Why Are the Ice Caps Melting? The Dangers of Global Warming (by Anne Rockwell)

This comprehensive introduction to global warming makes the subject easy to understand and brings it close to home. There's a list of things that make carbon dioxide -- from your pet dog panting to the family car and landfill. The book doesn't stint with the bad things that are happening -- and will continue to happen -- if global warming isn't slowed down. This is alarming stuff.

Even though it includes ideas about things we can do to help, the book will leave some kids feeling hopeless and understandably scared. Then again, lots of kids will come to this book already having some understanding of global warming, and its encouraging parts may help calm any fears that they brought to their first read. This is a good introduction for children ready for the discussion, with a parent's guidance.