Blog Archives
A Sustainable Life
Humanity in Trouble and Our Failure to Act is an unfiltered collection of essays that offer insights into the human condition, where humans have gone wrong, and potential solutions to alleviate human suffering on both individual and global scales. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Because as a species we have not improved our lot or reversed our negative impact on the environment and life on the planet. We have not lived up to our potential given our big brains and despite our “invention” of science and technology and subsequent understanding of how the Universe works.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Humanity’s lack of connection or respect for Nature resulting in our devastating effect on the environment.
Our lack of impulse control, egocentric nature, and failure to live up to the potential of our big brains.
Gradual but impending environmental devastation and high probability of species-level extinctions, including our own.
Perpetual emergence of dictatorial, warlike leaders throughout history, now armed with nuclear weapons.
What advice do you have for individuals who feel powerless in the face of the world’s current challenges and want to make a positive impact?
Start with working to improve all aspects of one’s own existence: live a sustainable life, support humanitarian and environmental action, vote for enlightened political candidates, practice charity, study the self, meditate, improve the education of children, and promote global peace.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Humanity in Trouble and Our Failure to Act?
You are not a “separate being” but rather a sentient member of the Universe interconnected with the web of all life, matter, and energy, and act accordingly by practicing gratitude, love, and compassion.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
This book is the result of overwhelming outrage and disappointment with our species, our failure to adequately address worldwide problems that threaten our very existence. We (if there is a ‘we’) should be embarrassed and ashamed. Nature has endowed us with near perfect bodies and amazing brains and for the most part we squander our evolutionary inheritance. And the greatest gift of all, consciousness, is under-developed in most of us. In this collection of essays, the author offers insights into the human condition, the reasons we have run afoul of the natural order, along solutions to alleviate human suffering on an individual and global scale plus some playful jabs at our human folly.
An Invaluable Depth to Education
Bella Brown Visits a Bee Farm follows a young girl who is in the garden with her grandmother when she is frightened by a bee, so her grandmother takes her to visit a bee farm to learn about these amazing insects. What was the inspiration for your story?
I surprised my wife, Alicia, with a visit to a local beekeeper store because she was interested in becoming a beekeeper.
While reading through the children’s books they had about bees, I realized I could write a story that would connect with young readers more effectively and help them understand these amazing creatures in a deeper way.
What were some educational aspects about bees that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
The book shows eight-year-old Bella Brown’s journey from fear of bees to fascination as she learns more about them. This transformation applies to all of us – the more we understand our fears, the easier they become to manage.
After reading books about bees and researching everything I could find online, I contacted a bee farmer in Pennsylvania called Aunt Fancy, who was incredibly generous with her knowledge.
She not only answered the fifteen most common questions kids have about bees, but shared additional fascinating details – like how bees communicate with one another through a special wiggle dance.
Everything Aunt Fancy shared with me went directly into the book, which is one of the reasons I dedicated it to her. While any of us can search online for information, speaking directly with experts provides an invaluable depth to education that you simply can’t get from research alone.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
It’s a two-way tie between two scenes:
First, the scene where Grandma Yetta asks Bella to help in the backyard garden. Readers see Bella standing in the doorway, dressed in oversized garden clothes – hat, gloves, boots – hugging a larger-than-normal garden bag stuffed with every kind of gardening tool. She beams and says, ‘I’m ready!’ You can see all of Bella’s enthusiasm and eagerness to help Grandma Yetta.
Then, when you turn the page, readers see a humongous, non-threatening bee with a friendly smile splashed across its face on the far left page, following Bella, who’s on the far right page, screaming ‘AHHHHHHHhhhhhhh!’ with all her garden tools flying out of her bag.
While there are no bees that size in real life, in an eight-year-old’s mind who’s afraid of bees, this is exactly how they might perceive them. But for readers viewing the scene, this oversized, smiling, friendly-looking bee is the complete opposite of threatening, which sets up the book’s central message perfectly
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Bella Brown and the direction of the next book?
I’ve written twelve picture books for children ages four to eight. Two are standalone books that take place in the same universe, as well as ten Bella Brown books – the first eight make up the core Bella Brown series, while books nine and ten launch the Bella Brown Holiday Series.
