A Warmer World: From Polar Bears to Butterflies, How Climate Change Affects Wildlife

by Caroline Arnold, Jamie Hogan (Illustrations)

Adapt, or face extinction.The golden toad used to inhabit the cloud forests of Costa Rica, but when the weather became too warm and dried up the pools where its eggs hatched, the golden toad disappeared. It has not been seen in more than twenty years. This amphibian is just one of several species in A WARMER WORLD, a thought-provoking and informative account of how global climate change has affected wildlife over the past several decades.Species by species, acclaimed nonfiction children's author Caroline Arnold describes how warmer weather alters ecosystems, forcing animals to adapt or become extinct. Arnold's clear and straightforward text is complemented by Jamie Hogan's collage-style illustrations. Reminiscent of a nature journal, the book will inspire readers to start their own research into this significant global issue.A glossary and listing of websites and books for further exploration is included.

Genres: Science, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Environment, Nature, Animals, Juvenile

31 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Warmer World (informational non-fiction)

First, the illustrations are very well done. The illustrator used a collage form with charcoal and oil pastels in the background, spiral bound notebook paper for facts, and paper tags for identification of species. What I found to be different about this global warming book than most children's books that I have read, is that it is very inclusive. In other words, as it does a great job of explaining global warming it also includes many different species that it affects not the normal...let's save the polar bears. It explains that by not controlling pollution that we have increased the speed of global warming so that many species have already been decreased, weakened, and even become extinct.
As a student of environmental science, I believe that we as a nation - a world even, must not scoff at this problem but we must immediately began to do whatever we as one person, a group, as human beings can to resolve this problem. Science has shown us time and again that the animals are the first to sense or be affected by dangers in our atmosphere. Isn't it time we listen to the warning that has been put in place by our creator? If we don't, our species in not far behind in extinction and is already seeing effects. Our children are at an all-time high for respiratory problems such as asthma. California is sliding into the ocean due to erosion and higher sea levels. Open your eyes, do the research before you scoff.
As a mother, I feel strongly towards this problem. As a human being, I feel responsible for taking care or not taking care of the earth. Some use the term, mother earth...she has taken care of our species for a very long time, maybe we should give back the nurturing care she has shown us?

This book is a Junior Library Guild Selection. It was published by Charlesbridge, and the copyright is 2012.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our world's climate is rapidly changing. Global warming is not only effecting us but also the animals and other small creatures that share our planet. The environmental changes are so great that some creatures are gone all together. In 1964 a biologist working in Costa Rica found a tiny yellow toad that thrived and laid eggs in pools of water. As the earth warmed the puddles dried and since 1989 the toads have not been seen anywhere. As the world gets warmer animals move to find new places to live, but plants can not, in some instances plant seeds are carried off to other locations by wind, water and animals. In Yosemite National Park squirrels and mice are moving to higher ground to more favorable habitats. Small shrimp-like animals called Krill feed on algae and other small organisms under the ice. With less ice Krill don't survive and neither will the animals that feed on them. As the world warms so do the earths waters. As a result, spring comes earlier and winter later. This season change can create droughts and effects corals, fish and many other species. Arnold introduces young readers to the world of global warming and its effects on humans, animals and plants. Soft pastel illustrations are warm and inviting for young readers to see the specific plants and animals and better understand their plight. Arnold has also supplied young minds with a glossary of terms in the back of the book as well as a list of website resources and others books that cover the subjects of climate changes and global warming. This is an excellent book to educate children on global warming. Parent and teachers will find this to be a handy tool for any home or classroom.

[Mary Ryall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Warmer World is a timely subject for children. The world is experiencing Climate Change. Species of plants, butterflies, trees, fish and animals are being impacted by warmer and dryer climates.

The book made me sad, thinking that children are growing up in a world where the natural world is changing. Kids may never see some of the species I have known in my lifetime.

My question is what can be done to avert the massive species die-off? Won't a child ask these questions?

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each page reflects the impact climate change is having on a different animal- dying out, moving range, new completion for food, impact on food sources, changing habitats, and departing families.

[Mallory Hargett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picture book explaining climate change.

[Fran Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to explain climate change to students!

[Leighann Perciballi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for my class for our Nonfiction unit. Definitely long, boring reading it all at once.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

How climate change is affecting animals. Quite depressing, but not the fault of the author. Good information. Great art. No solutions, just what is happening out there.

[Laura Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Warmer World: From Polar Bears to Butterflies, How Climate Change Affects Wildlife (Charlesbridge, 2012), by Caroline Arnold, illustrated (beautifully!) by Jamie Hogan

I really enjoyed this beautiful book. One of the things I love most about it is that it is not alarmist. It does show the devastating effects of global warming, but it also points out that climate change, while fatal to some populations, simply makes other populations change their location.

