Judy Moody Saves the World!
Written by: Megan McDonald
Illustrated by: Peter H. Reynolds
Recommended for ages: 6-10
Candlewick Press: $8.50

Celebrate Earth Day today with your family by picking up litter, cleaning up your property or simply using a little less electricity than usual. It’s a day for us all to be aware of our beautiful surroundings and to remember that we are responsible for keeping things beautiful and plentiful.

In this third book in the series, Judy Moody’s science teacher, Mr. Todd, teaches the class about the effects humans have on the Rain Forest. The children come up with ways to help save the earth like recycling, turning lights off and composting. Mr. Todd tells the class that all it takes is one person to make a difference. There and then Judy decides to be that person and sets her sights on making the world a better place. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as she first thought it would be. From trying to save the endangered northeast beach tiger beetle in her backyard to living in a tree for a day to throwing out all products that came from the rain forest, Judy tries it all. However when she gets rid of her brother, Stink’s precious toad, she realizes she may have gone a little too far.

As a class project, the third graders decide to collect bottles, cash them in and send the money to Costa Rica to have trees planted in their name. Can they do it and will old Mrs. Tuxedo, the principal, recognize the children’s efforts?

This charming novel will entertain and spark conversation for youngsters and teachers who are interested in making a difference in the world around us. Other Judy Moody titles include, Judy Moody Predicts the Future, Judy Moody, M.D., The Doctor Is In! and Judy Moody Gets Famous.