Climate Crisis for Beginners: A Climate Change book for Children: 1 Hardcover – 7 Jan. 2021

This is a comprehensive and clear guide to Climate Change that is ideally suited to upper key stage 2 pupils.It is part of a series of Usborne ‘For Beginners’ books (Politics, Business, Money and Law have previously been tackled) and takes the same approach as these, of presenting demanding content through clear graphics and simple explanations.Helpfully, the book immediately addresses controversies about climate change. It introduces a family of characters who represent a range of responses to climate change. Dani believes climate change to be the most important issue in the world; Dad doesn’t think there is anything to worry about. These characters allow the authors to be unequivocal in their assertions of the reality and importance of the issue — “we agree (more or less) with Dani”, they say — whilst also sensitively addressing the sorts of views that children may well meet around them.This is just one example of what the authors do consistently: controversies and debates are dealt with thoughtfully. There’s an excellent and detailed treatment of the IPCC and of questions of certainty. This is an even-handed book.The book is about 120 pages long and covers a vast range of material. Climate/weather, Greenhouse gases, Fossil fuels, Tipping points, Climate justice, Responsibilities; Certainty; the IPCC; Impacts of temperature rise; Principles for choices; Options; Subsidies; Low-Carbon Energy; Carbon Capture; Agriculture; Waste; Transport; Economic Growth; Cooperation; Psychology of change; Consequences; Opinions; Values; Corporations are all addressed.The final chapter ‘What can I do?’ focuses on individual influence and choice and brilliantly, for its audience, asks readers to first consider their circumstances — including their age, location and how much power they have. This seems a wise and sensible response, avoiding the twin dangers of either overburdening children or of diminishing their agency.

I came to know/like/respect Usborne books, from giving them to 2 (non-native English speaking) step-daughters. Not only does this one not disappoint ..... it is quite amazing!"Climate Change for Beginners" begged me to read it (prior to gifting it) ........ and I find that - at 78! - I am such "beginner"! In one smallish, easy-to-read book ....... Usborne has given us a compendious/encyclopaedic (but succinct/digestible!) run-down on the whole phenomenon of Climate Change! Well done, Usborne!

This is an excellent book written with clarity and a well informed viewpoint. Learned a lot very quickly and easily. The family format is very good. I d love to see it made into a film. Highly recommend to everyone over the age of about 9 or 10 as it’s a universal subject and so well written. I m 56 and it was an excellent read! I ll be making some easy changes to my habits and lifestyle.

This book is equally good for adults most of whom don’t know a lot about climate change. It is very positive though not hiding the seriousness of the problem. I have read it twice and love the illustrations. Recommended for age 9 plus. This is about right as primary schools teach lessons about climate change.

This is a brilliant book for children and adults alike. Packed with really interesting information about how we got here climate-wise and positives for the future - as ever with Usborne love the illustrations too. It's a great family read so the whole family can get involved and I love the last chapter - What can I do? Very empowering and thought provoking but still left me feeling upbeat. A must-read I think.

Highly recommend it! I learnt a lot by reading it, as it’s very well written and informative!

Lot's of information on this topic - presented in a very approachable way! Liked by children but certainly fun for adults to read too.

A first read with excellent diagrams