For instance, gentoo penguins didn't live on the Antarctic Peninsula because it was too cold. Now more than 2,000 pairs of gentoos nest there. The negative effects far outweigh the positives (the gentoos nest where Adelie penguins used to live, but they are dying out as a result of global warming), but it's interesting to read both sides of the issue. It makes it even more clear how interdependent our species are and how much even tiny climate changes affect our world.

By pointing out how some species adapt to climate change, it makes me trust even more the overall message of the terrible effects that continued warming will have on our world. I also appreciate how clearly the facts are presented. Global warming has happened before, many times. That's a common argument against the concept of global warming being a bad thing. But Arnold tells us that the speed of this cycle (relatively speaking) is the problem. Animal populations can't evolve fast enough to survive.

Section introductions like "Disappearing Ice" introduce an effect of increasing temps. Then graphics of torn-out notebook pages focus on one animal each. Each page tells how that animal is adapted for its current location and climate and how climate change is affecting it. So notebook pages for Polar Bears, Walruses, Penguins, and Krill follow the "Disappearing Ice" intro.

The illos in charcoal pencil and pastel are stunning.

(Review copy provided by publisher)

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

With clear, accessible text, Arnold (A Bald Eagle’s World, Picture Window Books 2010) introduces young readers to the impact climate change has on animals throughout the world. Arnold, author of many nonfiction books on animals for young readers, draws readers into this complex subject by looking at the disappearance of the golden toad in the mountains of Costa Rica. While it may not seem like a lot, the average world temperature has risen more than one degree Farenheit. This change has brought significant changes in weather patterns throughout the world. Arnold shows the impact on animals, ranging from arctic foxes to Edith’s checkerspot butterflies to loggerhead sea turtles, as they try to adapt and adjust to their changing environment. While the information provided on each animal is just a few paragraphs, Arnold conveys the importance of this topic and the range of impact on our environment. Hogan’s charcoal pencil and pastel illustrations are pleasing and colorful, but the overall design of the book would have benefited from more features such as maps, diagrams and captions. A glossary and suggested resources are provided in the endmatter.

[Courtney Angelo]

This is a great book to bring into the classroom! Science is not my strong suit, but the author keeps this book simple enough that children can learn about the world happening around them. The weather, the climate, what may or may not happen each day and WHY. Further more, the reader is learning about climates they are not accustommed to, because they walk and live in the same area every day. The book is very informational and even provides a glossary for further explanations, which is helpful with a new topic.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I browsed through this book and read the first few pages. It seemed like a good overview on climate change and the effects it has on plants and animals throughout the world. It highlights a few specific animals and gives more information on what is happening to them as our world gets hotter.

Probably not the best for a report, but good for an interesting read on the topic.

[Kodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book paints the picture of wildlife affected by climate changes. It shows how their home, shelter, food, and water is all affected by the weather changes.
The illustrations are powerful and inspiring to the students.
I would use this book to show to my students how and why wildlife is easily affected by certain climate changes that occur.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible, classroom-friendly, age-appropriate books on climate change.

Arnold's use of specific examples (every two page spread covers a different animal and how its life has been effected by temperature changes) is effective and useful.

Recommended for libraries and classrooms.

Lovely collage illustrations.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very important message with a gentle presentation for our younger readers. Specific consequences of global warming are paired with various animals to show the effect on the habitat, and the adaptations the animals must make to survive. Illustrations are done in charcoal pencil and pastels, and are accented with collage, paper and tags. Glossary and resources.

[Debbie Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to talk to kids about global warming. The book takes different animals and explains how their habitat is changing due to global warming and how the animals are impacted. I found it fascinating!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an informational picture book for elementary aged kids about global warming. The book discusses various plant and animal life that has been changed by global warming. A way to get kids talking and learning about an issue that effects us all.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short non-fiction picture book packs a massive amount of accessible information about the effects of climate change and global warming on animals in a variety of biomes. Content is presented as expository text, labeled specimens, simulated field notes, glossary, and muted illustrations.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short story about the effects of global warming on animals and plants around the world. This book clearly describes global warming in a simple way and helps students understand why it is a big deal.

[Chelsea Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

While studying climate change in the classroom we read many books on Arctic animals. I was happy to see A Warmer World include many animals from all over the world. This informative book oontains many great facts about climate change.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little awkward to read aloud because of the different sections, but it was colorful and engaging. My children seemed to enjoy it and it was an age-appropriate (my children are ages 5-9) introduction to the topic of climate change.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the dangerous impact climate change is having upon a wide range of animal species.

[Wendy Garland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book addresses how animals cope with (or can't cope with) the changing climate. The focus is more on the animals' survival rather than the environment.

[Allyson Ronghi · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative! good for children to learn and understand

[Ziying · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative for kids.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite parts of the book were the art and layout design. The text worked ... but it wasn't particularly enthralling. An index would have helped for research readers.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book for any weather and climate study. The book works as a whole, or each page could be assigned to an expert group for a close read.

[Chevelle]

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