Earth and You

Booklist

December 1st, 2014

What is the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy planet, and what can kids do to help the environment? These and other issues are raised in this title (from the ongoing Green Planet series) that introduces pollution, conservation, and recycling. Footage of clean drinking water and pristine beaches contrasts with images of roadside garbage and polluted rivers. Voice-over narration poses questions (also captioned onscreen), including “Where does pollution come from?” Clips of a man leaving the faucet running while washing dishes and letting lights burn when exiting the room precede questions about his energy-consuming behavior. Youngsters are urged to reduce, recycle, and reuse; the film helpfully offers such simple suggestions as saving plastic bags and containers for other uses. A video review and quiz round out the program, which offers basic ideas on helping to maintain a healthy planet. Includes a teachers’ guide. — Candace Smith, Booklist Review