Earth Hour: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet

In EARTH HOUR: A Lights-Out Event for Our Planet, lyrical and poetic text explains how children and adults need energy for heating, cooling, studying, working, and lighting up the night. Do we really realize what an important resource energy is or do we just take it for granted?Buy and read to your kids because:• It gives a truly global perspective on people and explains energy usage and conservation in a unique and entertaining way.• The characters are multiracial, multi-cultural, and show diverse family groups.• The beautiful illustrations show busy power-filled lives and then people enjoying the calmness of life with lights off.• Children can learn how their actions can make a difference, especially when combined with the collective efforts of others.• The back-matter gives the science of energy use and explains the process of global warming in easily understood language as well as suggested activities.

I wasn’t even aware of the Earth Hour movement until I read Heffernan’s book, which is such an important story to teach children about stewardship of our one and only planet Earth – there is no Planet B!The author does a lovely job of showing how energy enhances our lives and emphasizes what a precious resource it is. And the glowing illustrations by Bao Luu include both people and landmarks from across the world that utilize energy, but also turn off the lights on a Saturday night, at 8:30 sharp, near the equinox in March to celebrate Earth Hour and to display unity with others to work toward a sustainable planet.The back matter explains more about Earth Hour and where to find more information. Heffernan also includes an author’s note about her inspiration and invites the reader to make a pledge to Earth Hour and to the planet year-round. While we have many challenges to overcome from global warming to loss of habitat to rising sea level, the book ends with a hopeful note and should inspire both children and adults to work together to protect our planet. Highly recommended.

EARTH HOUR is a fantastic introduction for kids to become more aware of energy use and sustainability. Children will love learning about how we use energy every day and times we can go without it. Luu’s illustrations are engaging and lively complementing Heffernan’s engaging and enlightening text that takes the reader on a global journey and the important role every single person plays in caring for our planet. Will your family participate in Earth Hour? I know my family will. As Heffernan points out, “We turn off out lights as a pledge to live more sustainably and conserve energy – not just during Earth Hour but during every hour and every day throughout the year.” The back matter is informative and allows older readers to dive deeper in their understanding of Earth Hour and energy conservation. This eco-timely book will be a welcome addition to any school, library, and home!

This simple message packs a powerful punch. Heffernan explains the idea of energy consumption to children in easy-to-grasp terms via the celebration of the annual Earth Hour event when millions of people all over the world turn off the lights. The author encourages children and adults to take immediate action to curb the harmful effects of climate change. I loved the diversity of the characters featured in illustrations that highlight the global impact of this crisis. I took the pledge and hope you will too. Brava, Nanette Heffernan!

I love how the story flows so simply, letting the story unfold with beautiful pictures of people and famous landmarks all around the world. It seems so magical, people everywhere turning off lights for nature. It gives me goosebumps when we read it, and we've read it many times now -- talking about the famous places, the people, and the ideas behind it all. .

Earth Hour is a must read and a must have book for everyone. The topic of energy conservation is monumentally important. Nanette Heffernan presents this topic in such a beautiful and clever way. Firstly showing the reader how energy is used and then how individuals can make a difference by switching off energy during the annual Earth Hour. The lyrical text and stunning illustrations draw and move the reader through the story splendidly.

We've all heard that together we can make a difference, but Earth Hour actually shows us how, why and when! It's such a brilliant, important message and I can see children everywhere jumping at the chance to play their part. The beautiful artwork transports the reader to faraway lands, then back home to the place they can make a difference. The writing is imaginative and playful, but the message is clear. Check out the backmatter too, it's an extra treat. I'm ready to band together on March 28, and beyond.

With warm, lyrical language and richly colored, captivating illustrations, this book takes us on a round-the-world tour of how Earth Hour is observed. Both inspiring and designed to hold kids' attention. It also offers helpful supplemental information at the back. A total winner!