Seuss, Dr. The Lorax. New York: Random House, Inc., 1971. Age Range: 6 - 9 years Publisher's Description: When Dr. Seuss gets serious, you know it must be important. Published in 1971, and perhaps inspired by the "save our planet" mindset of the 1960s, The Lorax is an ecological warning that still rings true today amidst the dangers of clear-cutting, pollution, and disregard for the earth's environment. In The Lorax, we find what we've come to expect from the illustrious doctor: brilliantly whimsical rhymes, delightfully original creatures, and weirdly undulating illustrations. But here there is also something more--a powerful message that Seuss implores both adults and children to heed.

Cherry, Lynne. How We Know What We Know about Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications, 2008. Age Range: 10 and up Publisher's Description: Cherry and Braasch introduce readers to scientists around the world whose research contributes to an understanding of the causes and consequences of global warming. They also describe the work of citizen scientists, including children, whose observations contribute to knowledge about important changes that are occurring. Studies range from documenting bloom dates of trees and flowers to extracting mud cores from the ocean floor. Small color photographs show the fieldwork and experiments of scientists and students. Even though many findings indicate a grim outlook for plant and animal life, including humans, if the current trends continue, the authors consistently note ways in which students can have a positive impact by making personal choices and influencing public policy. A concluding spread identifies the more than 40 scientists mentioned in the text. The book's wide-ranging exploration of scientific studies and the encouragement to people of every age to become citizen scientists and active participants for change make this a valuable purchase.

Cherry, Lynne. The Great Kapok Tree. San Diego, CA: Voyager Books, 2000. Age Range: 4 - 8 years Publisher's Description: If a tree falls in the forest... someone or something will always be there to hear it. Many, many creatures will feel the effects when their source of sustenance and shelter falls to the earth. So when a man is sent into the Amazon rain forest one day, under instructions to chop down a great kapok tree, many eyes watch him nervously. It's not long before he grows tired, though, and the "heat and hum" of the rain forest lulls him to sleep. One by one, snakes, bees, monkeys, birds, frogs, and even a jaguar emerge from the jungle canopy to plead with the sleeping ax-man to spare their home. When the man awakens, startled at all the rare and marvelous animals surrounding him, he picks up his ax as if to begin chopping again, then drops it and walks away, presumably never to return. Unfortunately, there's always someone else who is willing to take his place, but the message of this environmental book is plain: Save the rain forest! The story itself is not overly compelling, but each personalized entreaty from the animals provides an accurate and persuasive scientific argument for preserving nature's gifts. Lynne Cherry's fertile watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations, including a map of the tropical rain forests of the world, are vivid and colorful. A fine starting point for a discussion about conservation.

Cherry, Lynne. A River Ran Wild. San Diego, CA: Voyager Books, 2002. Age Range: 6 - 9 years Publisher's Description: In the 15th century, when native people first settled on the banks of the river now called the Nashua, it was a fertile and beautiful place. By the 1960s, the river valley had been ravaged by many years of serious pollution , and fish, birds, and other animals were no longer seen in the area. Through the efforts of Marion Stoddart and the Nashua River Watershed Association, laws were passed that resulted in the restoration of this river and the protection of all rivers. The author gets high marks for documenting the negative impact of industry on the environment and for highlighting the difference one determined person can make. However, young readers lacking historical background need more facts and dates than are included here. Cherry uses borders on pages that detail, for example, some of the inventions conceived in the 19th century; inexplicably, most are labeled but only some are dated. Her note and the maps on the endpapers, which include a timeline, also help to place the events in context. The watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations are sweeping in their subject matter and adequately convey the physical deterioration of the watershed. However, one picture is misleading; although all the animals depicted live in this habitat, they would not all be seen together. The current concern over the environment will make this a sought-after title, since it is brief enough to read aloud to groups of children. With assistance from informed adult readers, it makes an important contribution to literature on water pollution.

Amsel, Sheri. 365 Ways to Live Green for Kids: Saving the Environment at Home, School, or at Play--Every Day! Avon, MA: Adams Media, 2009. Age Range: 9 and up Publisher's Description: In the green-conscious world we live in today, parents realize the importance of teaching the lessons of green living, early on. With this book, parents can encourage their children to be ecologically friendly with fun lessons such as: the three R's: reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling; why we should keep the air, oceans, and forests pollution-free; why organic food is tastier and better for you; how to protect plants and animals; and Earth Day celebrations. Complete with tips for every day of the year and activities for home, school, and during playtime this book reveals how easy it is to be an ecofriendly family and prepare for a better future together.

Brown, Marc, and Laura Krasny Brown, Dinosaurs Alive and Well: A Guide to Good Health (Dino Life Guides for Families) New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company, 1990. Age Level: 4-8 Publisher Description:A liberal mix of humorous dinosaurs and lively text create a unique treatment in health education. A regular dose of the Browns' lovable creatures is sure to become the enticement to a better and more healthful life. The smooth style of writing develops the theme across a broad span of coverage, giving information and advice about nutrition, cleanliness, illness, the value of exercise, and how to handle stress (child oriented!). Frequent exposure to this book will help children realize the ultimate goal--that of staying healthyand feeling good about themselves. An upbeat mood pervades this nonpatronizing treatment of an otherwise "doesn't-everybody-know-that" subject. The exuberant watercolor illustrations make the book a complete success. Teachers will find it invaluable for classroom collections, and librarians should consider multiple copies. There are no others like it!

Children's nutrition education website that provides health and nutrition resources for students, parents, and the classroom. By offering kids different engaging activities that focus on health and nutritional awareness, Super Kids Nutrition hopes to "save the world, one healthy food at a time."

Children's nutrition education website that supports teachers, schools, health care, community programs, and school classroom-parent involvement home partnerships. The website offers free educational, interactive kids health and nutrition education tools.

This website is connected to the Illinois Nutrition Education and Training Program and focuses on supporting children's health and achievement. Helpful resources are offered to increase teacher, parent, and student knowledge of nutrition and healthy choices. The website highlights educational games, recipes, ideas for staying active, and a number of different links that will further one's nutritional education.