Sparky's Electrifying Tale - Janelle London & Matthew Metz - ★★★★.¼

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AUTHORS: Janelle London & Matthew Metz
ILLUSTRATOR: Ilya Fortuna
GENRE: Children's Picture Book
PUBLICATION DATE: August 31, 2021
RATING: 4.25 stars.

This is a cute little book that advocates the use of greener means of transport.

After Rory receives a hamster for his birthday, he is excited at finding a cozy spot for him: the exhaust pipe of his dad’s car. This shocks his elder sister Tina and she explains to him why it is a terrible place for Sparky. The conversation moves to how gasoline comes into being and how much havoc it wreaks on the planet in various ways. When Rory wonders what could be a possible solution, Sparky comes to the rescue.

The concept of the book is fabulous. Knowledge about renewable and non-renewable energy resources are the need of the day and if the next generation is made aware of this at an early age, maybe there is some hope left for our planet.

The way the book explains difficult processes such as how gasoline is made and how the planet gets heated up is simple and straightforward. I’m not sure if it will still be easy enough for beginner readers but early readers will surely be able to grasp the idea with parental help.

The book is written in rhythmic verse, and while I understand its appeals for children, especially when the book is read aloud to them I feel this story would have been better and possibly more impactful had it been written in regular prose.

The illustrations are bright and colourful. I loved the subtle clues hinting at Rory’s love for nature through the earth design on the rug and the stars and planets on his bedspread.

A very valuable and informative read for children (and their parents), schools and libraries.

Thank you, NetGalley and Mascot Books, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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