Serve God, Save the Planet: A Christian Call to Action

Book Description

Five years ago Dr. J. Matthew Sleeth and his family lived in a big house, had two luxury cars, loads of money, and lots of stuff. As chief of the medical staff at a large hospital, Sleeth was living the American dream--until he realized that something was terribly wrong. As he saw patient after patient suffering from cancer, asthma, and other chronic diseases, he began to understand that the Earth and its inhabitants were in trouble. Feeling helpless, he turned to his faith for guidance. He discovered how the timeless lessons of personal responsibility, simplicity, and stewardship taught in the Bible could be applied to modern life. The Sleeths have since sold their big home and given away more than half of what they once owned. In Serve God, Save the Planet, Sleeth shares the joy of adopting a less materialistic lifestyle, and reveals what was easy and what was hard about the changes his family has made. Drawing on science and religion, Sleeth builds a bridge between environmentalists and mainstream Christians. He and his family are harbingers of the creation care movement, which calls on all those who love God to love our planet. Sleeth shares how material downscaling led his family to healthier lifestyles, stronger relationships, and richer spiritual lives. Serve God, Save the Planet is more than a book: it is a prescription for taking personal responsibility for global survival.

Customer Reviews:

Great stories and great ideas.......2007-09-10

I bought this book after hearing Sleeth speak (via the web) at Mars Hill Bible Church in Michigan. I just finished the book and I really enjoyed it. Many of the topics that Sleeth covers have been on my mind lately but he definitely gave me some new ones to consider (ie. pets--yikes!). My plan is to go through his suggested action items (back of the book) and highlight the ones we've accomplished and make a list of new ones to tackle. I am sold on this concept; however, my family isn't quite there yet.
I have recently begun volunteering at a Christian agency that helps the underresourced. In doing so, I have become acutely aware of American (and my own) consumerism. So many things have only been used once or not at all and then they come to us. One day the fire marshall almost shut us down because we had mountains of donations. It is great that people are generous but wouldn't it would be better if they'd not bought so much stuff in the first place, only to donate it and buy new and different stuff?
I'm sure I will loan this book to tons of people in an effort to do my part to "Save the Planet." I'm fairly sure that it'll be around for me, I'm just worried about my kids and grandkids!

amazing.......2007-09-03

I'd recommend this book to everyone. We live in a world that has become so focused on consumption and production that we forget that we really don't need all this stuff. This book is written by a former doctor who has transformed his life (as well as his family's) into one that is very simple, yet incredibly peaceful, and wonderfully dedicated to God's glory.

We often associate environmentalism and "nature-loving" with hippies... but why not associate it with God? After all, He created it.

An Amish life for me?.......2007-08-16

I enjoyed Mr. Mathew Sleeth's book immensely and there was much I took issue with. It is indeed disappointing to see such an earnest effort fall short. He speaks with authority on many subjects but has credibility with but a few. Mostly I do not find fault with his interpretation of scripture. It is in other areas that his knowledge is thin, non-existent or worse yet takes, as authority, information from others that is unsubstantiated. A significant percentage of the "facts" presented are implied to be common knowledge when in actuality they are, unfortunately, little more than a recitation of the pandering that comes from mass media. Mr. Sleeth skates past the documented benefits of the industrial revolution with an ease that is disturbing. Where Mr. Sleeth encourages us to live _personally_ greener lives is where his arguments are strongest. I for one am not interested in de-evolving to an "Amish" lifestyle. Surely he cannot believe that our God wants us to life a life that is restricted to the technology of the 17th century. I suspect that the world's _current_ population could not be fed if much of the western world's population adopted it anyway. I must ask the question, "Do you suppose God would bless the act of feeding starving children in Africa any less, IF the vegetables were grown organically versus the most current high production methods?" Read this book with a jaundiced / discerning eye. This is truly a case where the wheat must be sorted from the chaff. Not only did God give me two hands, he also gave me a brain. Now if you'll excuse me, I see that there are three more ripe tomatoes in the garden and we're having beans for dinner.

Great Christian stewardship outline.......2007-07-20

This book succinctly highlights our duty as children of God to care for each other and His creation. By making both small and large sacrifices, we can impove our contentment while saving the planet for the enjoyment of future generations. Thank you, Dr. Sleeth for providing a quickly readable, yet thought provoking call to action which should be used in church discussion groups nationwide.

Strays from his area of expertise.......2007-07-18

After three chapters, I said to my wife -- this is GREAT. Indeed, the first five chapters are a well-structured synopsis of the environmental concerns we are facing, and a wake-up call to Christians to participate in restorative work. From there, the book degenerates quickly.

The rest of the book is simply filler to make a profitable book -- a discussion of issues on the fringe of environmental concern. Consumerism is a relevant issue, for example, but unnecessary is an at-length comparison of Jesus and Santa Claus. Sleeth ventures far from his area of expertise, including some extremely shaky exegesis at times. There is an analysis of Revelation that is especially unfounded. Also disappointing is his lack of practical advice -- this is relegated to a few redundant references (lightbulbs, clotheslines, etc) and a few sparse appendices at the back of the book.

Sleeth could have published this book as a much smaller edition, including his first five chapters and an extended discussion on practical approaches to helping the environment. Seems like a lot of wasted paper and energy for a book that does not seem to contribute much, if anything, new to the environmental movement. Overall, I was very disappointed and honestly, more frustrated when finished than any book I've read for quite some time.

Creating a Climate for Change: Communicating Climate Change and Facilitating Social Change

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Creating a Climate for Change: Communicating Climate Change and Facilitating Social Change

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0521869234

Book Description

The need for effective communication, public outreach, and education to increase support for policy, collective action and behavior change is ever present, and is perhaps most pressing in the context of anthropogenic climate change. This book is the first to take a comprehensive look at communication and social change specifically targeted to climate change. It is a unique collection of ideas examining the challenges associated with communicating climate change in order to facilitate societal response. It offers well-founded, practical suggestions on how to communicate climate change and how to approach related social change more effectively. The contributors of this book come from a diverse range of backgrounds, from government and academia to non-governmental and civic sectors of society. The book is accessibly written, and any specialized terminology is explained. It will be of great interest to academic researchers and professionals in climate change, environmental policy, science communication, psychology, sociology, and geography.

The Magic School Bus At The Waterworks (Magic School Bus)

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Hayley's outrageous review
good book, bad printing
A Splashing Debut
Many layers of detail
The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks

The Magic School Bus At The Waterworks (Magic School Bus)
Joanna Cole
Manufacturer: Scholastic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0590403605

Book Description

The classic title that started the award-winning series! Join Ms. Frizzle and her students as they follow the trail of water, from its sky-high source to the school bathroom sink on this wet and wild fieldtrip. After parking the school bus on a cloud and shrinking to raindrop size, Ms. Frizzle's class gets to see the waterworks from the water's point of view.

Customer Reviews:

Hayley's outrageous review.......2005-12-14

At the start of school the kids do not like Miss. Frizzle, because Miss. Frizzle is not the type of teacher that will bring you to the zoo, but she takes them on trip to weird places. She made them look up waterworks in the library for a month. Will they go on the trip or not? This book is good for all ages!

good book, bad printing.......2005-07-11

Although the book itself is very interesting, it was mis-printed in a very odd way. The beginning of the book was printed at the end, upside down. So, when you open the front cover, you hit the middle of the story.

A Splashing Debut.......2003-10-10

"The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks" is the first in a series of science picture books geared towards young ones. Written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen, it marks the debut of one of the most successful concepts in the history of children's literature.

Cole and Degen successfully blend fun and learning into their stories, striking a resonant chord with kids and parents alike. Because, let's face it, education - no matter what subject you're delving into - can be a tad boring at times. But anyone who's ever worked with children knows that adding a pinch of excitement and a smidgeon of enjoyment into the knowledge pot takes an otherwise bland topic and transforms it into something delectable.

"At the Waterworks" introduces us to Ms. Frizzle, a one-of-a-kind instructor who knows how to take seemingly uninspiring themes and metamorphose them into action-packed adventures. The kids in her class consider Ms. Frizzle "the strangest teacher in school." And they are less than enthused when they find out their first class trip is the local waterworks; it seems to pale in comparison to field trips other classes are taking, such as to the circus or to the zoo. But these students have obviously never gone on a class trip with Ms. Frizzle; nor have they ever taken a ride in her magic school bus.

Before they know it, Ms. Frizzle has sent them on a splashing journey. They learn all about the wonders of water; how it is the only substance in nature that can form into a solid, liquid or gas. They come to understand the water cycle; how water evaporates into a gas to form clouds and liquefies as it falls to the ground as rain. They even take a tour of the local waterworks; how water is filtered and purified for people to drink, and how it is distributed throughout the city in underground pipes to businesses and homes.

Needless to say, the children in Ms. Frizzle's class experience a once-in-a-lifetime voyage, one they won't ever forget! And for those "serious students who do not like any kidding around when it comes to science facts," the final pages distinguish what things were true in the story and what things were made up.

Cole and Degen hit the children's literacy jackpot with this series, and it all started with "At the Waterworks." This book was written in 1986, and the "Magic School Bus" is still riding strong - it has spawned numerous picture books, chapter books, a cartoon show, television tie-in books, computer games, etc. The key to its success lies in the fact that it mixes education with a hearty dose of humor and fun. And when you stir those ingredients together, you have a winning formula.

You cannot go wrong with Ms. Frizzle and her magic school bus. These books are so enjoyable, children and parents alike delight in them. I don't know why it took me so long to discover this series, but I'm glad it happened! I cannot say enough great things about it! Do yourself a favor and read a few of these stories; you will not regret it.

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "It's time to take chances! Make mistakes! And get messy!"

Many layers of detail.......2003-01-19

This is one of the older Magic School Bus books which has layers of detail in it. You can chose how many layers to read, depending on the child's interest and on the time you have available for reading.

The obvious layer is the text. There is plenty of information from just reading the text. If you want to add more, read the dialogue between the characters, written cartoon style in balloons. The most detail would come from the children's sketches and notes that are in the (very wide) margins.

I like the scheme of taking the children through the system and coming out the other end. Children usually find the fantasy of changing size to be fascinating as well. To my knowledge, the book is factual and fairly well up to date.

As a seamstress, I love Ms Frizzle's clothing and accessories.

The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks.......2000-03-26

I taught a unit on water to three second grade classes this year and this book helped the students understand where our city drinking water comes from, how it is treated for impurities and how it gets moved through the system and into our homes. The pictures and text are informative as well as humorous and entertaining. This book kept the students' attention and promoted discussiom. I highly reccommend it!

Planet Patrol: A Kids' Action Guide to Earth Care

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Start Now to Save the Planet
A must-have library addition

Planet Patrol: A Kids' Action Guide to Earth Care
Marybeth Lorbiecki
Manufacturer: Two-Can Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1587285185

Book Description

With the Planet Patrol, readers will learn the basics of ecology and see how hard work and new technologies are reversing some of the problems facing our environment. Fun facts and action tips will help inspire kids to make a difference in their own homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

Customer Reviews:

Start Now to Save the Planet.......2006-01-01

This was an exciting book because it gave me lots of new information to help the planet. For example, I didn't know that asthma is greatly caused by pollution--so of course there's another reason to clean the air. The pictures really showed examples of pollution and ways to stop it. The book also lists websites that give even more ways to help. So read this book, and you can start helping, too.

A must-have library addition.......2005-12-27

Planet Patrol is a must-have for every teacher on earth; it's a must-have for everyone who believes that our environment is the most important contributor to health and well being. Chock full of information and projects, Marybeth Lorbiecki outdid herself on research and writing. She's one of the most important writers on the planet. Lorbiecki cares. Read this book! It's fun AND educational. Share it! Practice its philosophies. You've only yourselves to enrich.

