As we near Earth Day, many of us are looking for ways to educate our children and raise awareness about important environmental issues such as global warming, conservation, and eco-preservation. Parents value the importance of books, particularly in helping children understand complex topics. Some of our reviewers had an opportunity to review The Legend of Honey Hollow, perfectly timed for Earth Day which is coming up in a few weeks. Here is a little more information about the book from the site:
The Legend of Honey Hollow is intended to teach children about the different endangered bears of the world and the importance of community, sharing and trust. Author Jeanne McNaney introduces readers to Grendel, a polar bear who, along with the other bears of Honey Hollow, illustrates how significant it is for our children to grow up in a healthy world. The Legend of Honey Hollow helps children: appreciate wildlife and the environment, discover how one person can make a big difference, learn the importance of community and find a fun way to learn about going green.
Some of our reviewers had an opportunity to preview this book and here is what they had to say:
An Island Review: Baby Bug loved the deep, rich illustrations that almost seem to jump off the page. It really helped to hold her attention to the story. We found this book to be very educational. It taught my girls that we cannot take our planet for granted and if we continue to destroy it the way we are, there will be nothing left for future generations. However, what I really liked about The Legend of Honey Hollow is that they broke it down into manageable pieces which really helped Girlie Girl understand the different effects that environmental destruction has around the world. The characters were lovable and sympathetic and you’ll find yourself feeling so sorry for everything they’ve been through.
Chocolate Fingerprints: The book does an excellent job of teaching kids about different kinds of bears around the world, where they come from, and how humans’ actions affect every living thing around them. Yes, it’s a pretty heavy subject, but McNaney handles it well, emphasizing also the effect that good acts like cooperation, caring and conservation can have. The story shows that it’s not to late to turn things around when it comes to the environment, that the future is in our hands.
Mama Sparkles: I enjoyed reading this book. It’s simple to understand and while it is sad at times, it provides great hope for the future. I learned a great deal about different species of bears, and how their homes are being threatened as a result of the global search for energy in the form of oil, gas and coal. Educating our children on these important environmental issues will be necessary for the survival of many animals, including bears.
The Mom Buzz: The message is clear. People have to take responsibility for their environment, because pollution and deforestation affects everyone. The illustrations are bright. The animals clearly display their emotions. And my sons love the bears on every page. The back of the book talks more specifically about the types of bears found in the book.
The Mud Bug: I was very impressed with this book. It is not often that I will take to a children’s book but this one was one that really touched my heart. It sends a very clear message that we are also responsible for our environment. My girls loved the pictures (and the bears). They were warm, inviting and vibrant colors. My 5yo likes the back were there are most specific descriptions of the bears that are in the book. I have been doing alot these days in the green area of things (such as recycling, etc) and my girls have been very eager about learning more. The Legend of Honey Hollow has given me the opportunity to teach them more regarding other areas that need our attention.
My Organized Chaos: I find that this book illustrates very well to children, the effects that Mankind has on the environment (and the animals who live in it). It takes a pretty tough subject for kids to comprehend, and enables them to understand. After the first time I read the book to Isabelle, I asked her to tell me what the book was about. She said, “The bears and birds have no where to live because people cut down their trees and they get sad and scared”. The book also does a good job explaining that some of the effects can be reversed with some care and cooperation, for example – by planting trees.
Rockin’ Mama: The book is beautifully illustrated and portrays an accurate depiction of real-life events, such as oil drilling and cut-down trees. The pictures add a rich dimension to the story and initially portray a somewhat somber tone, emphasizing the seriousness of the subject. Fortunately, the story concludes with a hopeful tone. I appreciate the fact that the author provides children with information on the steps we can take to help preserve the environment. Community, sharing and trust are important unifying messages and the book is best summed up by this quote: “At Honey Hollow, we help each other. Though their parents have damaged our habitat, children are the planet’s future.”
The Way I See It Too: It’s an excellent book that teaches children (and adults!) many of the environmental issues our planet is presently facing. The story is intriguing from the get go, which keeps the attention of little ones as well as adults. The Illustrations are colorful, detailed and simply gorgeous. The Legend of Honey Hollow is a book that will be read for generations to come. It’s also the first book in a new series which gives us all something to look forward too.
The Legend of Honey Hollow is available at retailers nationwide for the purchase price of $16.95.
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