our world a better place. The book supports Audobon’s mission and has been printed on FSC eco-friendly paper—a step that should be taken more frequently.

Add this book to your collection: Olivia’s Birds: Saving the Gulf

Jam & Honey
By Melita Morales (Author), Laura J. Bryant (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 3-5

Hardcover: 32 pages

Publisher: Tricycle Press (January 25, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Two stories collide delicately when a little girl collecting berries from her garden and a honeybee collecting nectar meet face-to-face. Using sweet and cadent verses, Morales eases the common fear of bees through respect and understanding. The watercolor and pencil illustrations are delightfully colorful and the dotted lines of the honeybee’s flight path highlight just how busy bees really are. Jam and Honey is light, playful, and enlightening.

Add this book to your collection: Jam & Honey

The Honeybee Man
By Lela Nargi (Author), Kyrsten Brooker (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (March 8, 2011)

Source: Publisher

The Honeybee Man is a nice depiction of the life of an urban beekeeper. Facts meet fiction to offer an educational story that highlights how nature can exist within a concrete jungle with the help of man. The afterword and end papers include even more beekeeping facts and diagrams of bees, hives, and the anatomy of a flower. This is a great choice for kids with a strong thirst for knowledge.

Add this book to your collection: The Honeybee Man

Board Book

The Little Composter

By Jan Gerardi

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Board book: 16 pages

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; Brdbk edition (March 8, 2011)

Source: Publisher

The Little Composter is a compact, sturdy, engaging lift-the-flaps board book form the new Teenie Greenies series. Using basic rhyme, a recipe for compost is shared by a young child who plants, waters, and grows his own garden. Printed on 80% recycled paper, this is a playful and earth-friendly choice with true toddler appeal.

Add this book to your collection: The Little Composter

Early Reader

Little Critter: A Green, Green Garden

By Mercer Mayer

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: HarperCollins (March 1, 2011)

Source: Publisher

Not everyone enjoys gardening, so it’s nice when this Little Critter story closes with an enjoyable feast that highlights the reward that comes from working on a garden. Due to large text and brief sentences, this is a good, environmental themed choice for beginner readers. Consider it a basic lead-in to a lesson on sustainability or just a fun Earth Day read.

Add this book to your collection: Little Critter: A Green, Green Garden

Chapter Book

Ivy and Bean: What’s the Big Idea? (Book 7)

by Annie Barrows (Author), Sophie Blackall (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 6-10

Hardcover: 128 pages

Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 22, 2010)

Source: Publisher

Ivy and Bean return in the seventh book of their series, Ivy + Bean: What’s the Big Idea? All the kids in second grade love science. That is until some older kids come to talk to the class about global warming. Author Annie Barrows is so in-tune with the minds of children, and this shines through with the comical experiments that Ivy and Bean try out before choosing they’re brilliant and thought-provoking Science Fair project. To top off another great installment of the series, there are plenty of great explanations of global warming and the many experiments used throughout the book—they can be found in the last few pages.

Add this book to your collection: Ivy and Bean What’s the Big Idea? (Book 7) by Annie Barrows

Scholastic Media

For more literary and language fun in the name of environmental awareness, Scholastic Media’s award-winning television series WordGirl and Maya & Miguel both have Earth Day specials. The WordGirl episode will air on Friday, April 22 and Maya & Miguel on Thursday, April 21—both on PBS Kids.

Check out last year’s Earth Day list for more suggestions: Green with Environmental Awareness

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

Add this book to your collection: Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld

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©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Sabbithry Persad, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: March 16, 2011

Many people are rediscovering the benefits of the natural environment and integrating “greener” practices and products into their modern lives. From green design to natural health to green living to green books, adults are learning how to transform their world to take better care of themselves and the planet, and they are sharing this with their children in many ways, especially with books.

Take Suzanne for instance, a mother of two, who recently won a copy of Where Do Recyclable Materials Go? After Suzanne received her copy of the book in the mail, she sat down with her two children and read it with them. Her response:

“My kids and I liked this book. We were interested before we read it and came out of it better informed. It is great for 3rd grade and up I think. My son was interested (5 years old) but I had to explain things a little further for him. My daughter is 9 so she got it. I am going to share it with her class for Earth Day at school.”

“Green” books, like any educational book, are important for children. There are many reasons why, and here are a few. “Green” books for children:

1.     Help parents to relay important messages about preserving the Earth. They give parents the tools they need to explain complex topics to children.

2.     Introduce children to the environment at an early age. Exposure to the environment early on will provide children with knowledge that they can take with them into adulthood.

3.     Spark children’s interest in the environment. In a technologically driven world filled with gadgets and devices, “green” books offer an opportunity to reconnect children with the natural world.

