The green planet by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe. Illus. by Kim Smith

The Green Planet is a beautifully presented non-fiction book showcasing stories from the brand-new BBC television series The Green Planet. From the vibrantly coloured rich foliage front endpapers to the sparse and confronting image of the lone plant on the back endpapers, this book is a visual treat for all readers both young and old.

The forward by Chris Packham introduces us to the notion that plants are both as interesting and as fascinating as animals. He stresses that we need to look after our plants as many are at risk of extinction and are vital to our health and ultimate survival. Each double page spread is clearly labelled with segments of information placed around very appealing and colourful diagrams and images. There are several pages providing information about life-giving plants and then the reader is lead into pages about the following five main areas: Tropical Worlds, Desert Worlds, Water Worlds, Seasonal Worlds and Human Worlds.

Within each of these worlds are pages devoted to an introduction, stories, inhabitants and a final summary where the effects of climate change on each world is discussed as well as encouraging possible solutions. The closing pages call for plant protectors and how to help your green planet grow. On the final endpaper is a short but telling message from Sir David Attenborough encouraging all to make a Greener Planet.

This is a wonderful book suitable for home, school and public library.

Themes: Plants, Habitats, Animals, Nature, Conservation, Climate Change, BBC.

Kathryn Beilby