World Turtle Day!

I have always loved turtles! In fact, I even trained to be a turtle rehabilitator. Have you wondered about the difference between turtles and tortoises? Well, both are reptiles that belong to the order Tesdunes, but they fall into different classification families. A major difference, and easy way to tell them apart, is that turtles live in or near the water and tortoises live on land.

I have swam with sea turtles and walked among giant tortoises, but you don't have to go far to enjoy these special creatures. I bet that you can find some turtles out sunning themselves on a rock in your local pond. Most common of these are painted turtles. They are easy to spot since they live across North America.

If you are itching to know more about turtles, check out these books.  And for a look at sea turtles and giant tortoises read my latest BACK FROM THE BRINK!

Green Earth Book Award

As a former Green Earth Award recipient, I know what an honor it is to be included on this list. Congratulations to all the book creators on the 2018 list! It is so very important to emphasize environmental literacy. Thanks to The Nature Generation for their efforts each year to promote these terrific books! 

The Nature Generation Announces National Green Earth Book Award Winners

Modern day storytellers shed light on complicated environmental issues 

 April 20, 2018– Arlington, Va. — The Nature Generation, an environmental nonprofit, has announced the winners of its United States’ 2018 Green Earth Book Award.

The national award recognizes books that best convey the environmental stewardship message and inspire youth to grow a deeper appreciation, respect, and responsibility for their natural environment.  Winning authors and illustrators in these categories will receive the $1500 award:  Picture Book, Children’s Fiction, Children’s Nonfiction and Young Adult Nonfiction.

“These winning and honor books are tools that offer young and old alike a way to bridge the environmental literacy gap,” said Amy Marasco, founder and president of The Nature Generation.  “I encourage schools, librarians, youth groups and families to make these books available and accessible to our youth.”

Picture Book

 Creekfinding: A True Story, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Claudia McGehee

(University of Minnesota Press) Ages 4-9.

A true story about a man who brought a creek and a whole world of nature back to life after it was long buried under fields of corn. This heartening tale of an ecosystem restored in the Driftless Area of Iowa unfolds in a way that will charm and inform young readers.

Honor Winner:

Out of School and Into Nature: The Anna Comstock Story, Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Jessica Lanan

(Sleeping Bear Press) Ages 6-9.  

  Children’s Nonfiction

 Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem, Patricia Newman

Why did one inlet grow healthy seagrass while other ones suffered? Sea otters!  With both irresistible otter photos and scientific diagrams, this book explains ecosystems and how its inhabitants affect it at every level.  Explains the often-damaging effect humans have and ways in which young people can help the environment on a daily basis.  (Millbrook Press) Ages 9-14.

Honor Winners:

The Hidden Life of a Toad, Doug Wechsler  (Charlesbridge) Ages 4-8.

This Book Stinks! Gross Garbage, Rotten Rubbish, and the Science of Trash, Sarah Wassner Flynn (National Geographic Kids) Ages 8-12.

Children’s Fiction

Forest World, Margarita Engle

Award-winning author’s lively novel in verse tells the story of a Cuban-American boy who visits his family’s village in Cuba for the first time. Weaved throughout is the message of importance of biodiversity, and how Cubans are trying to save their own flora and fauna from tourists, poachers, and climate change.  (Atheneum Books for Young Readers) Ages 10-99.

Honor Winner:

The Last Panther, Todd Mitchell

(Delacorte Books for Young Readers) Ages 8-12.

Young Adult Nonfiction

Trashing the Planet: Examining Our Global Garbage Glut, Stuart A. Kallen

Globally, humans create around 2.6 trillion pounds of waste every year. What can we do to keep garbage from swallowing up Earth? Reducing, reusing, recycling, and upcycling are some answers. Learn more about the efforts of government, business, research, and youth as they work to solve our planet’s garbage crisis. (Twenty-First Century Books) Ages 10-16.

 Honor Winner:

Geoengineering Earth’s Climate: Resetting the Thermostat, Jennifer Swanson (Twenty-First Century Books) Ages 13-18.

Back From The Brink Book Birthday!

It's here! Today is BACK FROM THE BRINK's book birthday!

As my author friends know, this is a major event. We celebrate milestones in a book's creation. For me, it starts with the acceptance of a proposal from my publisher. The next milestone, for one of my nonfiction books, is the completion of the first draft, followed by a bunch of small milestones that aren't celebrated with the same fervor, but might just be marked by a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine or a walk outdoors. The final milestone is the release of the finished book out into the public -- THE BOOK BIRTHDAY!

As with all books, it takes a village to get to this day. In my case, a fabulous agent named Jennifer Laughran, who I adore, an editor who always seems to get me and what I'm trying to say, named Erica Zappy (Like I say to students during my school visits - she's the one who really helps make my book the best it can be), and countless others along the way, including copywriters and book designers, who are invaluable. (Not to mention...all of the dedicated scientists and conservationists who I wrote about in the book!)

Today is THAT special day. BACK FROM THE BRINK is now out in the world and on Saturday I'll be celebrating that birthday at Oblong Books and Music in Rhinebeck, NY with a launch celebration!

I can't wait to see this book out in the wild, in the hands of my readers. If I've succeeded, the stories I've included of these endangered species will bring them hope and inspire them to care for our planet.

Here is what the reviewers have said (And yes, if you are wondering, waiting for reviews are the hold-your-breath-moments of book creation):

"[Castaldo] offers solid, meaningful suggestions for young readers [...] including many, many learning opportunities: things to watch and read, organizations to investigate, websites and parks to explore. Challenging but important reading for the intended audience."--Kirkus, STARRED review 

 "An intimate and optimistic look at humans’ ability to protect the planet’s biodiversity."--Publishers Weekly 

 "Readers will be moved by Castaldo’s appreciation for these animals."--Booklist, STARRED review 

 "Middle school students will find this a topical, timely affirmation that nurturing the planet’s biodiversity is not a lost cause."--School Library Journal

I do hope you enjoy it. Please let me know if you do! Thanks for reading! 

Get Ready for Endangered Species Day!

Earth Day 2018 is over, but you can continue to spread the love of nature and our environment with Endangered Species Day - May 18, 2018.  Start planning now to make an impact this year. 

This is an international celebration of endangered species. It's an ideal day for teachers and community leaders to educate students about the importance of protecting the Earth's biodiversity. 

There are so many ways to engage in the celebration. Here are just a few:


*Plan a school-wide Endangered Species Day fair with exhibits.
*Arrange a special display in the school library or cafeteria.
*Invite a local expert to speak to the school/class.
*Work with a community/environmental group on a habitat restoration project.
*Attend an event at a local zoo, aquarium, botanic garden or other location.

Once a specific activity is planned, your class can register it on the Endangered Species Day website.


Read more about how we can join together to save endangered species in BACK FROM THE BRINK, releasing tomorrow from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt! 

SaveSave

Earth Day - 7 Things Kids Can Do To Help Endangered Species

Happy Earth Day! 

      Today is the day to think of the ways we can contribute to the health of our planet. You can make a difference by helping endangered species. It doesn’t matter where you live or how old you are, every choice we make impacts our environment and the wildlife around us.

     Here are seven ways you can help today and everyday:

Learn About Local Endangered Species — It is hard to help creatures we know nothing about. Find out what animals might be having trouble where you live. Pick one and become an expert. Spread the news about it and how we might be able to keep it safe! You might even be able to volunteer in a local nature center or wildlife refuge. 

Throw Micro Trash In The Trash!  — Tiny items of trash, like bottle caps and small pieces of plastic are harmful to many species of wildlife. It’s hard for an animal to tell the difference between a piece of food and a piece of trash. Sea turtles and California condors are just two endangered species that suffer from tiny bits of litter. You can help by spreading the word and making sure that micro trash finds its way into the trash! 

Conserve Energy!  — Every time we use energy, we add pollution to the environment. You can help by turning off the lights when you leave a room, by carpooling with your friends when you go somewhere, and even buying less stuff wrapped in plastic. Every small thing you do can bring big results if we all work together. 

Be Wildlife Friendly — Make your home wildlife friendly by placing decals on your windows to prevent birds from flying into the glass, planting native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife, and by keeping your home pesticide and herbicide free. Also, keep cats indoors. Many birds and small animals are killed cats each year. These easy steps make a huge impact in the lives of your local wildlife! 

Take the Plastic-Free Challenge —  Did you know that people produce millions of tons of plastic garbage every year? That includes plastic bags, plastic drinking straws, water bottles, coffee stirrers, and all sorts of packaging that we use only once and then throw out. All of this garbage ends up in our landfills and our waterways. It not only harms wildlife, it also harms us. You can make a big difference if you swap out your plastic for reusable glass bottles, cloth bags, and recycle the plastic you do use. So the next time you order a beverage in a restaurant, ask for a glass and don’t use a straw.  

Campaign for Wildlife!  — Write a letter to your local newspaper about endangered species. Attend a town board meeting and speak up for wildlife. Create a website to promote conservation. Join an environmental organization. Become a voice for the creatures you care about. 

©Nancy F Castaldo

Pay Attention — Sometimes we just don’t know what’s going on until it is too late. If you start to pay attention to the plight of endangered species and other wildlife you’ll be one step ahead. Once we know what is happening we can take action and together we can make a difference. Become informed and stay informed. And when you are old enough — VOTE! Voting is an important way to make your voice heard. 

We can make a difference if we all work together. Perhaps, then we can even prevent animals from becoming endangered in the first place. 