4.     Inspire children to take action and gets them involved. Children catch on quickly when they understand what to do for the environment. Once they learn, they are eager to participate.

5.     Offer an opportunity for parents to spend time with their children. Parents have many day-to-day responsibilities, which may lessen the amount of time they spend with their children. Reading “green” books together allows parents and children to learn together.

No matter which “green” topic children’s book may cover, any one will help children better understand the importance of taking care of the environment around them. Caring for the environment starts with this generation, but it is also the responsibility of this generation to educate the next one so that they in turn can do the same for future generations to come.

Sabbithry Persad is the creator of “Garbology Kids™” and author of “Where Do Recyclable Materials Go?“ She is the founder and executive managing editor of “Green Solutions Magazine” and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Toronto.

Enter to win: Garbology Kids™ Book, Tote & Tee

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 6, 2011

Jim Arnosky, Author and Illustrator

Jim is self taught in writing, art and the natural sciences. He has written and illustrated 86 books on nature subjects and has illustrated 46 other books written by various authors. He has been awarded the Christopher Medal, Orbis Pictus Honor, ALA Gordon Award, and Outstanding Science book awards from National Science Teachers Associations.

TCBR: Your picture book, Man Gave Names To All The Animals, by Bob Dylan, was released last year—and may I just add, it’s beautiful. In your note to the readers, you said: “From the first time I heard it, the lyrics created pictures in my mind of a land of primeval beauty, where the sky and earth were new, where plants first grew, and the animals knew no fear. I thought this vision would make a dream of a book, and I asked for Bob Dylan’s permission to make this dream come true. Happily, he said yes.”  Can you tell us more about the process of receiving permission to illustrate a musician’s song? And, most importantly, exactly how you felt when the famous Bob Dylan said yes?

Jim Arnosky: I was fortunate in that my agent’s husband knows Bob Dylan and put us in touch with Mr. Dylan’s agent. I only had to wait my turn among all the requests for Bob Dylan’s songs for various uses and then send Bob Dylan a box of my books ( he was in Australia at the time) so he could see what I do. He must have liked what he saw because he gave me his permission to interpret his song in my own way. All during the process of permissions, I tried to learn more about Dylan, listening to his early songs, reading his autobiography “Chronicles”. We never met, but he saw everything I did and together we approved all the proofs, layouts, cover designs, ads, and catalog references. I am thrilled to have had this opportunity and forever grateful to Bob Dylan and his company for their help.

The wildly rich artwork for this book was prepared using pencil and acrylic paints. From where do you draw your inspiration for each painting?

Art from Man Gave Names to All the Animals ©2010 by Jim Arnosky, Sterling Children’s Books

This book was a departure for me since I am used to writing my own books. But, as in my Nature studies, I found inspiration in something small but significant. In this case it was the simple refrain “ In the beginning, a long time ago.”

That was enough to make me try to create a world lush with plants and deep with pristine vistas and to populate it with animals from all around the globe. I painted the pictures at my workplace in the Florida Keys surrounded by tropical plants and the beautiful turquoise sea. My daily wanderings influenced my palette and made the book very colorful.

Art from Thunder Birds ©2011 by Jim Arnosky, Sterling Children’s Book

What can you tell us about your latest book, Thunder Birds: Nature’s Flying Predators?

For Thunder Birds, Deanna, my wife, and I traced a good portion of Audubon’s trail from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, down the Eastern coast to Florida and Key West. We saw and photographed the same species of big powerful birds Audubon saw and in some of the same spots, many of which are now protected wild lands.

I measured captive birds, estimated the sizes of wild birds visually, and painted them life-size. It is one of my most ambitious books. The Audubon inspiration was just what I needed to make the book special to me. Since, like Audubon, I am also self- taught in the sciences and art and have learned most of what I know from my own observations and personal experiences in the wild.

I had read that you are self-taught in writing, art and the natural sciences. You have been described as a naturalist—and the many books you have created certainly represent this—to me, this is proof of how passion can truly take a person places. How would you describe your journey to becoming a published author and illustrator?

I had no formal art training in grade school or high school, and I didn’t go to college. My father who was a mechanical draftsman taught me to draw by teaching me how things worked, how things were made; such as a fence or a shed or the axles and wheels on a car. It was natural for me to apply this understanding of how the world works to Nature and my chosen wildlife subjects.

When Deanna and I were married, we were both 19 and I was selling little drawings for $5.00 a piece. Together we began to send out samples to children’s magazines and after 2 years of no answers, I got a job from jack and Jill magazine that led to other freelance assignments.

We moved to a one room cabin in Pennsylvania to keep our expenses low and Deanna made a good home with very little for us and our two girls while I studied every day, hiking 10 miles over the mountains each day. I began keeping journals of my wildlife encounters. I still keep a journal.

