Reviewed by Claudia Guilford

A thought-provoking and wonderful book about the island of Makatea in French Polynesia, where rich deposits of phosphorus once helped to feed the world. This unspoiled, sparsely inhabited island has been chosen as a place to launch floating, autonomous cities into the open sea. Local residents must choose between their treasured way of life or bringing massive change and prosperity to their island home.

This book made me think about our Earth and the choices we make that unwittingly alter our future in profound and negative ways.

Reviewed by Claudia Guilford

This a fun and fascinating read about all the things you can discover while spending time exploring and discovering the forest.  Learn about nature’s signs, tastes and smells and make observations while taking the time to really look and observe all the wonders around you.

Peter Wohllenben has written many books about the natural world, including a lovely children’s book called “Peter and the Tree Children.”

Reviewed by Claudia Guilford

The island of Shearwater, not far from Antarctica, is home to the world’s largest seed bank.

Once full of researchers, the island is now home only to Dominic Salt and his three children.  Everyone one else has left the island due to rising sea levels.  During a severe storm, a mysterious woman named Rowan washes ashore.

The Salt family cares for Rowan as she recovers, but soon discover that she harbors secrets about why she came to Shearwater.  Dominic has secrets of his own, but as the seas  continue to rise, the group must decide how they will protect the precious seeds in their care before it is too late.