How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-Up
Ruth Spiro, author
Ruth Spiro is the author of the best-selling Baby Loves Science series, which has been praised for introducing "big science to little minds with the skill of a neurosurgeon" (Matthew Winner, All the Wonders podcast). Ruth also wrote the Made by Maxine picture-book series. She speaks regularly at STEM and early-childhood conferences across the country.
Read more about Ruth.
Teresa Martínez, illustrator
When Teresa Martínez was a child, her family moved from a small town to the city. Drawing helped shy Teresa connect with the other kids at school. Now she connects with children across Mexico and around the world through the books she illustrates, including Mario and the Hole in the Sky; Again, Essie?; and Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla.
Read more about Teresa.
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School Library Journal
Spiro, known for the “Baby Loves Science” series, among others, is well-acquainted with introducing science to the very young. Now she flips the script for this work, which owns that the best way to learn as a grown-up is to have a concept explained in more childlike terms. In a fact-filled title exploring scientific concepts, this wonderful guide covers the effects of climate change. The narrator explains what causes climate change, data collection for climate scientists, and how to repair the planet, along with many more topics. The guide provides wonderful, coherent answers to basic questions on climate change. Martínez conveys these basic issues of climate change through dynamic, humorous illustrations. VERDICT This is a wonderful STEM book to add to any collection; the witty, lighthearted format will engage readers across a broad age range.
Booklist
Every now and then, a kid just needs to sit and explain things to a grown-up. This handy manual offers all kinds of suggestions on how to approach adults and introduce climate science so that even they can understand. To keep things easy, the book relies on basic definitions, accessible explanations, and everyday, relatable examples, all couched within reassuring terms to mitigate any eco-anxiety. In addition to data points about weather models, greenhouse gases, and warming ocean temperatures, readers get pro tips on how to effectively communicate with adults, including “Sometimes scientific words can be confusing. Make sure your grown-up understands them before moving on.” There are suggestions on how to make things better, from recycling and composting to writing letters, and exhortations to let grown-ups know not to worry, because you will always be there to talk with them if they have any questions, and we can all work together to make sure everyone is safe. Cheerful illustrations, a glossary, and a recap of suggested actions round out this sneakily effective primer.
LiveSCIENCE
In the latest installment in the "How to Explain" book series, children tackle the topic of our climate, and more importantly how humans affect it. In its typically charming way of turning the tables on who's teaching who,the book gives children all the information they need to explain climate science to adults. It includes how to explain the differences between weather and climate, why our climate is changing and what we can do to help stop things from getting worse. Its humor and handy 'pro tips' on how to keep adults engaged while they learn are a brilliant way to teach young readers how to articulate what's going on in the world. It’s yet another great edition in this series that's helping children learn through teaching adults. "How to Explain Climate Science to a Grown-up" is a must-read for inquisitive children who love to tell you what they have learned in school.
Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-620-5
Ages: 4–8
Page count: 32
8 x 10
Publication date: March 4, 2025