Art from Thunder Birds ©2011 by Jim Arnosky, Sterling Children’s Books.

Of all of the books that you have created or collaborated on, which has been the most personally rewarding for you?

The “Crinkleroot” books are special to me because they were the first. Of the 121 books I’ve written and illustrated, 14 are “Crinkleroot” books. I’ve just finished a 15^th that is due to come out in Spring 2012 (Putnam). The first “Crinkleroot” book “I Was Born In A Tree and Raised By Bees” began in my head on those long hikes over the mountains 40 years ago.

Which books do you remember most from your own childhood? And, which books did you read to your children in their youngest years?

I didn’t read much as a child. There were no books in our home except for a set of encyclopedias. I read them. Deanna read to our girls when they were young.  One was “Watership Down”. I remembered that well.  Years later, I read  “The Old Man And The Sea” to my three grandsons.

What are you working on now? Should we expect to see any more illustrated songbooks?

I am presently painting the great fish of the ocean along with other smaller sea creatures. The other day I was working on a painting of a puffer and I left the board to rest and fish the sunset. I caught the exact species of puffer I was painting and before I released it, I noticed it had brilliant yellow lips. I added that to my fish in the painting.

Art from I'm A Turkey ©2009 by Jim Arnosky, Scholastic

I’ve illustrated three of my own songs, “Rattlesnake Dance”, “Gobble It Up” and  “I’m A Turkey”. The last two are available with me singing the songs.  I’ve also written another song which I’m hoping to find a publisher for this year.

If you could offer one piece of advice to parents about raising children to enjoy and appreciate nature, what would it be?

To parents I say let their children experience Nature without too much worry instilled in them as they learn about the world around them. Don’t have them fear they will hurt or harm or bother some small creature by picking it up or holding it or even keeping it for a little while. Nature is resilient. It can stand a little child’s wonder while we learn more about it. Make sure they are gentle, careful and considerate about plants and animals, but do it in a way that encourages rather than reprimands. Keep them safe, but give them their freedom to enjoy and explore.

Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers?

Yes, remember, it is true that what we love, we protect. Teach yourself and your children to love wildlife and wild places. That’s even more important at their young age than instilling the idea of protecting wildlife and wild places.

On a parting note, if you, “Man,” were giving names to all the animals, is there one that you would like to go back and change?

If I were “Man” giving names to all the animals, I’d change anemone to something easier to pronounce and remember.

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Land Wilson, for The Children’s Book Review
Published: April 3, 2011

I am a nut. I admit it. My family will back me on this, too. What am I a nut about, you ask?  I am obsessed with Tolkien’s world of Middle Earth. I can’t stop reading his books. I can’t stop watching Peter Jackson’s rendition of The Lord of the Rings and Arthur Rankin Jr.’s rendition of The Hobbit. I named my son after the actor, Elijah Wood. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve read these books and opted to forego much needed sleep to read or watch the movies. Like I said, I’m a nut.

In the first few days after Japan’s 9.0 earthquake, there was continuous news on the devastation caused by the tsunami. My wife came home on the following Monday visibly upset.  Her company has a distributor in Japan whose descriptions of the experience were scary. What wasn’t discussed was the radiation threat from damaged nuclear power plants.  As the nuclear crisis grew, my wife became more upset.

We sent the kids outside, and then with tears, she said, “I don’t know how the world is going to make it,” she said quietly. “If we didn’t have kids and we wanted them, I wouldn’t do it. I wouldn’t bring them into this world. I hate to say this, but it feels hopeless. If there is lots of money to be made at something, people just don’t care what it does to earth.”

It was then that I realized why I was so obsessed with Tolkien’s books and movies. There are many parallels between our challenges and the ones faced by people of Middle Earth. Many of Tolkien’s lines give me power over the same hopeless feelings my wife was having. Like Aragorn’s line to the boy Haleth who was about defend Helm’s Deep against Saruman’s army. Haleth says, “The men are saying we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless.” Aragorn intently examines the quality of Haleth’s sword. Then Aragorn puts his hand on the boy’s shoulder and looks him in the eyes, “There is always hope.” I hugged my wife and shared this line. She liked the hug, but could have done without the line.

Then, I shared my favorite line by Samwise Gamgee; Sam tells a battered and mentally defeated Frodo that they have to keep holding on and to keep going like the hero’s of great stories. Frodo asks, “What are we holding on to Sam?” Sam replies, “That there’s some good in the world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.” I felt like a big cheese quoting like this, but the next day, my wife told me that Sam’s line actually made her feel better. My Tolkien obsession paid off.