And in all my picture books, readers with keen eyes can spot Pip the Domovoi hidden in the background of various illustrations – it’s like my signature, so they know they’re reading one of my books.
The series gets especially exciting in Book Four, Bella Brown Meets Pip the Domovoi, where Bella’s late-night encounter with a tiny, blue-haired house spirit changes everything. When Pip desperately needs her help before sunrise to prevent Sinti from threatening both worlds, Bella discovers that the butterfly locket Grandma Yetta gave her isn’t just a family heirloom – it’s a magical key that makes her the guardian between two worlds.
In Book Five, Bella Brown—Dragonfly-Dragonfly-Dragonfly, Pip comes to Bella for help saving both worlds when Sinti threatens to shatter an ancient crystal at Earth’s core. Riding on the backs of 300-million-year-old dragonflies at 60 miles per hour, Bella must use everything she’s learned about being a Key Keeper to prevent both realms from merging into darkness.
Book Six, Bella Brown—Pip’s Perfect Purple Present, brings delightful chaos when Pip borrows Papa Pip’s magic paintbrush without permission to surprise Bella by painting her bedroom purple. But the paintbrush escapes and paints everything – Bella’s cat, Grandma Yetta, houses, the school, teachers, classmates, even zoo animals – in every shade and tone of purple imaginable. Can Pip catch the runaway paintbrush and undo the colorful catastrophe before everyone’s permanently purple and before Bella gets home from school?
Book Seven, Bella Brown’s Ten-Moon Mysteries, takes readers on a camping adventure in Grandma Yetta’s backyard, where Bella and two school friends share stories about the different colored moons they’ve witnessed together – from dramatic blood moons to mysterious blue moons, golden harvest moons to rare purple moons. Each moon color becomes a gateway to both scientific understanding and cultural traditions from around the world.
In Book Eight, Bella Brown’s Baking Bedlam, Bella and Pip attempt to make Grandma Yetta’s cookies but don’t know how to measure correctly. Soon they’re swimming in a kitchen full of ingredients. This book teaches what happens when measurements go wrong and includes three delicious cookie recipes kids can actually make.
The Holiday Series begins with Book Nine, Bella Brown’s Candy Cane Curfuffle, where Bella’s class dresses as Christmas figures from around the world, leading to debates about which figure should represent their school on the parade float (Santa Claus, Christkind, the Three Kings, Ded Moroz, Krampus, and Christmas witches). Can Bella and her classmates come together and break through their Christmas figure curfuffle and participate in the town’s annual Candy Cane Festival Parade?
Finally, Bella Brown’s Turkey Trot Tizzy (Book Ten) features Bella – the slowest runner in school – participating in a charity run where she encounters classmates stuck in mud, tangled in circus balloon strings, and even escaped zoo monkeys.
Each stop to help puts her further behind, but Bella discovers that sometimes finishing last means finishing first because you’ve put others first.
And moving on to my standalone book, The Stomp-Clomp-Clump Monster Above the Bed, is told from the perspective of Fred, a monster living under Bella’s brother Billy’s bed. I wrote it because I always wanted to know how the monster felt about having noisy children above.
It completely flips the traditional story – now the monster and his dust bunny friends are terrified of the human child stomping overhead.
The other standalone book, Pip’s Epic Treasure Hunt, expands authentic Slavic domovoi folklore by creating an original nine-clan system where Pip teams up with domovoi from Earth, Air, Fire, and Dimensional clans to find five legendary magical objects before Sinti, a mischievous shadow creature who threatens both the human and magical worlds, can use them for cosmic pranks.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When a friendly bee sends Bella running through Grandma Yetta’s garden, she never imagines the amazing world she’s about to discover. What starts as a scary encounter becomes an unforgettable journey to Farmer Joe’s bee farm, where Bella learns that sometimes the things that frighten us most can become the most fascinating.
From Fear to Wonder Watch Bella transform from a bee-fearing little girl into a confident nature lover as she uncovers the secret life of these incredible insects. Through colorful observation hives and fragrant flower gardens, she discovers how bees dance to communicate, work together like tiny factories, and help our world bloom.
