Our House is Round
Skyhorse Publishing/Thomas Allen
age 8-12, 13-18
Written by Yolanda Kondonassis, illustrated by Joan Brush
48 pages
Synopsis from Thomas Allen:
Called “the perfect children’s introduction to environmental issues” by Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, Our House Is Round gently guides young readers through a smartly narrated conversation illuminating the concept of global connection and environmental cause and effect. This book teaches the “whys” behind earth conservation in a colorful, positive way that encourages maturity, responsibility, and problem-solving discussion. Author Yolanda Kondonassis encourages children to answer questions about their planet and discusses the issues of global warming, recycling, energy conservation, planting trees, and more. This book is a must for every school and family library.
Taking care of the environment can seem like an overwhelming task for kids but Our House is Round makes a correlation between your home and the Earth as your home. Can you hide from pollution because you don’t live near a factory? The garbage you toss out may be out of your site but does it really disappear? The questions posed by the book will have kids thinking about things they do everyday and simple acts to change their behaviours. They might even start calling you on your power usage and recycling habits and that might not be a bad thing. Although I wasn’t impressed with the illustrations used within the book (just not a style that appeals to me), I did find the message appealing. It made the idea of change achievable for everyone, kids included.
You can find a copy of Our House is Round by visiting your local bookstore or Thomas Allen. Visit our Kid’s Books section for other great book recommendations.
I have to thank Groundwood Books for my review copy.