Tools for this page
Print

It's Earth Day: Little Critter

Book Summary

Reviewed by Patricia Tauzer

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.

Is It Any Good?

4

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.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.