Perfect for Young Nature Lovers This beautifully illustrated story gently teaches children about:
How bees make honey and pollinate plants
Why bees are essential to our food supply
The amazing teamwork inside a beehive
How to safely observe and appreciate nature
More Than Just a Story Packed with fascinating bee facts, a helpful glossary, and practical tips for creating bee-friendly gardens, this book turns reading time into learning time. Young readers will finish the story eager to help these hardworking creatures in their own backyards.
From the Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author The third book in the beloved Bella Brown series combines heartwarming storytelling with gentle science education, perfect for children ages 4-8 who love nature, adventure, and overcoming their fears.
Ideal for:
Bedtime reading and classroom sharing
Children afraid of insects or bees
Young environmentalists and garden enthusiasts
Parents seeking educational yet entertaining stories
Join Bella as she learns that being brave doesn’t mean you’re never scared—it means you’re curious enough to look closer!
Perfect for budding nature lovers and anyone who’s ever been afraid of something new.
The Earth Speaks: Conversations with Our Living Planet
Sten Linnander’s The Earth Speaks is a poetic and often mesmerizing dive into a personal and unconventional spiritual journey. Structured as a dialogue between Linnander and the Earth itself, the book unfolds in three parts: a transcription of direct “messages” from the planet, a guide for engaging with the Earth on a co-creative spiritual level, and an introduction to a visionary technological project called “Living Globes.” The book is a call to remember our intimate, emotional, and energetic connection to the Earth, and to reclaim a relationship that is as ancient as humanity itself.
The Earth’s voice is tender yet unflinching, mystical but not abstract. There’s an emotional richness in passages like Chapter 1, where the Earth proclaims, “I have been nurturing you as my children… but now I wish to speak to you as to a partner.” I found that line beautiful and oddly humbling. It made me pause. The entire first section feels like a spiritual love letter, but it’s also an invitation to grow up—to stop acting like guests on this planet and start behaving like equals in a shared relationship. The Earth’s discussion of shame, especially around sexuality (Chapter 15), felt vulnerable, even startling at times. The idea that volcanoes and storms are expressions of the planet’s sexual energy challenged my assumptions and made me reconsider how much of life we dismiss as mere mechanics when, maybe, it’s all deeply alive.
The book resists structure and often loops back on ideas. The metaphors come in waves—pirouettes of energy, wombs of consciousness, dancing fields of intimacy and trust. And yet, just when I thought it might be too abstract, Linnander grounds it in something tactile, like the idea of humans being the Earth’s eyes so she can see herself (Chapter 3), or his proposal of a real communication device that could let us interact with the Earth’s electromagnetic field (Chapter 27). That blending of the mystical and the technical kept me engaged, even when I wasn’t sure what to make of it all.
The Earth Speaks is less a book and more a transmission. I would recommend it to those open to an experiential, spiritual journey—especially readers attuned to shamanic work, Earth-based spirituality, or emotional healing. It’s strange and bold and undeniably heartfelt. It reminded me to slow down, to feel more, and, perhaps most importantly, to listen.
Pages: 209 | ASIN : B0DYZHMQFJ
Innovative Climate Solutions
The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil follows an outspoken polar bear who tackles environmental challenges and human greed that are fueling climate change while he discovers new ways to heal the Earth. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil is a sequel to Pole to Pole, which ends on an open note as Polo and Penguin escape from Tex Greedyman’s yacht under precarious circumstances. This sets the stage for the new book, beginning in the mid-Atlantic, near the Brazilian coast and the mouth of the Amazon.
Initially, I planned for Polo’s visit to Brazil to be brief, focusing on the Amazon’s environmental issues. However, as I delved deeper into my research, I discovered a wealth of critical topics that I felt compelled to include. This led me to dedicate the entire book to Brazil, ensuring it didn’t solely focus on the Amazon. Brazilian environmentalists often point out that excessive attention on the Amazon overshadows other equally important ecosystems. My goal was to showcase Brazil’s incredible diversity—not just in landscapes but also in its people—while highlighting both environmental challenges and the innovative climate solutions emerging across the country.
