Anthology for the Earth edited by Judy Allen

This is a lovely collection of images and the written word, including contributors from Isaiah to Quentin Blake. There is a wide diversity of well matched illustrations with each portion of text. Some light and comedic, some a bit heavier. Some are very short and others cover a few pages. It can be read sequentially for an overall arch, or flipped open for a quick read. There is also a wide demographic covered, from aboriginal iron mines, to a boy peeking through the hedges in his backyard.

by Scott

[click here to see if it's available]

The Buffalo are Back by Jean Craighead George

When the Midwest was settled, some major damage was done to the ecosystem. The plowing of the tall grasses left the land susceptible to wind damage, the bison and Native Americans were eradicated. This book talks about the damage done, keeping the focus on the grasses and bison, and shows how we were able to repair some of the damage. It ends on a promising note with the re-introduction of bison and native grasses to areas of the Midwest.

Accompanied by very nice artwork, the story is simple enough for young kids to follow. It unfolds dramatically with well crafted text and ends on a very positive note, encouraging ecological responsibility without being blatant or overbearing.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Scott

Hoot by Carl Hiassen

The policeman nodded grimly. "Alligators," he declared.
"You're kiddin' me."
"I wish I was," said Officer Delinko. "They put alligators in your potties sir. Real live alligators."
"More than one?"
"Yes, sir."
Curly was flabbergasted. "Are they... big gators?"
Officer Delinko shrugged, "I imagine all of 'em look big," he said, "when they're swimming under your butt."

Hoot is the story of Roy Eberhardt and his quest to: avoid the dim-witted school bully, track down an odd shoeless school-skipping kid (nicknamed, of all things, Mullet Fingers) and protect some burrowing owls whose homes are about to be bulldozed (to make way for a pancake house). Not bad for a 7th grader, eh? Along the way he crosses paths with: a Police Officer desperate for a promotion, a bag full of poisonous snakes painted silver and a marketing vice president named Chuck Muckle.

Once I started reading Hoot I couldn't put it down. The story moves along at a good pace and the characters, especially Roy, are intriguing and likeable. This book made me laugh again and again, especially the pranks pulled at the construction site (the alligators in the port-a-potties is just one of many).

Not only is Hoot hilarious, it has a great message too. It stresses how thru community involvement kids can make a difference and help the environment. Give this one to kids who love: owls, the environment, and to laugh grades 5 thru 8.

[click here to see if it's available]

by Patrick