Information Book

Rescue Mission Planet Earth A Children’s edition of Agenda 21.

This a great book that explains Agenda 21, “a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment” in words and pictures children can relate to. Some of the illustrations are drawings that explain complex ideas like the greenhouse effect. Others are drawings that use humor to demonstrate an idea. Still others are photographs that demonstrate the destruction the global warming has already caused some areas. The style definitely stimulates interest. It is clearly divided into sections so children can use it to find information on specific topics rather than reading it front to back. That will help them build skills they will use in future research.

The information is factual and accurate. The authors use Case Studies and quotes to make the information tangible. Many of the quotes are from famous names or children with their age and country listed. Throughout the pages we see text boxes that highlight a point or feature a thought. It is easy to read, interesting, and beautifully illustrated. I would add this to my classroom collection.

Fantasy -The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe- By C.S. Lewis

As a child, I liked this book, but as an adult I could not remember why. I reread the book, which I always think is important to do from an adult’s perspective. I really enjoyed the innocence and imagination of the book. It used older, British English. I think this book would be most effective in a younger classroom where the teacher reads it to the children. I am afraid that once the children are at a high enough reading level to handle the book, they may think it is childish.

I author builds the story around the relationship of four siblings staying in a strange house. Each child has his/her role within the family and C.S. Lewis reveals those roles through many of the children’s decisions and actions. Lewis introduces readers to the master of the house, the Professor, who always eludes the idea that Narnia is real. Because the Professor seems to believe in the enchantment children are able to suspend their belief that Narnia is fantasy.

The children begin in a real world and travel to the fantasy world. One child goes first and the others do not believe her. One of her brothers joins her, but denies Narnia to the group. It is not until all the children experience Narnia that they believe.

Details are a huge part of Narnia. The children enter through a wardrobe and use a lamp post as a land mark. The creatures are full of magical details; trees that eavesdrop, birds the lead them to safety, a friendly beaver who loves to sew.

The theme is to believe in imagination. I think this is a valuable characteristic for children to hang onto to. I was surprised by some of the biblical parallels. This is one in a series of books and I’d be interested to see how the theme plays out.