To achieve this, I structured the story to allow Polo and Penguin to travel across Brazil, exploring key regions: the Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, the vastly underappreciated Atlantic Forest, and the southern cattle ranching grasslands. My research revealed that each of these locations presents compelling examples of climate solutions in action, which I wanted to illustrate. The southern rangelands, in particular, play a crucial role in challenging common perceptions about climate change. Rather than simply presenting widely accepted narratives, I wanted to encourage critical thinking. The book’s cattle ranching scenes provide an opportunity to explore the often misunderstood role of livestock in climate change. While it’s undeniable that beef and lamb production contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, there is also scientific evidence supporting the role of well-managed natural grasslands, maintained by free-ranging herbivores, as a climate solution. Unfortunately, the nuances of this debate are often lost, leading to the blanket demonization of cattle ranching by well-meaning but misinformed environmentalists. Polo and Penguin’s journey to southern Brazil introduces an ongoing conservation project that protects natural grasslands on private cattle ranches, offering a more balanced perspective on this complex issue.
Of course, Polo and Penguin’s adventure is not solely about education. The story is enriched with secondary characters who add humor and excitement, ensuring the book remains engaging and entertaining while delivering its environmental message.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted the book to meet readers’ natural expectation that a story about Brazil would include the Amazon, but I also aimed to go beyond that, showcasing other crucial regions with their own climate action stories. The most important educational goal of the book is to encourage critical thinking, particularly regarding the complex and often contradictory role of cattle in climate change, as discussed in the previous answer.
To truly understand climate issues, it’s essential to look beyond surface-level narratives and recognize deeper connections. For example, I hope readers will be shocked not only by the Amazon’s environmental destruction but also by the human rights abuses occurring alongside it—an aspect that is often overshadowed, particularly for children, who despite their tender years deserve to know the truth. Similarly, I want them to recognize how everyday consumer choices, sometimes made on the other side of the world—whether it’s buying a hamburger (potentially driving deforestation and monoculture farming) or a new cellphone (fueling mining, often illegal)—can have far-reaching consequences.
Tex Greedyman’s downfall on a deserted island also carries an important message: his wealth and power instantly become meaningless in his new circumstances. This serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of consumer-driven lifestyles and the illusion of material security.
Of course, for a children’s book, the overall message must be one of hope. Another key educational aspect is showing that real solutions exist—right now, countless people are working hard to combat climate change and broader environmental challenges. Kids need tangible, real-world examples of these efforts, and the book provides them, offering inspiration and empowerment alongside its cautionary lessons.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book and what was the most fun?
The biggest challenge, as always, was balancing educational content with an engaging, entertaining storyline. Writing an educational comic book comes with the added difficulty of limited space for text—speech bubbles must be concise, and pages can’t be overcrowded with dialogue, as too much text can overwhelm readers. This challenge was heightened by the need to include technical terms, which I consider essential for educational value, as well as the deliberate use of Portuguese phrases throughout the book—while not strictly necessary, they add authenticity and cultural depth.
The most fun part was illustrating and writing the dialogues for scenes that weren’t tied to educational content. The airplane sequence at the beginning, for instance, was inspired by my own experience flying in that exact plane, with the very same pilot. Likewise, Willy’s unexpected encounter with red ants while cutting down a Cecropia tree comes from a personal experience (I have worked for decades in the Amazon as a field biologist) that has stuck with me for years. These moments of humor and adventure added an extra layer of enjoyment to the writing process.
What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?
I am the King of all Plotters! And necessarily so. I learned early in my career that if I don’t plan my comics meticulously, I end up wasting time, energy, and far too many sketchbook pages.
For me, planning isn’t just about research (though there’s plenty of that to ensure accuracy). It’s also about carefully structuring the book’s layout. Every speech bubble must be placed in the right order, which dictates its position within the frame. Some frames need to be larger, differently shaped, or arranged to emphasize key visual elements, set a mood, or enhance the pacing of the story.
The script requires just as much precision. I have to strike the perfect balance between educational content and entertainment, making sure neither overpowers the other. The story itself has to feel like a roller-coaster ride—fast-paced and engaging enough to keep readers flipping pages, all while seamlessly delivering knowledge and insights along the way.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A Magical Process
Harriet’s Hungry Worms follows a young girl who is given the task of taking care of the worms in her family’s compost bin while learning valuable lessons about sustainability. What inspired your story?
Harriet’s Hungry Worms was inspired by my children’s curiosity about the environment and their eagerness to contribute to sustainability at home.
