Our Environment: Everything You Need to Know

In this useful resource, Pasquet concisely yet comprehensively explains the significance of five “essential” environmental elements—water, air, soil, energy, and climate—each of which receive a chapter detailing their importance to humans (In “Air”: “Humans, like all mammals, need to breathe in oxygen to turn the energy stored in our food into energy we can use to make our bodies work”). Threats to each element (“greenhouse gases”) are dispassionately presented alongside broad-stroke solutions (“reduce our energy consumption”), and a variety of phenomena are clearly explained, including the hydrologic cycle, atmospheric pressure, and climate zones. Throughout, specific concepts (ozone layer, greenhouse effect) are bolded, indicating that fuller definitions are available in a glossary. A closing section titled “The Future” calls out positive environmental actions occurring around the globe, from community gardens in Detroit to solar energy in the Philippines. Dumont’s colorful illustrations adroitly combine visual information with appealingly stylized people, animals, and landscapes. Ages 9–12. (Mar.)