A secret path in a magical forest leads Sophia and Liam to a spaceship. Sophia insists they go into the spaceship, but when they do, they’re locked inside and the spaceship takes off. They have a wonderful adventure seeing the stars up close until they land on a magical planet where they learn of the disastrous situation that is affecting their own planet. They meet animals rescued from Earth, animals that have long been extinct due to human carelessness. They’re sent back to Earth with a mission: to teach others how to help save the planet.

This is one of two stories in Serena Lane Ferrari’s early chapter book, Our Magical Planet: An Inspirational Book About Children Changing the World. Both stories follow a plot that teaches as well as engages and entertains the young reader. There is much to learn about the danger we face due to pollution and so much more. As Sophia and Liam learn on the magical planet, studying Earth through a telescope, they’re shocked to discover that “The sea is full of plastic. The rainforests are being destroyed. You have many plants and animals on the brink of extinction. The air is badly polluted. Australia is on fire. Factory farming is fuelling climate change, releasing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and methane. Basically, you are producing too much greenhouse gas and you are damaging your planet.” That’s a lot of information for a young person to take in, but it’s the younger generation that needs to step up to make things right before it’s too late and our planet is doomed. Powerful message and a great vehicle to teach young readers. Love the illustrations!

Our Magical Planet: An Inspirational Book About Children Changing the World by Serena Lane Ferrari includes two meaningful stories for children and those adults who are concerned about the environmental problems we face. The first story, We Are Earth Protectors, tells about the amazing adventure of Sophia and Liam in the secret forest. The kids encounter a spaceship, and it takes them across the Milky Way to a beautiful planet, a refuge for animals extinct on Earth because of human impact. Captain Nature, a wise alien, guides them toward the hidden treasure that should help kids save the earth. The second story, The Ocean Mystery, is about a lovely seahorse named Tabatha and her friend, Lionel, a giant crab. Tabatha is grown up enough to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef by herself. Warned sternly by her mother never to go close to the Plastic Ocean, Tabatha and Lionel will learn that the corals are not as bright as they used to be anymore. Will they find a way to reduce the harm caused by humans to the Great Barrier Reef?

I firmly believe that Our Magical Planet by Serena Lane Ferrari is a must-read book for every child. Richly illustrated by Camilla Frescura and Luis Peres, it will capture kids' imaginations as soon as they open it. Serena's message for children is clear. Captain Nature warns that "For humans, there is no Planet B." Shouldn't we all remember this simple truth despite our age? The book offers important practical recommendations regarding a more caring attitude toward the environment. I liked that Tabatha and Lionel were ready to risk their little lives for a friend in danger. The Ocean Mystery explains the challenges of the Great Barrier Reef, while We Are Earth Protectors names many extinct animals and has significant educational value for children. Adult readers like myself would learn alarming facts about the Great Barrier Reef. I believe that scientific terms and interesting new words from both stories would enrich the vocabulary of kids. At the same time, the author talks to children about serious topics in a playful, easy-to-grasp manner, turning an educational process into a thrilling adventure.