My children were learning about the environment, but with texts that weren’t connecting with them through their ‘childhood’. While there were many educational books about environmental topics, I noticed that some of them could be overwhelming for young children due to their fact-heavy nature.
I’m a big believer in keeping things light-hearted, fun, and simple in order to naturally inspire genuine interest in children and create positive habits for life – especially when it comes to the environment. My aim was to write an eco-book that wasn’t didactic – instead sparking children’s interest in worm farming in a fun way and showing them how simple it is for them to try at home.
I wrote the first draft with my three children – Tom, Ben, and Evie – who are just as excited about bringing Harriet’s Hungry Worms to life and sharing it with their friends.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Melissa Johns?
Working with Melissa was an absolute delight! Her unique style using recycled materials brought the story to life in such an inventive way.
Melissa’s creative process of repurposing everyday items into beautiful collages captures the heart of the book, extends the sustainability discussion, and aligns perfectly with the theme of giving new life to what might otherwise be discarded.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to share the message that caring for the environment doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating—it can start with small, fun activities like feeding kitchen scraps to worms!
The book emphasises the value of turning waste into something beneficial, inspiring young readers to see composting as a magical process.
I also aimed to encourage kids to see themselves as little “worm warriors” who can make a real difference in the world, even from their own backyards.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Yes, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the first in what I hope will be a series of fun and inspiring eco-picture books. I have another book coming out with EK Books in 2026—stay tuned! Readers can expect more eco-adventures filled with fun characters and plenty of hands-on ways to learn about sustainability and caring for our planet.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This funny, engaging eco story invites young readers to follow the adventures of Harriet’s ravenous compost worms as they munch their way through their wide and wonderful weekly menu.
Harriet’s nine-hundred-and-eighty-three hungry worms live in a shady corner of her backyard in a big, green box. They spend their days munching on anything from Aunt Tilda’s herbal teabags to the sports pages of Uncle Sam’s paper. Harriet watches and waits, eventually deciding the worms are ‘so BORING.’ Until one day, the worms leave Harriet a big surprise … worm wee!
Packed with worm facts, Harriet’s Hungry Worms is the ideal companion for worm warriors and curious composters keen to roll their sleeves up and put their kitchen food scraps to good use.
Continuing the sustainability message, inventive illustrations incorporating recycled materials bloom from each page, breathing beautiful life into this fun-filled story.
Maritime Journey
The Adventures of Captain Polo Book 4: Pole to Pole follows a sailing polar bear who returns home to the Arctic, only to find the shrinking sea ice has made food scarce, and now must go on an adventure to find a meal. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I knew I wanted to write another maritime journey and I planned a route reflecting some research I had done on examples of climate change problems and solutions in different latitudes. I needed to tie this in with some kind of story about Penguin wanting to return to his native Antarctica. It all came together with the very real truth that polar bears are increasingly affected by melting pack ice impeding their hunting behavior, thus justifying Polo’s decision to sail just a little to the south (he never intended to go much beyond the Arctic circle). The idea of making Penguin a stowaway and manipulating Polo’s course came at the last minute; I gambled that adding that element of mystery would enrich the story and provide some opportunities for humor, and of course, Penguin’s meddling with the rudder enables the story to unfold southwards as I had originally wanted.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
Captain Polo always needs to balance his new-found mission as climate messenger and action emissary to better understand climate change with the fact that he is still a bear who needs to eat. I always try therefore to find ways to strike this balance between a Tintin-like adventurer and reporter and a Paddington-like bear who likes his creature comforts.
Penguin is a new character who we only glimpsed at the end of Book 3, so this book is really his debut as Polo’s side-kick. Many heroes have side-kicks and Penguin is Polo’s – often involuntarily. Penguin’s character is complex in that he never speaks (he can’t, unlike Polo) and the reader is therefore left to guess at what he is thinking and feeling. Penguin is loyal, but he is also something of a street-wise rascal: he can do un-penguinly things like pick locks, wield knives, and roller skate, as we find out in Pole to Pole. This makes him entertaining, and he has no role at all connected to the educational component of the story. If anything he is entirely oblivious to Polo’s mission and his chief priority is to get back to Antarctica by any means possible. Using subterfuge to do this comes as second nature to him.