Science Action Labs - Environment : Explorations in Environmental Science (Science Action Labs)

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Science Action Labs - Environment : Explorations in Environmental Science (Science Action Labs)
Edward Shevick , and Leo Abbett
Manufacturer: Teaching & Learning Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1573101370

Book Description

"Every body perseveres in its state of rest or of uniform motion in a straight line, except in so far as it is compelled to change that state by impressed forces." -Issac Newton, Principia (First Law of Motion)

In other words, students in grades 4-8 (bodies in a state of rest) need lots of hands-on activities (impressed forces) to learn (compelling change)!

All the activities in this book are based upon science principles, many of which are explained by Newton's laws. The spirit of Sir Issac is present on the pages of this book offering explanation, advice, additional information and encouragement. The labs range from investigating smog, water pollution and acid rain; exploring population, ecosystems and survival; recycling; solar energy and more! Many of the Science Action Labs provide data tables and other additional information, and an answer key is provided.

This innovative collection of Science Action Labs provides a multitude of material for your students. Choose some activities to animate your class demonstrations, convert some to hands-on labs for the entire class or develop some for individual projects or reports. You'll find that each Science Action Lab is designed to encourage your students to THINK and SOLVE PROBLEMS and, after all, isn't that what science is all about?

Book Description

Ecological Education in Action celebrates the work of innovative educators in North America who explore ecological issues in school and non-school settings. These educators demonstrate how to reshape the thinking of children and adults to affirm the value of sufficiency, mutual support, and community.

Courses in environmental education often focus on scientific analysis and social policy--not cultural change. Children are exposed to information regarding environmental problems and explore such topics as endangered species, the logging of tropical rainforests, or the monitoring of water quality in local streams and rivers. Some adopt manatees or whales, or create school-wide recycling programs. These topics and efforts are without question commendable, however, missing is a recognition of the deeper cultural transformations that must accompany the shift to a more ecologically sustainable way of life.

Book Description

If humankind were given a mandate to do everything in our power to undermine the earth's functioning, we could hardly do a better job than we have in the past thirty years on the world's oceans, both by what we are putting into it-millions of tons of trash and toxic materials-and by what we are taking out of it-millions of tons of wildlife. Yet only recently have we begun to understand the scale of those impacts.

Defying Ocean's End is the result of an unprecedented effort among the world's largest environmental organizations, scientists, the business community, media, and international governments to address these marine issues. In June 2003, in the culmination of a year-long effort, they met specifically to develop a comprehensive and achievable agenda to reverse the decline in health of the world's oceans.

As conservation organizations begin to expand their focus from land issues to include a major focus on preservation of the sea, it is increasingly apparent that we have to approach marine conservation differently and at much larger scale than we have to date. What's also clear is the magnitude and immediacy of the growing ocean concerns are such that no one organization can handle the job alone.

Defying Ocean's End is a bold step in bringing the resources needed to bear on this vast problem before it is too late. It offers a broad strategy, a practical plan with priorities and costs, aimed at mobilizing the forces needed to bring about a "sea change" of favorable attitudes, actions, and outcomes for the oceans-and for all of us.

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The Forest in the Clouds
Sneed B. Collard
Manufacturer: Charlesbridge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 088106985X

Book Description

Take a trip to a unique habitat--the cloud forests of Central America! In his previous journey, Sneed Collard introduced the water habitats of Our Wet World--a "Reading Rainbow" selection and an NSTA/CBC Notable book. Now he takes the reader to the mountains of Costa Rica to see the glorious resplendent quetzal, the fierce margay, the slow-moving two-toed sloth, the startling harlequin frog, and dozens of other colorful and secretive animals. They inhabit a very special place, a rain forest of the mountains--the cloud forest. This lavishly illustrated book takes the reader on an incredible journey to this habitat, warns of the threats to it, and suggests what readers can do to help or to learn more. A glossary, a list of suggested websites and books, and a map are included.

