Astronuts : The Plant Planet by Jon Scieszka

Four super-powered animals were created in the 1980's to go into space and look like for a "goldilocks" planet were humans could go when global warming had destroyed earth.  Thirty years later they are called into action when Earth hits the "big red line" that represents the point of no return from global warming. The first planet they investigate is called the Plant Planet.  It seems to be a paradise for plants, but the astronuts are surprised that there are no animals on insects on the planet.  Little do they know that all the leafy greeness is not as innocent as it appears.

After reading "The Body Keeps Score" I decided to read something really short and silly before I jumped back into the next nonfiction on my list. The Plant Planet book is a graphic novel, but I listened to an audiobook version that was performed with a full cast.  The whole books was only 2 hours long, and it was very silly.  I was surpised to find that it also contained a few solid science facts, and an almost propoganda strength message about global warming. Mr. Scieszka is obviously very put off by people who are still denying the exisitence or importance of global warming.  I am not sure how I feel about it.  It seems kind of sneeky to put such a politically controversial message into a kid's comic book.  I actully believe in the threat of global warming, but I would rather see a book confront the issue head one, instead of hiding behind silly humor. (220 p. 2019)