How Green Are You?

This is a chatty guide in picture book format to how even the youngest of us can do our bit for conservation. Some of the facts dotted about the double page spreads will make you stop and think (every year a forest the size of Wales is cut down to provide Britain with paper), but Bellamy is practical rather than alarming. This is a simple introduction to the issues and, helped by bright illustrations from Penny Dann - busy children picking out an organic carrot or building a compost heap - offers encouragement to 7-10 year olds that they can make a difference. I like the idea that WHALE stands for the five most important parts of our environment: Water, Habitat, Air, Life and Energy. There are projects here from wearing an extra jumper to building a garden pond (with adult help). And Bellamy does not duck political issues. If you think your local councillors can do more for the environment, write to them. This is a paperback edition of a 1991 publication. There is an excellent list of environmental organisations at the back, which should have been updated with websites.