Published by Orca Book Publishers

Published by Blue Dot Kids Press

Summary:  These two books provide a starting point for learning more about climate change and actions kids can take, both now and as they begin their careers.  Our World Out of Balance has 17 chapters that address various areas of environmental concern, such as global warming, plastics in the ocean, and extreme weather.  In addition to facts, there are sidebars on how kids can help address these problems.  Design Like Nature looks at ways people can study nature to inspire designs that will help the environment.  Both books include additional resources, an index, and a glossary.  Design Like Nature, 48 pages; Our World Out of Balance, 72 pages; both, grades 3-7.

Pros:  As environmental problems worsen around the world, it’s important to raise awareness with kids as to what the issues are and what can be done to solve them.  Both books take the problems seriously, but also offer a note of optimism that there are solutions.

Cons:  The illustrations in Design Like Nature are mostly stock photos that don’t always do a great job supporting the text.