Winston of Churchill: One Bear's Battle Against Global Warming
"The ice is melting. We are losing our home." Near the town of Churchill in Manitoba, Canada, Winston, a great white polar bear, calls a meeting about global warming. The other bears listen as he tells them why "it's getting hotter" and they all join in a demonstration, carrying signs that read "Solar Power," "Recycle" and more. Churchill even gives up his cigar. Of course, the picture book audience won't get the Churchill references ("We will fight them on the beaches...") but adults can talk about the heroic leader and connect the World War II battles with the threat to our home. Trammell's wry illustrations make the huge, bespectacled leader seem both bear and human as he galvanizes his followers (and listeners), encouraging them to burn less gas, make less garbage, and plant more trees. Playful and informative, this has an urgent message that strikes home. --Hazel Rochman, BooklistPolar bear Winston lives in the town of Churchill, Manitoba, and is worried about the ice cap melting. He shares the book he has written about global warming with his fellow bears, who realize that they need people to help them save their habitat. Brave and fearless Winston mobilizes the others to march with picket signs in front of the tourists who have come to look at them. Sprinkled with quotes from Sir Winston Churchill, this book attempts to raise awareness of the effects of climate change. The quotes will be lost on children, and the cigar-chomping, glasses-wearing bear will not ring bells with most of them. However, the message is important, the book-within-a-book allows the author handily to present factual information, and the picket signs provide memorable visual bites: "Turn down the furnace"; "Make less garbage." Trammell's delicate illustrations are charming and friendly. This picture book should spark discussions among young readers. --Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME --School Library JournalWinston of Churchill is delightful. Engaging young children in one of the biggest challenges we face--climate change--and teaching them that they can get involved in making their world a better place are wonderful messages. And Winston's wife adds special charm and wisdom. --Marcia Aronoff, Vice-President for Programs, Environmental Defense