Another semi-new character we get to explore properly in Pole to Pole is Conor O’ Connor, the fiery red-headed and red-bearded, slightly crazy fishing captain who lost his cap (and his rowing boat) to Polo in Book 1. Conor represents absurd entertainment much like Wile E. Coyote and Sammity Sam in the popular Loony Tunes cartoons. Physically and emotionally, Conor is modeled on a close colleague I had at work once. In order to understand this character you need to understand that Conor has a peculiar attachment to the cap worn by Polo, which was his cap, as readers of Book 1 will remember. The cap was a legacy from Conor’s grandfather and he will go to any lengths to get it back. As far as Polo is concerned the cap is his because he ‘found it’ floating in the sea, which of course is technically correct. Conor’s obsession puts him in prime positions for zany, slapstick humor, again modeled on Wile E. Coyote, who goes to extraordinarily creative lengths to catch the roadrunner, and always fails, yet never gives up. Like Penguin, Conor has no bearing at all on the educational content but is a powerful element of the entertainment requirement.
Lastly, a totally new character is Tex Greedyman, the oil tycoon. As his name implies, this character is an expression of utter caricature: I let myself go with the stereotype of a Texan oilman (think Dallas) who is filthy rich, utterly self-obsessed, and deaf and blind to any agenda other than his own, which is to keep on getting richer by dealing in fossil fuels. I created Tex during the Trump presidency, and Tex is partly modeled on this person, the only content that is even remotely political in the book. Going back to heedless caricature and fun, Tex is predictably bejewelled and hairy chested, cigar toting and scotch on the rocks always in hand. I know the cigar and whisky (not to mention the gun) may risk offending certain adult readers who firmly believe graphic novels for children should be squeaky clean, but in all honesty, I chose to take this risk for the sake of good storytelling, entertainment, and to make a strong point concerning the top priority climate action, which is to stop fossil fuels filling up the atmosphere with greenhouse gases. Life, moreover, is not squeaky clean and kids at the ages I aim for (Middle Grade) know this. Tex predictably owns a multi-million dollar yacht, wears designer-cut yachtsman’s clothes, and treats his (highly paid) staff abominably. This makes Tex someone who my readers will hopefully love to hate; he is the villain of the story. Tex obviously personifies the fossil fuel world we desperately need to wean ourselves off from, and as such he represents the retrograde darkness opposing Polo’s progressive light. Where Polo represents a future better world, Tex represents business as usual. This is important because – spoiler alert – in forthcoming volumes Tex will undergo an epiphany, showing that change is always possible.
Are you a fan of the graphic novels? What books do you think most influenced your work?
I am a fan but very selectively so: my work is most influenced specifically by the European comic book style made famous globally by Tintin, and Asterix. There is also some influence from Lucky Luke in the same tradition. Other artists who have influenced me include post-WWII cartoonist Carl Giles, and the way I sometimes draw boots is influenced directly by Spy vs Spy from Mad Magazine.
Do you have more stories planned for Captain Polo? If so, what can your fans expect in the next book?
I am currently in the final phase of creating the sequel to Pole to Pole, Book 5 in the series titled Polo in Brazil. This book is dedicated to the challenges and also solutions that exist in Brazil, on a broad environmental level as well as for climate change. This story takes the entertainment factor even further than Pole to Pole, and readers can expect further exploits not just by Polo and Penguin, but also Conor and Tex. The reason it is focused on Brazil is because at the end of Pole to Pole our heroes escape Tex’s yacht, which happens to be located in the middle of the Atlantic not too far from the coast of northern Brazil. The plan is to continue to the Antarctic, but Polo finds a reason to stop over in Brazil, much to Penguin’s frustration!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Driven from his melting Arctic home in search of food, Captain Polo once again takes to the ocean in his trusty boat. Little does he know about a hidden stowaway with a secret agenda…
Picking up from the previous books in the series, Pole to Pole sees the now well-seasoned globetrotter Captain Polo back on the ocean waves falling into one adventure after another. After nearly getting flattened by an oil tanker in a melting Arctic sea, Polo explores Siberia and Scandinavia, saves the crew of a nuclear submarine and breaks into a mysterious energy plant in Iceland before getting dragged south to the coast of West Africa by powerful Atlantic Ocean currents. Along the way he meets a variety of colourful characters ranging from a disgruntled Santa Claus to arch-villain Tex Greedyman the oil tycoon, only to finally unmask his secret stowaway when it’s too late to turn back.
