Planet SOS: 22 Modern Monsters Threatening Our Environment (and What You Can Do to Defeat Them!)

This ambitious exploration of environmental threats, including smog, deforestation, and oil spills, characterizes each as a vanquishable monster. In 22 first-person passages, Rohde employs the voice of each “creature,” clarifying the monstrous nature of oft-imperceptible threats. “Smogosaurus” is “built out of tiny particles that hover in clouds over your cities” and reacts to “improving public transportation and bike lanes.” For every entry, one bottom corner features a Monster Card, listing actions that can shrink the monsters, such as proper recycling practices, eating less meat, and traveling by train instead of airplane; the other corner features a corresponding mythological creature. Rohde’s textural digital art ensures there is plenty to look at on each oversize page. While this compendium is text-heavy, clear prose and character cards offer a novel way to encourage environmentalism. Ages 8–12. [em](Apr.) [/em]