Polar bear, why is your world melting?

Gr 1-4-Two children sail in a red research vessel through the pages of this clear and simple explanation of global warming. Colorful, cartoon drawings show the youngsters rescuing a mother polar bear and her two cubs by hauling them onto their boat. Then, beginning with an explanation of the sun's effect on the Earth's atmosphere, they pursue the reasons that the Arctic ice is melting. Without oversimplifying, Wells makes the large concepts of the Greenhouse Effect and the sources of CO2 understandable for young children. He doesn't shy away from the frightening possible effects of warming: floods, drought, and an increase in storm intensity, but he ends with a reassuring list of behaviors that readers can do on their own or discuss with adults. An excellent introduction to the topic for primary-grade children.-Ellen Heath, Easton Area Public Library, Easton, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A worthy title that uses polar bears and the melting of the Arctic ice as a springboard for an explanation of global warming pitched well to preschool audiences. Simple language and vivid imagery serve to communicate a difficult subject, effectively making the connection between the burning of fossil fuels and the warming of the atmosphere. Wells's text flows evenly through his explanations back to the reason why the Arctic ice matters to all of us, not just polar bears. How can readers help? A list of child-accessible solutions concludes the presentation. Clear diagrams and illustrations, with a trio of personable polar bears (a mother and two cubs) accompanying two children around the world, move the text along nicely. Some pack quite a punch: A stack of the 700 million cars in the world, three to a layer, stretches from Earth to the moon. A fine addition to early science collections. (Informational picture book. 6-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.