Threatened Planet (Discovery)
Ladybird Discovery. Series
What’s inside...
This book explores serious environmental problems such as the depletion of the ozone layer, the greenhouse effect, acid rain, and nuclear waste. It offers a positive outlook by highlighting ways children can contribute to making the world a safer and more beautiful place. The book features detailed artwork and simple text that clearly explain these issues and showcase methods to preserve the Earth's treasures and protect our fragile planet. It includes an eight-page foldout that illustrates the dangers facing the Earth and various ways to conserve resources through proactive measures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
38 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways we can help protect our planet after learning about its threats?
Which animal or plant from the book did you find most interesting and why?
If you could create a solution to one of the problems mentioned in the book, what would it be?
How do you think our daily habits impact the planet?
What feelings did you experience while reading about the different environments and their challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about environmental conservation to gauge their prior knowledge and interest.
Use the illustrations in the book to help explain complex concepts like climate change or deforestation in a more accessible way.
Relate the book themes to your child’s everyday life, such as discussing how recycling at home can make a difference.
Encourage your child to ask questions throughout the reading. Pause to discuss them, even if it means taking a bit longer to get through the book.
After reading, suggest doing a project together like building a bird feeder, which ties back to protecting animal species, as read in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental stewardship
Explanation: Through vivid storytelling and striking imagery, 'Threatened Planet' conveys the importance of caring for the Earth. It illustrates the adverse effects of human activities on different ecosystems and species.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to practice recycling, conserve water, and participate in local clean-up days to foster a healthier planet.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of ecosystems
Explanation: The book illustrates how different species and habitats are interdependent. It demonstrates that changes or harm in one area can have ripple effects across others.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to understand how their actions affect others around them, encouraging thoughtful decisions and fostering empathy towards living beings and their environments.
Example Lesson: Conservation of biodiversity
Explanation: Tony Juniper discusses the importance of preserving diverse species to maintain ecological balance. The loss of one species is shown to potentially disrupt an entire ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to learn about local wildlife and support or engage in efforts that protect these natural habitats. This can involve activities like building birdhouses or planting native gardens.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and advocacy
Explanation: 'Threatened Planet' empowers readers by showing how individuals and communities can advocate for environmental policies that protect natural resources and promote sustainability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in encouraging children to engage in discussions about the environment, participate in youth groups focused on environmental advocacy, or simply by staying informed about global and local environmental issues.