Book 4 of this series of climate change books for kids takes Captain Polo on another rollicking, funny global journey that uncovers ever more important aspects of global warming, and importantly, also the many ways we can all become part of the solution. The book includes a handy glossary referencing some of the more technical terms encountered in the story and as such makes an ideal educational resource at home and in the classroom.
Will Captain Polo and his mysterious stowaway make it all the way to the South Pole?
Get your copy of Pole to Pole to find out!
The Plastic Tree and His Friends
Nick Rozak’s children’s book, The Plastic Tree and His Friends, invites young readers into a unique urban tale that intertwines the themes of diversity, the significance of pollinators, and self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of a city playground, the story unfolds from the perspective of a plastic tree, an unconventional protagonist that engages readers with its journey of self-discovery and understanding of the natural world. As the seasons shift, the plastic tree becomes acutely aware of its differences from the surrounding living trees. This narrative arc elegantly mirrors the feelings of alienation and self-doubt that many individuals experience when confronted with their uniqueness. It is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, relayed in a manner that is accessible and relatable to a young audience.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when a group of friends, serving as symbols of diversity and acceptance, choose to inhabit the plastic tree. This decision sets off a series of events that enlighten both the tree and the city’s inhabitants about the crucial role of pollinators in our ecosystem. This dual message — recognizing the importance of pollinators and embracing our differences — is woven seamlessly into the story, imparting valuable lessons without overshadowing the narrative’s whimsical charm. Complementing Rozak’s storytelling are the gentle and whimsical illustrations by Victoria Skakandi. Her artwork adds depth and visual appeal to the narrative, enhancing the story’s accessibility to a young audience.
The Plastic Tree and His Friends is a heartwarming and educational children’s book that promotes the values of diversity, inclusion, and environmental awareness. Nick Rozak’s picture book resonates with readers of all ages and reminds us of the intricate and beautiful tapestry of life where each element, no matter how small or different, has a role to play.
Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0CT95MV3W
The Tales of Scuba Steve: Isfjell Point
The Tales of Scuba Steve: Isfjell Point, penned by Steven Kamlet, offers a thrilling exploration of the underwater world, inviting young readers into an adventure that is as fascinating as it is informative. This engaging narrative follows Scuba Steve, a professional diver, who leads a group of spirited youngsters at a unique swimming camp. Together, they embark on an extraordinary journey that goes beyond mere swimming lessons and into lessons about life and our environment.
Upon diving into the water, the group encounters ever-changing conditions, and when they resurface, they are transported to an icy Arctic landscape. Taking refuge in a cabin, they become aware of their location and the pressing environmental concerns of pollution and plastic waste. This discovery leads them to direct their efforts toward environmental conservation in a sincere and inspiring way. Their adventure continues with breathtaking experiences such as animal encounters from the region and the awe-inspiring spectacle of the aurora borealis.
Kamlet crafts the story with wit, humor, and a creative flair that keeps the reader guessing with every twist and turn. The characters are lively and endearing, filled with playful banter and clever exchanges that add charm and amusement to the tale. What truly sets this book apart, though, is its integration of educational content, such as detailed explanations of natural phenomena like glacial calving. The information is presented in an accessible manner, complemented by a section featuring photographs and facts to further enhance learning.
The presentation of the book is equally captivating, with expressive illustrations that burst with personality and unique designs. These artistic elements lend a fresh and original style to the book, making it visually delightful.
As a professional scuba diver, Kamlet’s passion for nature, the sea, and the environment shines through the pages, providing a genuine and heartfelt touch. While the book successfully conveys messages of environmental awareness in a positive and engaging way, I think some readers may find certain sentences in the explanations a bit complex. This minor detail, however, does not diminish the overall enjoyment and educational value of the book.
The Tales of Scuba Steve: Isfjell Point stands as a delightful and fun-filled tale that not only entertains but educates children on vital environmental subjects. The mixture of adventure, humor, and thoughtful insights makes it a must-read for young audiences, encouraging them to explore the world around them and take an active role in preserving it.
Pages: 102 | ASIN : B0C9FW2QMS
LITERARY TITAN 