 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
It's Earth Day: Little Critter
- By Mercer Mayer
- Genre: For Beginning Readers
Common Sense Media says
Little Critter inspires with his eco-enthusiasm.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
We loved this book!
My girls, ages 3 and almost 5, love this book. The Little Critter make some great points about helping the environment in easy to understand ways. After one read, my girls were willing to turn off their light at night and use a lower energy option to help "save the polar bears". A great read in our house.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
little critter goes green
the book is great its green and amusing no bad content and thats it
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Mercer Mayer |
| Illustrator: | Mercer Mayer |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | For Beginning Readers |
| Publisher: | HarperFestival |
| Publication date: | February 26, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 24 |
| Paperback price: | $3.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 3 - 7 |
| Read aloud: | 3 |
| Read alone: | 6 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