Earth Day, Every Day! 

COVER REVEAL - Stretch to the Sun by Carrie Pearson

I am so very excited to share with you the cover reveal for author, Carrie Pearson's new title -- STRETCH TO THE SUN: FROM A TINY SPROUT TO THE TALLEST TREE ON EARTH, releasing from Charlesbridge this fall.  This is the perfect title to pre-order this Earth Day weekend.  

Welcome, Carrie! 

Thanks, Nancy, for offering to reveal the cover of my next book. 

I say ‘my’ next book but like all books, it is a culmination of many – from the scientists and experts who found the tallest tree and shared its story, to Yolanda Scott, my fabulous editor at Charlesbridge who believed in the manuscript, to the amazing illustrator, Susan Swan, and the design team at Charlesbridge who brought the unique and vibrant ecosystem to life visually, and finally to the readers who I hope will love it! 

The book launches in October 2018 and is what I’m calling a tree-ography. 

I love that term, Carrie. What is a tree-ography? 

It’s a biography in that it is a life story, but it’s the life story of a very important tree. In my mind, all trees are important, but this one even more so because it is the tallest tree on earth. Just think of that! Of all the trees in all the places in the world, this tree has grown to be the tallest! 

WOW, the tallest? It is amazing that we even know that to be true. 

Plus, it is estimated to be over 1200 years old and has endured despite everything Nature could toss its way (such as fire, drought, storms, space to grow, etc.). However, the biggest challenge to this tree’s survival was people.  Over 95% of old-growth coast redwood trees have been harvested and in 1978, this tree was almost cut down. Thanks to the work of many people (who you will learn about in the book), the tallest tree, and other ancient coast redwoods, continue to grow. 

What an interesting and valuable story to share with young readers. 

STRETCH TO THE SUN: FROM A TINY SPROUT TO THE TALLEST TREE ON EARTH is a story of survival and a story of strength. 

While the tallest tree lives on protected lands, not all old-growth coast redwoods do. We can all do our part to protect coast redwoods and trees in our own backyard. My hope is that this tree-ography will inspire young naturalists and citizen scientists to learn more -- and do more -- on behalf of our natural world. 

My hope too! We all can make a difference. Let's hope that this book inspires young people to look at all their trees with appreciation and a desire to conserve them. 

You can pre-order STRETCH TO THE SUN: FROM A TINY SPROUT TO THE TALLEST TREE ON EARTH  now through  your favorite bookseller. 

Thank you, Carrie, for sharing this important and beautiful book with us today! I can't wait to add it to my shelf. 

Elephants, Lions, and ....trophies. Oh my!

Here are the facts.

There were over 3 million African elephants in 1930. Today that has decreased to just about 3,000 due to poaching and habitat loss.

Elephants, the symbol of the GOP,  are the largest land animal on the planet and can live up to 70 years. They are highly intelligent and, like us, self-aware. That means that when they look at themselves in a mirror they know they are seeing themselves. This is rare among wildlife. Even our beloved dogs are not self-aware. They have even been shown to solve problems and create tools

      You can read more about their cognition in my BEASTLY BRAINS: Exploring How Animals Think, Talk, and Feel.

      In addition to their strong cognitive abilities, elephants live in highly organized social structures. They take care of their young and grieve the deaths of those around them.

      These fascinating creatures are endangered and at tremendous risk from habitat loss and poaching.

      China and the UK have banned ivory and trophies brought into their countries. The United States had also banned bringing in trophies, but now that is being reversed.

      This week Safari Club International announced that this ban would be changed to allow trophies in the US on a case by case basis.

Now, let's step back from this for a minute. This important federal policy was not announced by our government, but by a private organization that supports big game trophy hunting. This is concerning. How was the decision made and by whom? What are the guidelines?

Hunting endangered species is illegal in the United States. A hunter who might shoot a deer cannot go hunting for bald eagles or California condors.  Is our government now saying that it is ok for Americans to hunt endangered species in other parts of the world?

There are a lot of ways we can help save endangered species in our country and around the world. One very easy thing that everyone can do is to make your voice heard! Contact Congress by calling 1-800-344-WILD and press "0" to speak to your representative.

Write an editorial. Tweet to your friends and followers.
Speak up and contact the Fish and Wildlife Service!

We can all make a difference and together we can do amazing things.




Here are some other ways:    

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge - Desert Elephants

Desert elephants travel hundreds of miles through the deserts of Africa to find water.  They've been doing this migration for thousands of years.


This book knocked my socks off.  Helen Cowcher's illustrations are luscious and her palette captures the beauty of the desert.  Her text is well researched, informational and insightful.  It is a story of cooperation and conservation.

A wonderful book to add to your classroom library!


Take a peek inside Helen's book with this video.