Review by Booklist Review
As they sing the anthem that the book's text consists of, calling for immediate action on climate change, people around the world are shown holding placards reading "Save Our Homes," "End Fossil Fuels," and "Let the Youth Be Heard." The book begins, "Everywhere the oceans rise. / You and I will organize, / Standing up and speaking out, / 'Climate justice!' is our shout." The first line of the text's refrain continues the message of our responsibility to save the Earth and every living creature on it: "The tide is rising, / So are we! / And this is where we're called to be." The brightly colored illustrations reveal frustration, anger, and sorrow on the faces of protesters attempting to impress on others the importance of making permanent changes to how we treat the world. An author's note is included, as well as a website leading readers to the author's Climate Activist Handbook. Music for the lyrics is also shared in the back matter.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
The titular climate anthem, coauthored by Friedman, becomes the jumping-off point for this empowering authorial picture book debut. Creating a compelling call-and-response effect, stanzas from the catchy song alternate with rhyming lines that describe the climate crisis ("The weather is the planet's voice:/ She's warning, 'Make a better choice!' ") as well as urge strength and solidarity ("Our hearts burn too, with love and care,/ With strength to heal, renew, repair"). Kita's light-filled illustrations employ saturated coloring, brightening scenes of faith leaders and intergenerational figures, portrayed with various abilities and skin tones, as they rejoice in nature and make their voices heard through protest ("The land is holy,/ So are we!/ And this is where we're called to be"). An author's note concludes. Ages 4--7. (Mar.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Friedman, an activist and rabbi, turns a protest song she co-wrote with her husband, leadership coach Yotam Schachter, into a tale of collective action. Her anthem extends to encompass various aspects of the climate movement, from grassroots efforts to political activity. A diverse array of characters protest, march, canvass, and talk to policymakers, as well as engaging in gardening and storytelling. All are clearly heeding a vital warning from the planet itself to "make a better choice!" While the fight is challenging, Friedman emphasizes that it's always better to try than to remain passive. Her words are lyrical and elegant, though a few turns of phrase may confuse younger readers ("Immune cells of the Earth, we rise: / One giant, swelling enterprise"). Kita's colorful montages set an optimistic tone, depicting activists uniting to save the Earth from climate change. Both the author and the illustrator acknowledge the effects of global warming: Scenes of oil rigs over once-pristine beaches serve as examples of the encroachment of industrial activity on natural landscapes, while a dramatic spread portrays raging storms and forest fires. These visuals, combined with images of protestors holding signs and hands, create a striking contrast between human exploitation of the Earth and the work many are doing to help heal the planet. A vibrant ode to the climate movement. (song lyrics)(Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
