The City Sings Green & Other Poems About Welcoming Wildlife: A Hopeful Picture Book About Rewilding Urban Habitats for Kids

by Erica Silverman, Ginnie Hsu (Illustrator)

A unique and artful blend of poetry, science, and activism, this picture book shows how city dwellers can intervene so that nature can work her magic. Perfect for fans of The Curious Garden and Harlem Grown .  In Oslo, citizens create a honey-bee highway that stretches from one side of the city to the other, offering flowerpots, resting spots, bee boxes and beehives—even water fountains—every 800 feet. In the Bronx, New a community rallies to clean their river and cheers at the return of the long-lost beaver population. In Busselton, people make a rope bridge that swings high above speeding cars, creating a safe path for tree-hopping possums and squirrels alike. Through a mix of lyrical poems, real-life success stories, and bouquet-bright artwork, City Sings explores the environmental impact of humans and showcases the many ways that we can re-wild cities across the globe. Together, we can welcome nature back!

Genres: Poetry, Picture Books, Nature, Childrens, Science, Earth, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[Martha Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was tricky for me. I loved the stories of rewilding and hope, the emphasis on native plants and native birds. The poetry was good and covered a real breadth and depth of examples of humans helping nature. And yet, I was sort of stunned by the switch from sweet poetry to “a million species face extinction.” or “ravens ate the poisoned carcasses and died.” The poetry and pictures are aimed at younger kids but the descriptions of the problems contain information that might be better suited for 3rd - 5th graders. Especially glad that the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors are included as is information about window decals in the back matter. So an uneven but wonderful book -- use it wisely and well. Aim for a bit older audience than the pictures support.

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems from around the world, featuring earth-awareness, respect for life and nature and all things green. My only complaint is the tiny font (size 8?), in an otherwise colorful and much needed juvenile nonfiction picture book. Don't forget to see the back of the book for "Resources for Families and Educators" as well as "More to Explore" and "How you can Help."

Themes: poetry, urban life
Ages: school age: 1st grade-6th grade+
Pub year: 2024

[Madeleine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the mix of poems and the real-life environmental success stories that inspired them. This would be great for teaching or reading in a small group, and the back matter is great--there are lots of actionable things kids and adults can do, and resources for further learning. The illustrations are also lovely and vibrant.

[TheRetiredSchoolLibrarian |Mrs. Ferraris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief summary: This is a collection of poetry about the wildlife found in the city. There is a poem and informational text teaching us about conservative steps to help rewild.

Comments: The back sections are How You Can Help, More to Explore, Resources for Families and Educators, and Children's Books Celebrating City Wildlife.

Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗

[Nell Cross Beckerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Each section starts with a lyrical story, which is then more throughly explained in nonfiction prose. Every rewilding story was very interesting and the illustrations are charming.

[Claire Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nature poems inspired by cities all over the world? Yes, please! Colorful illustrations draw the eye's attention while the flow of the poems glide from the speaker's mouth to the listeners' ears with ease. Check it out to see which poem is your favorite!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poems and informational text capture how people are making space for nature, covers lots of locations all over the world.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜

[Barb Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poems about urban environment improvements followed by short informational text to explain the real-world projects.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great art and animal facts. I didn't really read the poems.

[Lupe Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic book can be used to teach about recycling practices used in big cities

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great inspiring earth day style book for kids and adults. Every waiting room should have a copy of this book.