The Story of Conservation
Catherine Barr and Steve Williams, illustrated by Amy Husband
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

Catherine Barr and Steve Williams present an overview of the interaction of humans with planet earth. They take readers on a journey from prehistoric times to the present, highlighting the changes in people’s habits, the ways nature has been harmed, the natural resources used, and the ways people have worked to counter those changes to protect nature, citing Rachel Carson’s work as key when it came to the use of chemicals on crops in North America.

As well as highlighting the importance of changing global habits, the book also gives examples
of problems that different countries are facing – the consuming of ‘wild-caught’ meat in some parts of Africa being one, and the displacement of indigenous people.

Along with scientists’ attempts to stall the onslaught of global warming and pollution, the book discusses protests and attempts at conservation solutions.

Amy Husband’s gently humorous illustrations and the integral timeline show how human life has changed, and the way we use natural resources has evolved over time as practices like hunting and farming have altered the way we live. All of this should help children to develop their understanding of climate change globally and hopefully accept the authors’ final challenge to join in and make a difference.

A terrific introduction to the most pressing issue currently facing us all; this is a book to share and discuss in primary classrooms, and this, one hopes, will galvanise children into taking action.