| For less than $10.00, you can buy your child a wonderful book and DVD which helps
teach the important story of environmentalist Rachel Carson. By recounting Rachel Carson's
life, kids can see her love of conservation, especially in protecting ocean life and
keeping the ocean waters clean. The artwork is spectacular! David Katz's colorful,
primitive designs are impressive and blend nicely with the accompanying text. Whether
you're an art teacher or a science teacher, you can use this book and DVD as a springboard
to introduce your class to environmental conservation. The DVD that is included in this
book is sensational! Although it is only 3 minutes, it involves spectacular digital
animation. The colors pop on the screen, and the images are truly mesmerizing for kids and
adults. This art (as seen through the eyes of a child) is a precious gift that
artist/animator David Katz shares with the world. His love of the sea and the
environmental message behind it is evident!
I've viewed this fast-moving animated short many times (it played wonderfully on an
iMac with DVD capabilities) and each time, I realize I've missed something. A truly
amazing DVD, not only does it show a multitude of frames (5,800 files to be exact) of
painted digital artwork, but it is synchronized to some jazzy music--the rhythm also
produced by the artist. Interwoven in this DVD is a snappy and funny commentary on
independent film making. Truly, visionary!
Five lesson plans for science are included in the back of the book, along with
suggested supplemental activities. A must-have for primary-grade teachers and home-school
teachers to help raise awareness of the environment! |
by Tina Velgos 
