Catherine Barr Books

Let’s Save the Okavango Delta is a superb choice to compliment KS1 and Lower KS2 topics around the environment, climate change or even to support a contrasting locality study in Geography.

It is a beautiful illustrated and fascinating look into the wetlands of Botswana. Catherine Barr takes this area of Southern Africa and uses each double page spread to share a compelling reasons for saving this extraordinary habitat, enabling young readers to appreciate the breadth of impact that climate change brings upon even the smallest of areas. Each section is written in a similar style; a short paragraph of introduction and then captions to accompany the beautiful pencil drawn illustrations.

The writing style is accessible for more able KS1 readers and offers enough topic specific vocabulary to aid discussion and research.Whilst the book can be enjoyed in its entirety, there are so many themes which can be built upon and developed as the book unfolds; from the animals and birdlife which live there to how rural and urban localities within the region are impacted by the river itself. As a resource for persuasive writing, the book offers so many opportunities to debate meaningfully. For example, the controversial subject of fossil fuel extraction in the area would be particularly interesting to explore.

The final two page spread challenges the reader to consider how they can impact climate change and become more informed about wetland habitats. It also offers some superb home learning activity ideas! The author asks the reader to consider supporting World Wetlands Day and even encourages readers to create their own wetlands hotspot in their garden. The final caption draws this together with the request to share all of the important things they have learned in an assembly. The book is truly thought provoking and is highly recommended.