Material appropriate for primary age groups
An illustrated exploration of nature, the threats our planet faces, and what people can do to build a better future. Based on the Terra Carta, a sustainability roadmap, issued by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and his Sustainable Markets Initiative.
Martin loves to play by the river near his house. He watches the great blue herons and looks for crayfish and otters. He builds forts and lies in the tall grass near the water. But one day Martin’s parents tell him they have to move away, to the city. The family spend a day in the city, exploring their future home. Martin rides the subway, visits the market, explores the museum and watches a street performer, but none of the city’s charms can compare with the river. Then his parents show him a small stream running through the park, and Martin senses something familiar in the air. When moving day arrives, Martin fills a small glass jar with river water as a keepsake. And when he returns to the stream, he discovers that his connection to nature can be just as wondrous in the city.
Lunch turns into bird food when a little girl starts feeding birds at the bus stop. First, a pigeon she names Serious comes pecking, and then Fancy and Sleepy gather to gobble up the offerings. But what happens when more and more birds want to join in on the feast? And what are all these fantastical birds doing in the city, anyway?
During the global pandemic in early 2020, stories of wildlife showing up in unexpected places began to emerge. From foxes cavorting in gardens to geese sunbathing in Israel, these stories invited us to take pause, gaze with wonder, and enjoy the whimsy of seeing creatures explore what was previously primarily a human habitat. In this book for children of all ages, Martina’s magical words combine with artist Kelly Ulrich’s inspired illustrations to create a book that takes you on a journey around the world from the comfort of your own living room, while also gently highlighting the balance between nature and humanity.
While it is difficult for adults to understand the extent of changes in the world brought about by the 2020 pandemic, it must be so much more confusing to children. Waiting and spending time indoors while a favorite park is closed or school is shut down has been a constant companion for children in 2020.
Things are changing for one little girl whose mom is a busy doctor. When her mom has to be in quarantine―sleeping on a cot in their garage to keep the family safe from the virus―the girl does her best to be brave. She and her dad spend time together, she goes to school online, and she helps her grandparents too…making sure to wave so they know it’s her! They join their neighbours outside to thank the doctors and nurses around the world for their hard work. But of course the highlight of the day is when mom comes home, and they wave to each other through the window.
A Junior Library Guild selection. With the skies, roads, and waterways clear and quiet during the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural world seemed to return to an earlier, wilder state. Animals crossed boundaries that people had set over centuries, reclaiming ancient habitats. From sea lions who clambered into a parking lot in Argentina to deer who wandered in a Japanese subway to lions lounging in the middle of South African roads to kangaroos who bounced through a shopping district in Australia, this thoroughly researched, stunningly illustrated book tells the stories of these newly footloose creatures — and describes what the COVID-19 “pause” taught scientists about how ecosystems and wildlife can rebound if the right environmental conditions are achieved.
This idea sparked The Great Realization. Sharing the truths we may find hard to tell but also celebrating the things—from simple acts of kindness and finding joy in everyday activities, to the creativity within us all—that have brought us together during lockdown, it gives us hope in this time of global crisis.
This perfectly revolting — and perfectly timely! — introduction to germs from award-winning comedy writer Edward Kay will turn any kid into a master of microbes! Children get up close and personal with germs (ew!) in this entertaining, thoroughly researched exploration of the science and history of these tiny, ubiquitous creatures. Heavy on the gross factor to keep readers engaged, the book covers what germs are, how we get sick, how the human immune system works and the best ways to stay healthy. There are intriguing stories about early attempts to fight disease (heard about corpse catapults? how about shaved chicken butts?), and the plagues and pandemics that changed the course of history. A look to the future describes how germs may be helpful for cleaning the environment and solving crimes. It’s a kid-friendly overview that provides the perfect introduction to the world of germs.
A little girl grows stronger as she finds ways to stay connected to the people she loves during the pandemic.