In the face of our environmental challenges, I am optimistic. I have faith in humanity. We are smart. When people say things like: “We need more nuclear power to meet our energy needs,” I know we can do better. No matter how safe we make a nuclear power plant, it still generates radioactive waste. Our government’s support of more nuclear energy basically mandates that we the people have to accept build-ups of radioactive waste. Let’s talk about mandates for greater energy efficiency and conservation. Let’s talk about mandates for installing solar panels on all sun-drenched residential and commercial rooftops. A starting point would be a building requirement that all new roofs with proper sun exposure be fitted with solar mounts. Let’s do better and let’s get drastic together.

Call me a dreamer, but I know too, that we can prevent pollution, landfill, and the loss of our natural habitats. I’ve learned from the Apollo space program and from astronauts I have spoken with, “impossible” is possible. Things that seem impossible are often made a reality when people work together. The movie, “I Am” does a great job at showing how humans have what it takes to overcome challenges because of our instinct to cooperate. It is this ability above others that has insured our survival, and it is this ability that can get us to where we want to go. I am proud that I dream about protecting Earth because dreams precede great accomplishments. We can protect Earth and there are good people in the world who care about our planet. Knowing this is worth holding on to.

Land Wilson, an advocate for environmental protection, is the author of “Sofia’s Dream.”

Sofia’s Dream

By Land Wilson (Author), Sue Cornelison (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 19 pages

Publisher: Little Pickle Press LLC; 1st edition (November 24, 2010)

©2012 The Childrens Book Review. All Rights Reserved.

By Bianca Schulze, The Children’s Book Review
Published: December 30, 2010

Sofia’s Dream

By Land Wilson (Author), Sue Cornelison (Illustrator)

Reading level: Ages 4-7

Hardcover: 19 pages

Publisher: Little Pickle Press LLC; 1st edition (November 24, 2010)

Awards: Gold Mom’s Choice Award (2011)

Source: Author

Sofia’s Dream was written for the sole purpose of inspiring children to take care of the earth. As a published author, Land Wilson’s life long dream of being an environmental educator to kids is now coming true.

While seeking inspiration for Sofia’s Dream, Wilson was granted the opportunity to interview three Apollo astronauts: Captain Walker M. Schirra, Jr. (Commander of Apollo 7); Frank Borman (Commander of Apollo 8); and Eugene Cernan (Pilot aboard Apollo 10, and Commander of Apollo 17).  Wilson said: “These interviews inspired me to use the theme of seeing Earth from space to write a bedtime book for children … .”

“In Space you see how beautiful Earth is with it’s blues[,] white clouds, [and] brownish, pinkish continents. It’s alone in the vastness of space. You see that it’s fragile, and you want its people to be responsible citizens because this is the only world we have.”

~ Frank Borman

“When you can blot out your link to reality with your thumb, it’s overwhelming to be that far away from home. This place represents everything you understand. It represents your family and what you feel.”

~ Eugene Cernan

“From space, you can see pollution on Earth in the form of discolored waters created by people in populated areas. It funnels out into the oceans. And then you see that our ozone layer is no more than an eggshell around Earth you realize that humans had better learn to be more careful with it.”

~ Walter M. Schirra, Jr.

Beginning with the cover image of an angelic young girl soaring high in the sky, her eyes full of hope and untarnished optimism, a magical tone is set for the story. One night, Sofia awakens to the sound of the moon singing out, “Hello down there;” and so begins their beautiful friendship. Gently and adeptly, Wilson uses rhyme to tell of Sofia’s adventures with her new and wise friend. Described in the opening line as “a thoughtful girl,” Sofia had always marveled at the moon.  When Moon encourages Sofia to take a giant leap in her sleep and leave Earth behind her while she dreams, a new perspective of Earth is offered and a deep sense of responsibility is cultivated. Wilson’s appreciation for nature and environmental protection shine through in this powerfully uncomplicated picture book.

“The things you do and what you say,

Will make a difference every day.

Aim high with everything you do,

Then you’ll inspire others, too.”

Sue Cornelison’s dreamy illustrations provide a pitch-perfect backdrop for this otherworldly journey. Dark hues are used to depict a polluted environment and represent sadness. Sofia is always illustrated with lighter colors and a brighter intensity—she radiates possibility and promise. Stardust swirls softly across pages, offering a platform from which Sofia may explore outer-space. When Wilson’s text implores Sofia to inspire others to take care of Earth, Cornelison matches the text with a double-page spread showing a multi-cultural group of children doing their part to be responsible citizens—every little face capturing the innocence, enthusiasm and inner-beauty of all children.

Endpapers Illustration by Sue Cornelison

It should also be noted that this book is printed using recycled paper and soy inks—kudos to Little Pickle Press—and even the endpapers are adorable.

Whether you are looking for a well illustrated and charming bedtime book or a gentle lesson (but strong message) in caring for our environment, Sofia’s Dream is an absolute delight for children and parents, alike.

Add this book to your collection: Sofia’s Dream

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