Green Cities: How Green Infrastructure Helps Urban Centers Thrive, written by Sheila Boudreau and illustrated by Katy Dockrill. Owlbooks, 2026. $22.95 ages 9 and up

 

"STORMWATER PONDS

These urban ponds help to clean stormwater
by giving it a place to sit for long enough that 
the heavier dirt and pollutants can settle to 
the bottom. Many years later, workers remove
the polluted soil to keep it from reentering the 
urban water system. When stormwater ponds
are also designed to be similar to natural 
wetlands, with shallow slopes and biodiverse
plants, they also enhance biodiversity and 
become a source of drinking water and a 
habitat for wildlife." 

Where cities were built, nature once was. This book is sure to find favor with families and in classrooms where there is a hunger for information that helps fight climate change by offering a look at how cities around the world are making the changes needed to create greener spaces and invite nature back. 

An introduction shares the need for changing gray infrastructure (paved roads, bridges and underground sewers) to include green infrastructure (living things, green roofs, permeable pavement) if we want cities to be more livable and to assure a better future in terms of combatting climate change. Four follow-up chapters talk about cities as they are, looking at nature first, using green infrastructure to improve where we live. and inspiration for a cleaner future. 

At a time when more than half of the world's population lives in cities, it's important to think clearly about the way new spaces are designed to accommodate and improve life for all who live there. The author offers many viable ideas, while presenting examples of work being done around the world to assure nature is considered at all times. She provides an historical perspective for the rise of urban environments and what has happened as more and more people affect the production of greenhouse gases and what is being done to counteract that.

Information boxes, thoughtful quotes, and detailed, easy to digest text are accessible for middle grade students and beyond. Solutions are presented on fully illustrated bits pages which are sure to garner discussion. Ms. Dockrill's artwork ups the understanding for the solutions presented. In her conclusion, Ms. Boudreau introduces the 'green team' - those experts who work together to look at a way toward a better future for all. She presents ideas to help her audience take a part in helping to make changes, and ends with a quote from Dr, Jane Goodall:

"Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes 
a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility 
for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love 
for living things around us, especially each other."

Inspiring and informative, this is a worthwhile purchase for school and classroom libraries.