Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In a serious but not somber introduction to global warming, Simon, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, describes contributing factors, signs, and repercussions of rising Earth temperatures with enough statistics to inform school reports—“There is 30 percent more carbon dioxide in the air than there was 150 years ago”—and enough full-color photographs to engage. Endnotes list things individuals and families can do to help curb climate change, as a hopeful counterbalance. Ages 5–9. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Mar.)

ALA Booklist

Simon's consistently high-quality collaborations with the Smithsonian investigate all manner of science topics for young readers, and here take on the timely matter of climate change. Informative and non-condescending, this boils down large, complex issues into understandable concepts, even as it covers the range of current understanding on how we are impacting the planet. Simon distinguishes between weather and climate and offers a succinct explanation of the greenhouse effect and the dangers of rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions. Without being alarmist, he also explains how even a rise of a few inches in sea level could flood populated areas and touches on how the animal world, from butterflies to polar bears, is being impacted. Thoughtfully chosen full-page photos complement and reflect the text; dual pictures of dwindling glaciers and dying coral reefs impart a sense of urgency, while a small sprout of green emerging from parched soil is especially resonant, yet strangely hopeful. The book concludes with realistic ideas on how individuals, families, and communities can help alleviate the planetary pressure.

Kirkus Reviews

Striking a cautious tone and noting that the Earth has been both warmer and colder in its past, Simon nonetheless suggests that current signs hint at an uncommonly rapid shift in global climate—possibly due to more than just human factors but nonetheless likely to cause disastrous near-future consequences. Though his moderation makes a refreshing change from the many strident calls to action clamoring for attention, it comes in a text that could use updating ("Greenland's enormous ice sheet will begin to melt") accompanied by generic photos of floods, lightning, smiling schoolchildren and autumn foliage that are at best only indirectly related to the topic at hand. Simon's huge (and deserved) fan base will ensure a wide readership for this clearly presented overview of the topic, but it has a slapdash feel and is not his best work. (Nonfiction. 8-10)

Horn Book

Clearly and simply, these books delineate the environmental problems of their titles. Colorful photos show some human activities at their worst, along with a few photos of remedies. Some of the recommendations are simplistic: e.g., wind turbines and hydropower are lauded without any mention of the negative environmental impacts involved. Each book has a single activity page. Reading list. Glos., ind.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5 Outstanding full-page, full-color photographs are the highlight of this introduction to the theories and concerns regarding global warming and climate change. Simon offers much basic information on the subjects of rising sea levels, ocean temperatures, and greenhouse gases. In addition, he explores the resulting problems of animal survival as well as the standard solutions outlined for both governments and families. While he strongly suggests that global warming is due to man-made causes, he does include the possibility of cyclical warming trends. Although comprehensive for the intended audience, the text is somewhat flat. A short glossary and index may help with more complicated ideas. A useful addition for collections needing well-illustrated introductory material. Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY