Planet Earth

Planet Earth. Produced by BBC.

Plot:  The British Broadcasting Corporation made a remarkable series recording some of the remarkable life present on the planet. Eleven episodes, arranged by habitat (for example, rainforests and shallow seas), display popular, as well as less famous, animals through formal narration, incredible cinematography, and creative music. Additionally, three episodes focus on conservation issues facing the planet.

Genre: Documentary, Animals, Conservation

Reading Level: Unrated, but some predation is present, so the sensitive may prefer a different documentary.

Similar Titles: Life of Birds, Life, Earth

Personal Thoughts: The photography for the series is amazing, both for its clarity and its subject. Animals are infamously difficult to film (there is a reason most directors refuse to work with them) and most episodes include a brief commentary of the difficulties facing the photographers. Yet, their efforts are well rewarded, both by the quality of the film and the critical praise of the Royal Television Society, Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and Broadcasting Press Guild.

My only complaint involves the conservation episodes. Instead of showing active conservation efforts or issues, most of the episodes focus on, as a co-worker of mine would say, talking heads. As a result, audience interest dies quickly.

Will We Miss Them?

Wright, Alexandra. Will We Miss Them?: Endangered Species. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge Publishing, 1992.

Plot: The book reviews several endangered species. Many are endangered due to human actions, especially hunting and habitat destruction. Yet, they are worthy of being saved. Some, like elephants, mountain lions, and muriquis are valued for their remarkable appearance. Others, like blue whales and grizzly bears, are majestic. Bald eagles, elephants, and giant pandas serve as national symbols. Yet, whether people acknowledge them or not, the animals provide for the balance that supports other species of life.

Genre: Non-fiction, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: The Atlas of Endangered Species, The Best Book of Endangered and Extinct Animals

Personal Thoughts: I actually really liked this book when I was younger. Some of the information is a bit dated, but most of it is still accurate. I do have one complaint, though. All of the animals are the "popular" ones. While I understand the book is meant to be a brief introduction to the concept of endangered animals, only two birds and two reptiles are included. The rest are either really large or really fuzzy mammals. Insects, fish, or unattractive animals receive no mention. Such a loss is unfortunate, since some of the rarest animals seem ignored.

Side note: Hurray for forced perspective!

A True Book: Water Power

Petersen, Christine. A True Book: Water Power. New York: Children's Press, 2004.

Plot: Through the water cycle, water continuously travels throughout the earth. People, animals, and plants rely on it for survival. Yet, in light of the limits and pollutants of fossil fuels, water may find another purpose. Water can create electricity. Some forms of usage, such as water wheels and dams, began centuries ago. Modern scientists want to expand the use of water through the use of tides, evaporation, and waves. Unfortunately such sources have their costs, both economically and evironmentally. Still, with time and development, water power can provide a continuous resource of electricity.

Genre: Non-fiction, Science

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Similar Titles: True Books: Alternative Energy, Fact Finders: Hydroelectric Power, The Energy Debate: The Pros and Cons of Water Power

Personal Thoughts: The book provides a solid review of possible hydroelectric power possibilities, including wave and current-based technology. While the book shows some slight bias towards the benefits of water power, it manages to redeem itself by showing some potential challenges of water usage. A pretty good introduction to water power.