E Is for Environment: The ABCs of Conservation

PreS-K–Colorful double-page watercolors illustrate a fairly random collection of words related to the environment, very simply defined with no additional information or follow-up material. As a picture book for the youngest readers, this may be useful to introduce vocabulary related to environmental lessons. But without any further discussion as to why “N is for Nature Preserve” follows “L is for Landfill,” the impact is lost; “R is for Recycling” does not fully impart this important aspect of protecting the environment. A concluding sentence urges readers to do their part to take care of the planet. This is of limited use in a classroom setting. Caveat: “K is for Kaffir Lily” is troubling; kaffir in South Africa is considered a significant racial slur, and as a result, that flower is now more commonly called a bush lily.