ALA Booklist (Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2006)

The prolific Rockwell takes on the controversial subject of global warming in this effective entry in the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series. The book begins by introducing Earth as a remarkable place that may be the only spot where conditions are right for life.She goes on to explain in simple language the greenhouse effect, the sources of global warming, what the effects of warming have been so far and what they might be in the future. Some solutions are also offered, good ideas like planting trees, riding bikes instead of driving, and buying foods that aren't prepackaged. Global warming criticism gets about a half page of rebuttal, but Rockwell notes, even if the critics are right, it is still a good idea to try to stop the increase of greenhouse gasses. The ink-and-watercolor art, brimming with action, has a lightness the subject belies, but it adds child appeal. A final two-page spread offers some activities to extend the text.

Horn Book (Sun Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2004)

Eleven-year-old narrator Amalee doesn't have any close friends; her father has four, all of whom drive Amalee crazy. When her single-parent father becomes seriously ill, his friends save the day, taking turns watching over Amalee and her bedridden dad, and she learns some lessons about friendship and growing up. This uplifting story will grab young readers with its sympathetic portrayal of middle-school life.

Kirkus Reviews

Posing on icebergs that are considerably smaller on the rear endpapers than the front, flocks of penguins tellingly bookend this call to start worrying about the effects of global warming, and to think about personal-scale ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Though Rockwell oddly omits mention of nitrogen and oxygen in her tally of atmospheric gases, and Meisel suggests in one cartoon scene that children might actually perceive a single year's change in sea level, in general readers will find a thought-provoking, balanced mix of facts and opinions that won't leave them feeling helpless in the face of a worldwide catastrophe in the making. A worthy addition to the Lets Read and Find Out series. (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-8)

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-Introductory titles with an environmentalist point of view. The first book offers facts about alligators and their habitat, followed by discussions of why they began to disappear, how their environment changed, and what has been done to save American alligators. Readers are asked to think of ways to save those in China, which continue to be endangered. An activity is included. Ice Caps discusses the need for balance in nature, the greenhouse effect, and what can be done to help combat global warming. In both books, the information is detailed, but not overwhelming. However, the absence of chapters might hinder their use for reports. Colorful illustrations provide details that support the texts.-Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.