The Earth Charter in Action: Toward a Sustainable World (Municipal Capacity Building series)

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The U.N. Global Agreement For Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability

The Earth Charter in Action: Toward a Sustainable World (Municipal Capacity Building series)

Manufacturer: KIT Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Sustainable Development | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Natural Resources | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 9068321773

Book Description

"This will be a book to be proud of!"â€”Ruud Lubbers

Â· First book on the Earth Charter
Â· World famous authors
Â· Available in English and Spanish
Â· Large, full-color book

The Earth Charter is an inspiring declaration of shared ethical principles. It arises from diverse sources--the wisdom of indigenous peoples, international law, contemporary science, and philosophical and faith traditions. It is an integrated vision of caring for all life, of universal human rights, of economic justice, and of the creation of a culture of peace. The Earth Charter in Action is a collection of over seventy thematic and descriptive essays inspired by Earth Charter, and demonstrating the rich diversity of its uses. It points toward the many possibilities of future utilization, including its ability to bridge the Islamic and Christian worlds and to work across the divide between the northern and southern hemispheres.

Well-known contributors include Homero Aridjis, A. T. Ariyaratne, Leonardo Boff, Kamla Chowdhry, Jane Goodall, Yolanda Kakabadse, Ruud Lubbers, Federico Mayor, Steven C. Rockefeller, and Erna Witoelar. Contributors are practitioners, experts, and Earth Charter activists from around the world. There is a special emphasis on contributions from youth. Includes an afterword by Princess Basma Bint Talal and 75 full-color illustrations.

This book is published in cooperation with Earth Charter International, Costa Rica, and the NCDO, The Netherlands.

Customer Reviews:

The U.N. Global Agreement For Peace, Prosperity, and Sustainability.......2007-01-06

For many years now I have been wondering what an agreement on international cooperation that all nations could readily agree to would be comprised of. With the publication of The Earth Charter In Action, my musing is over. The Earth Charter is simple yet succinct; it is profound and compelling. The first paragraph from the PREAMBLE sets the tone:

"We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are family and one Earth community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the people of Earth, declare our responsibly to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations."

The Earth Charter book has the entire Earth Charter document interspersed with commentaries from it's many contributors such as: Wangari Maathai, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jane Goodall, Peter Blaze Corcoran, et al. The Earth Charter website also has the entire Earth Charter in a viewable and downloadable format. There is a large and growing body of world-wide endorsers at the website and the list includes almost every country along with an impressive and varied list of NGOs, schools, business, religious groups, and individuals.

The Earth Charter will hopefully be the document that brings every person on Earth together for a peaceful, democratic, and sustainable future with a knowledge of our interconnectedness and interdependence not only amongst ourselves, but with all other life forms on Earth. My heartfelt thanks to the many contributors world-wide for this beautiful document!

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Tepui's Challenge
Great information Source
The gripping story of a remarkable environment
We Gave Up on This One!
Much good information

One Day in the Tropical Rain Forest
Jean Craighead George
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064420167

Book Description

Today is doomsday for a young Venezuelan Indian boy's beloved rain forest and its animal life—unless he and a visiting naturalist can save it. "George makes drama large and small out of the minute-by-minute events in an ecosystem . . . gripping ecological theater." —C. "An example of nonfiction writing at its best." —SLJ.

Notable 1990 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)
Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1990 (NSTA/CBC)

Customer Reviews:

Tepui's Challenge.......2003-06-18

ONE DAY IN THE TROPICAL RAINFOREST
AUTHOR-JEAN CRAIGHEAD GEORGE
GENRE-ADVENTURE/REALISTIC FICTION
PAGES-66

SETTING-TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF THE MACAW
CHARACTERS-TEPUI, DR.RIVERO , A ORNITHOLOGIST, HERPETOLOGIST, MAMMALOLOGIST , AND A BOTONIST.

