"Now stopping
atop a tall building,
honey makers
check in
to a bee hotel
with a bee buffet
where open-faced sunflowers
sway
as if to say -
Welcome Bees! Welcome to Oslo!"
The author explains at the bottom of the second spread for this poem that 'one-third of bee species' in Norway are endangered. In an effort to protect the bees, people decided they needed a highway to help them get from one side of Oslo to the other. To that end, they built bee boxes, flower gardens, roof gardens, flowerpots, and water fountains to allow for rest and refuelling every eight hundred feet. The need for such a route came from climate change, pesticides, and habitat destruction.
Many people today worry about our planet and its future. At times, they feel there is no hope for making the changes needed. Not true! Although it takes a concerted effort and creative thinking, people around the world are working to stem the harm. Erica Silverman shares their stories in this wonderful poetry collection to prove that for her readers.
Global cities are working toward rebirth and renewal in places where problems have long gone ignored. Four billion people live in urban communities; those cities continue to grow. That growth has led to much of the world's flora and fauna facing extinction. Places like the Bronx in New York, Oslo in Norway, a schoolyard in Los Angeles, London in England, Toronto in Canada, Busselton in Australia, and others are finding ways to minimize the dangers.
Each poem allows readers to see the problem by closely observing what has happened, and what is happening now to make a difference. Four-page spreads, created using acrylic gouache and digital artwork give a realistic and brightly colored look at the work being done. The poetry is telling and carefully placed for impact, while a descriptive additional paragraph provides further information.
This powerful book uses poetry, science and the work of concerned citizens to show readers the importance of rewilding these urban spaces. By sharing these successes whose impact is being felt to lessen the impact of humans on nature, it affords hope for a better future. It will take more than a village, but every small (and big) step counts.
Excellent back matter includes sources, links to explore, ways to help, and recommended reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment