Dave and Greta Make the World Better

Dave and Greta are best friends and love to play together. However, when watching TV one night, Dave learns about climate change and calls his friend to discuss his worries. The friends agree that they should try to do something to make a difference, but when Dave shares his ideas with all the animals, they laugh at him. Luckily, Greta arrives and explains that little things can make a big difference, resulting in everyone agreeing to do their bit.

With practical tips for how to help the environment, this is the perfect story for teaching children they are never to small to make a big difference! The book offers plenty of opportunities for discussion from the characters’ names- Dave (I’m guessing a nod to David Attenborough) and Greta (Greta Thunberg)- to threats to wildlife to actions that can be taken for change. Greta’s advice is very reassuring and lends itself to a starting point for actually doing something at home- or school.

The illustrations are full of fun! Eagle-eyed Matt Carr fans will spot Pat the bat from ‘Superbat’ and Doris the Doctopus from ‘Now Wash Your Hands’ on the badges on Greta’s bag as well as a picture of Pat on reused paper. I love the fact that whilst Dave is shown as a fox of action, Greta takes her time, heading for the library to research on ‘Owlgle’, valuing the different ways people approach things!

Perfect for teaching young ones about environmental issues in an accessible and reassuring way.

Dave and Greta Make the World Better! Matt Carr

Scholastic ISBN: 978-0702316067

You can read my review of ‘Spyder’ here, ‘Rocket Mole’ here and ‘Rhinocorn Rules!’ here.