THIS IS A MUST READ BOOK IF YOU LIKE ADVENTURE OR THE RAINFOREST! IT'S ABOUT A BOY NAMED TEPUI AND A SCIENTIST NAMED DR. RIVERO. THEY HAVE AN URGENT PROBLEM, THERE ARE 11 BULLDOSERS AND FOUR TRUCKS CARRYING 20 CHAINSAWERS THAT WANT TO CUT DOWN THE RAINFOREST FOR FARMLAND. TEPUI AND DR. RIVERO MUST FIND A NEW BUTTERFLY TO SAVE THE RAINFOREST, BUT THEY ONLY HAVE LESS THAN A DAY BEFORE THE DESTRUCTION BEGINS. CAN THEY DO IT?

The author writes very suspenseful, and teaches us valuable lessons throughout the story. We are constantly learning more about the BALANCE of the Rain Forest and the miraculous events going on simultaneously around the main characters. I can't wait to read other books by this author. You can tell she does a great deal of research about her topics and enjoys the outdoors.

Great information Source.......2001-08-01

This book was a great information source. You can tell that the author did a lot of research for this book. It records a young boys journey through the rain forest in search of the butterfly that will save the rain forest from the bulldozers. During his journey he encounters many animals. The author gave very useful and vivid detail. However there were some points where the book was kinda hard to understand. I can also understand why some people might think this book was dull. It is just a nature book without much excitment. I recommend this book to anyone who loves nature or is doing research on the rain forest!

The gripping story of a remarkable environment.......2001-04-22

Here is another superb entry in beloved nature writer Jean Craighead George's informative and thrilling ONE DAY. . . series. The award-winning author of JULIE OF THE WOLVES, MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, and more than eighty other wildlife books for young readers does a great job of bringing to life the magical setting of the tropical rain forest. Tepui, a young boy who lives in Venezuela's Tropical Rain Forest of the Macaw, befriends some biologists who are studying the rain forest. To his and the scientists' dismay, the rain forest is scheduled to be chopped down and destroyed one afternoon. The only way to save it is to find a special butterfly that has never before been identified and present it to a wealthy businessman who wants to name the butterfly after his daughter. So Tepui and his friend Dr. Rivero--a lepidoptorist--set out to find the elusive insect. But the human characters are only a small part of the story. The rain forest is alive with thousands of species of creatures--amusing ones like a leisurely sloth, and creepy ones like flesh-eating ants. There are birds of all the colors of the rainbow, mammals like jaguars and tapirs, magnificent tree giants, and, of course, millions of insects. This is a fascinating glimpse, written in a fast-paced minute-by-minute style, into an environment so complex and diverse that there are many creatures who don't even have names, and have never seen humans. It is also an important story that all young people should pay attention to to better understand their natural world and help to preserve its unique magnificent ecosystems. Other titles in the series are: ONE DAY IN THE. . .ALPINE TUNDRA, PRAIRIE, DESERT, and WOODS. Any ecologist will also want to check out Jean Craighead George's Eco-Mysteries series: WHO REALLY KILLED COCK ROBIN?, THE CASE OF THE MISSING CUTTHROATS, THE MISSING 'GATOR OF GUMBO LIMBO, and THE FIRE BUG CONNECTION. These include information on chemicals, the ozone layer, human development, and how these things threaten our wild places and creatures.

We Gave Up on This One!.......2000-06-19

This book was a reading assignment for my 9 year old son. He could not read many of the words, he found it very dull. I can't imagine that the average 9 year old can read this book without alot of help. Maybe we gave up too soon, but it was dull!

Much good information.......2000-05-30

An unnamed butterfly must be found today in order to save this chunk of the rainforest. Loggers are already on the way to cut it all down. The premise is exciting, but the execution of the story, particularly in the beginning, is often less than pulse-stirring, weighted down by a thousand facts about rainforests. These facts are, however, by far the most interesting part of the book, and there's even an index. Once I was into the book, I enjoyed it very much. So far I have not been able to get my son to do more than open it, and I think the slow start may be the problem. This would be an exvellent book to have in a classroom during a unit on rainforests.

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