Part of the Let’s-Read-And-Find-Out Science series, this Stage 2 title educates readers about fossil fuels and the damage that their use causes to Earth. Rockwell begins with gasoline, the fuel that powers our cars. But its burning in the engine releases carbon dioxide, which then traps the Earth’s heat and causes global warming. The text then turns to an enlightening account of petroleum—how it is formed and what its uses have been throughout history. Coal gets a brief mention. Global warming’s potential dangers are elucidated, as well as some of the ways we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. These include the further exploration of solar, wind, nuclear and tidal power, as well as capturing factory emissions and searching for different types of automobile fuels. Meisel’s ink-and-watercolor illustrations nicely illustrate/summarize the key concepts in the text. Bright colors and rich detail will hold readers’ interest as they absorb the information presented. Especially strong in its explanation of the history of petroleum, this is an accessible and thought-provoking look at a global issue. (gasoline facts) (Informational picture book. 6-10)
