Sunday, May 2, 2010

The Greenzys

The Greenzys Reviewed by Eileen Hanley of Bookpleasures.com



By: Danielle Mentzer


ISBN: 978-0-7566-6911-9


Published By: DK Publishing, Inc.


The Greenzys is a book about our Earth, preserving it saving it and learning about how each of us can make a difference.


We are introduced to Orinda, the oldest living tree on earth, who is being poisoned by the polluted river that flows next to her. She is old enough to remember when the earth was pure but is glad that she will at least be able to leave her pinecone behind that holds the seeds for future generations. Disaster strikes as Mr. Grimy, the villain, steals the pinecone and rides away on his motor bike.


There are magical moments as Orinda’s branches begin to stretch around the whole planet. Each branch connects with the animals of our earth and brings them back to Orinda. She implores the animals to help get her pinecone back from Mr. Grimy. The animals are given power with a touch from Orinda as a green heart appears on each of their chests. Lo and behold, the animals begin to turn green as one of them proclaims, “We’re Greenzys!”


The adventure begins as the Greenzys follow clues to find Orinda’s pinecone. They come upon an oil slick, a polluted stream and Mr. Grimy who has found an inappropriate use for the pinecone. Snatching it out of his hand, the Greenzys make it their mission to teach Mr. Grimy and all of us how to take care of the earth.


The author, Danielle Mentzer, has taken a timely worldwide issue and put it into understandable and memorable language for children. The talented illustrator, Chris De Lara, has brought this story to life through color and expressions which keep the reader or listener totally engaged.


I shared this book with a first grade class, a third grade class and a fourth grader. The general consensus was that it was one of the best books they had very heard/read. They all wanted me to leave the book with them to read again! Several children wanted to know where they could find the animals, and one was sure that if you touched the heart the animal would tell you their specific ecological activity!


This is a highly recommended book for all ages!

5 Woofs



3 comments:

Unknown said...

How do I go about getting some of these seeds? This is sad.

Gatsbys Gardens said...

The Greenzys is a great book both for adults and children.

Eileen

troutbirder said...

Well here I stumbled in looking under "book reviews". Just perfect, as I have Christmas shopping to do for 3 grandchildren. They already have more toys than they know what to do with! Thanks