To Change a Planet by Christina Soontornvat illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

 

This book has a powerful text but it is the illustrations that really bring this important message to life.

Here is part of the text:

"Our planet. Big, tough, dependable. Our planet has spun through eons of time. Mere moments ago, we arrived. One person. Small, quiet, insignificant. But when one person, and one person and one person become many, they can change a planet."

From the author web page: Spare, poetic text and breathtaking pictures invite readers on a stirring journey that gently illuminates the causes of climate change as well as how our individual and collective actions can make the world better. Meticulously researched and brimming with beauty, hope, and hands-on solutions that will edify and empower even the youngest readers, this loving ode to our planet is vital for every child and family.

The final two pages have answers to five key questions:

• What is climate change?
• What is causing climate change?
• How will rising temperatures affect life on earth?
• How do we know all this?
• What can we do to take action?

Take a look at the Kirkus Star review.

Rahele Jomepour Bell’s illustrations are stunning. From their depiction of the carbon dioxide molecule to summarizing in one spread, the ways that humans are producing carbon dioxide; the illustrations lift the text to a new level. Picture Book Brain

"In short, elegant lines of lyrical prose, Soontornvat explores the history of humanity's relationship to Earth and confronts the modern threat of extreme weather events and environmental destruction. While these passages offer a sober warning, the book's overall tone is hopeful, centered around the conviction that, just as we can exacerbate the effects of climate change, so too can we forestall and reverse them."  School Library Journal

Here is the trailer with a commentary by Christina Soontornvat.

Unfortunately, this book published in 2022 is VERY expensive here in Australia at nearly AUS$40 so sadly it will be well beyond the budget of most school libraries. 

I am very keen to find other books illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. She is originally from Iran and now lives in the US.

I read a Middle Grade book by Christina Soontornvat:

A Wish in the Dark