Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this Little Critter book carries an important message about what we all can do to help the Earth. Besides telling the story, it offers 10 solid ways that all ages can work together to save our planet.
Families can talk about the Little Critter's plan for saving the planet for the polar bears. What did he learn from his invention? Why did he finally decide that we are all "Climate Control Machines"? What does it mean to "reduce, reuse, and recycle"? Read Little Critter's 10 Top Ways to Help Save the Planet. How many do you do? Can you think of anything else that is not on the list?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Patricia Tauzer
Readers who know Mercer Mayer's Little Critter books know Little Critter is always up to something. This time he is on a mission to slow down global warming and help the polar bears, and of course he does it with the typical Little Critter enthusiasm. On the school tree-planting trip, he ends up waist-deep in the hole he has dug, and turning out the lights leaves his father stumbling dangerously in the dark.
Even with its serious message, this Little Critter book comes with the usual trappings. Fans will love trying to find the mouse and spider hidden in every scene as well as the cleverly drawn cartoon-like characters for which Mayer is known. And together, that is enough to draw young readers into a book that tackles a topic which might otherwise be a bit scary. Here the message is handled well: Little Critter is trying to save the world for the polar bears. The lesson he learns is that solving the problem is not up to him alone. Rather, if we all work together we can make the difference.
From The Book
The next day was Earth Day. Our whole class went to the park to plant trees. Trees are good for the Earth. They help suck up bad stuff in the air.
It was hard work.
"Come on, guys," I said. "Do it for the Earth and for the polar bears!"
Plot Summary:
After Little Critter learns that climate changes on Earth are endangering the habitat of polar bears, he is determined to fix the problem. He tries to invent a machine that will control the climate all on his own, but he learns that if we all work together to "reduce, reuse and recycle," we can be the best climate control machine of all.
Related Books:
Other Books about Helping the Earth:
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
What Planet Are You From, Clarice Bean by Lauren Child
Everything Kids' Environment Book by Sheri Amsel
Kids Care: 75 Ways to Make a Difference by Rebecca Olien and Michael Kline
Related Web sites:
www.greendimes.com
EcoKids.ca
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