Pikas are adorable. Let's just get that out of the way. They look like guinea-pig sized rodents at first glance, but a closer look shows their resemblance to rabbits, their relatives. They live high in the mountains and spend their days collecting green stuff to make hay.
Some new things I learned about pikas, that made me like them even more, was that they don't seek out the sun - it's too hot for them! They are crepuscular, coming out in the early morning and late evening. They also look adorable with a mouthful of green stuff. Although that's not really a new fact.
After introducing the general behavior and habits of the pika, Patent explains how they are affected by climate change and how that in turn affects other alpine animals. The complex relationship between pine trees, pikas, and all the way up to bears is carefully shown, as well as the current and projected effects of climate change, from damaging insects to shrinking habitat. The text is arranged in short paragraphs, interspersed with photographs and illustrations.
There is a more in-depth explanation of climate change and a glossary in the back, as well as the ubiquitous "what you can do" suggestions. These really annoy me - show me a kid who has a say in whether or not their family flies somewhere! Many kids don't have access to "delicious and healthy vegetarian and vegan options." Turning off lights is about as effective as writing songs and poems. Anyways, I really find these things annoying, but they seem to be de rigueur in any books referencing climate change now.
Verdict: I've only seen one book on pikas and it's old, so this is a nice addition, despite the hackneyed environmental suggestions and lack of sources. Especially of interest to kids living in areas near or on mountains.
ISBN: 9781970039023; Published September 2020 by Web of Life Children's Books; Borrowed from another library in my consortium
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