Simon,
Seymour. 2010. Global Warming.
New York: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780061142505
(Photo obtained from
seymoursimon.com)
Plot
Summary
Global Warming is a children’s book written on the subject which presents the issues,
arguments and provides solutions for change on the individual and familial
level.
Analysis
At first glance, the large text and outstanding photographs draw the
reader in. Found on the cover are three polar bears traipsing through their habitat (and who doesn't love polar bears?!). The photographs are presented
in a manner that reinforces the scientific concepts which are being mentioned
page-by-page (polar bears again on page 14 and whimsical, colorful coral a few pages later; then floods and melting glacier follow). Further, information is organized
in an understandable manner as Simon introduces the basics of global warming
while gradually adding on to those facts to present the overall contention. Granted, some of the information in the text
requires a general knowledge of science (perhaps a fifth grade level), Simon
manages to present the issues, arguments and solutions all packaged in an easy
to digest children’s book that even adults could benefit from.
While considering the merits of Global
Warming as a informational book, beyond the children’s realm, the student in
me cringes whenever Simon presents “facts” (such as “In 2007, a report by 2,500
scientist from 130 countries concluded that humans are responsible for much of
the current warming.”) without citation.
There are no references to be found at the conclusion of the book and no
in-text citations. Unfamiliar with the “rules”
of citation in children’s book, I don’t really have much of an argument but it
still bothered me and made me question validity and accuracy as pages were
turned.
Overall, Simon manages to present the difficult scientific concepts used
to describe global warming in a simplified manner to an audience of
children. Global Warming would be right at home on bookshelves in the
school-setting and used as an educational tool or supplement. Beyond the educational asset, Global Warming incites change and a "call to action" for the younger generation -- asking that they please take care of their planet.
Review Excerpts
SCHOOL LIBRARY
JOURNAL – “Outstanding full-page, full-color photographs are the highlight of
this introduction to the theories and concerns regarding global warming and
climate change.”
BOOKLIST - “Informative and non-condescending, this
boils down large, complex issues into understandable concepts, even as it
covers the range of current understanding on how we are impacting the planet.”
HORN BOOK – “Seymour
Simon is probably the dean of science writing for primary-graders, and his Global Warming is typically excellent,
marrying a logically structured text to expertly chosen, well-placed,
full-color photographs.”
Enrichment Activities
Educators and Families Section of Simon’s official website -- http://www.seymoursimon.com/index.php/for_educators/benefits_of_a_free_educators_account/
Books like Global Warming
A Kid’s Guide to Climate Change
and Global Warming by Cathryn Berger Kaye
How We Know What We Know
about Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming by Lynne Cherry
Weather by Seymour Simon
The New 50 Simple Things
Kids Can Do to Save the Earth by Sophie Javna
