The Wild World Handbook - Review

Author: Andrea Debbink

Genre: Middle Grade 

Format: Paperback

Pages: 231

Huge thanks to Quirk Books for my copy of this in exchange for my honest review!

The Wild World Handbook: Habitats is the first in a series about how young kids can do their part to save not only the city they live in but the world around them.  At first glance, it's bright, colorful, and the mix of illustrations and hands DIY is enough to pull you, readers, in. Even as an adult I was excited to jump into this one. And, you know what, I learned a few things along away. I was even impressed by what I remembered from school, way back when.

I have to say my favorite thing about this book is how Andrea Debbink doesn't talk down to the target audience, Middle-Grade readers. The language isn't too adult. I think most younger readers would be able to follow along, and Debbink does a good job of explaining certain things they may not have heard before. It's also a good way to get kids to do their research if they don't know something. Because that is the whole point of The Wild World Handbook, to learn. 

The illustrations are a great addition to each chapter. It's a fun and colorful way to bring some of these places alive for younger readers who haven't seen these places before. All while putting to point conservation comes from more than just those in the science field. Art has inspired people to change the world as well. These illustrations are nice to break from pages and keep readers of all ages engaged in what's being told to them. 

Sometimes with nonfiction, my mind wanders. Even when I'm enjoying the topic. So the illustrations gave my brain something more to focus on.

I also really how easy Debbink makes it for these young readers to get involved. They are told about these amazing and beautiful places, and that they are in trouble. But, here are some easy ways to help in your own community. Whether it's learning about the plants and animals around them, or raising awareness to help save the rainforest or the polar icecaps. Debbink gives the younger readers ways to help the world around both locally and globally. And, there is always a reminder to make sure your parents or guardians are helping you. 

The DIY projects were also a really great edition as well. They engage with readers, get them outside, or building things. Something that includes the reader's family or friends. I also like the biographies that were included with each chapter of people changing the world around them. How one little thing has a ripple effect across the whole world.

Lastly, I really like how Debbink kept this book light-hearted and positive despite this book is about how we haven't really taken care of the world around us in a long while. Debbink throws in so many positive stories and hope along the way that it makes you excited to get involved, and even gives you a little hope that things are slowly changing for the better. That everyone can do little things to help save a world on both a large and small scale.

The Wild World Handbook is good for young readers who wanted to know more about the world around them. For older readers who want the same. I could make a huge list of all the places this book could be used. It's a wonderful place to start if you, or your young reader, want to start doing your part to heal the world around us.

HAPPY READING!!