Oil disasters have been in the news lately with the blowout in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, and the oil leak from the Rena off the coast of Tauranga last year. Unfortunately most books on this topic seem to be for older readers.

However this title from Raintree gives a great explanatory background for younger readers into what oil is, how oil disasters occur and the effect they have on the environment. And it completes the topic with some of the ways we try to clean up the mess.

The illustrations are clear and relevant. Definitions for words that may be unfamiliar are in a small box on each page, and also in the glossary at the back of the book.

A simple and timely introduction to oil spills, suitable for children, years 3 - 5.

image by jeremycg