Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler
Tomorrowland by Steven Kotler (New Harvest, May 2015) is a collection of previously published essays about the new frontiers available in science. The subtitle suggests that the text provides examples of how science fiction has become “science fact.”
I am not a scientist, so as I read, I found myself impressed with where humankind has gone. Chapters include explorations of man-made limb replacements, artificial vision surgery, flying motorcycles, space diving, the potential of stem cells, and DNA explorations. I was dutifully impressed with the details and possibilities explored.Continue Reading
Kids Who Are Changing the World by Anne Jankeliowitch
Some of the children used their talents to promote ecological awareness. Some painters sent artwork to those who donated to a cause. Others made music videos that have made a difference by raising awareness world wide to those who see the video. Others began locally in planting trees or inspiring recycling or petitioning to ban plastic water bottles at their schools. These small movements became larger as their cause spread throughout their towns, countries, and (now) the world.
It’s amazing to me to see what very young children can accomplish when they are determined to do so. I appreciated the note along with most of the biographies in which they acknowledged the roles their parents played in helping them be successful. I do think it is important to encourage our children to make a difference in what they see as important, and parental support was obviously a big part of helping these kids meet their dreams for “changing the world.”
If I have one complaint it is that the gorgeous photographs of places around the world did not always match the locality that the children’s biographies described. For example, a child worked to plant trees and discourage deforestation in Africa, and the photograph showed the rain forest in Brazil. This is a small matter, however. The photographer, Yan Arthus-Bertrand, President of the GoodPlanet Foundation which emphasizes children’s education of these ecological matters, has ecological awareness at heart. The photographs selected simply emphasize the need for ecological awareness and delight at the beautiful world we all live in.
Note: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher for review consideration.
A Rock Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas (Picture Book Sunday)
Sometimes we take the most obvious things for granted. Like rocks, for instance. A Rock Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Violeta Dabija (Millbrook Press, March 2015) shows all the ways that rocks are an important part of our world. Continue Reading
