What do you think?
The Tantrum That Saved The World
Tantrums are bad–except when they save the world.
An environmental picture book about finding your voice, taking collective action, and saving the planet–for kids ages 5 – 9.
Sophia’s minding her own business when–bing bong!–the doorbell announces an unexpected guest: a polar bear. Despite Sophia’s protests, he walks right in, making himself at home. His ice cap is melting–where else is he supposed to go?
Soon, more visitors arrive: a dispirited sea turtle and farmers whose lands have gone dry are joined by confused bees, more climate refugees, and a grumpy Bengal tiger. Sophia is frustrated and confused. She doesn’t understand why they showed up at her house…or what any of this has to do with her.
But as Sophia hears their stories, she learns that this is her fight, too…and discovers the power of collective action, the strength of her own voice, and how all of us are stronger together. They head to City Hall only to wait around for hours before being dismissed, and Sophia just can’t hold it in anymore:
Sophia’s strong feelings smouldered once more,
And this time they’d gotten too big to ignore.
Raging with purpose, with banners unfurled,
She kicked off a tantrum to save the whole world!
And she does–and so can you. An inspirational, beautifully illustrated picture book for kids aged 5 to 9, The Tantrum that Saved the World is part environmental story, part ode to community action, and part blueprint for building a better world–together, for all of us.
An environmental picture book about finding your voice, taking collective action, and saving the planet–for kids ages 5 – 9.
Sophia’s minding her own business when–bing bong!–the doorbell announces an unexpected guest: a polar bear. Despite Sophia’s protests, he walks right in, making himself at home. His ice cap is melting–where else is he supposed to go?
Soon, more visitors arrive: a dispirited sea turtle and farmers whose lands have gone dry are joined by confused bees, more climate refugees, and a grumpy Bengal tiger. Sophia is frustrated and confused. She doesn’t understand why they showed up at her house…or what any of this has to do with her.
But as Sophia hears their stories, she learns that this is her fight, too…and discovers the power of collective action, the strength of her own voice, and how all of us are stronger together. They head to City Hall only to wait around for hours before being dismissed, and Sophia just can’t hold it in anymore:
Sophia’s strong feelings smouldered once more,
And this time they’d gotten too big to ignore.
Raging with purpose, with banners unfurled,
She kicked off a tantrum to save the whole world!
And she does–and so can you. An inspirational, beautifully illustrated picture book for kids aged 5 to 9, The Tantrum that Saved the World is part environmental story, part ode to community action, and part blueprint for building a better world–together, for all of us.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 2, 2026
a good book that raises something important. it is true that we must start teaching from an early age that something very important must be protected, like the earth. not only humans live on earth, but various plants and animals, they are equally important and have the same rights as us, humans.
throwing a tantrum to the negligent government is a very valid reason, because they have great power but some of them are actually the ones that put the earth in the danger place. this book successfully packages all the interconnections that occur on our earth. it is shows that we should take care and love of what has been created for us and for the future of our children.
however, the last page is a bit surprised me as i read the name of hillary clinton, because as i remember that she's the most prominent a genocide supporters. which is it's very contradicting from the things that she supports in this book about climate change. because there's interconnected issues, between genocide and climate change. being an anti climate change should go hand in hand with being an anti genocide. because you can't advocating about climate change while supporting of destroying another part of the earth, as in dropping a bomb in a various places, destroying the land of people and the environment. those are also a cause of a climate change.
throwing a tantrum to the negligent government is a very valid reason, because they have great power but some of them are actually the ones that put the earth in the danger place. this book successfully packages all the interconnections that occur on our earth. it is shows that we should take care and love of what has been created for us and for the future of our children.
however, the last page is a bit surprised me as i read the name of hillary clinton, because as i remember that she's the most prominent a genocide supporters. which is it's very contradicting from the things that she supports in this book about climate change. because there's interconnected issues, between genocide and climate change. being an anti climate change should go hand in hand with being an anti genocide. because you can't advocating about climate change while supporting of destroying another part of the earth, as in dropping a bomb in a various places, destroying the land of people and the environment. those are also a cause of a climate change.
March 5, 2020
Tantrum is a valuable and timely addition to the growing library of books for kids and young people about global warming. The first half of Tantrum is for the younger readers, the second half is more detailed information when they're ready for it.
Megan Herbert writes and illustrates beautifully. There's a playful charm that underscores a topic which is causing us all anxiety. Mann's expertise provides the foundation for her work, giving readers and their parents security in its reliability. It's not a polemic or pedagogical in any kind of political or ideological way.
I got three copies, gave one to my nephew, and two to the local school.
I hope Herbert and Mann are able to do another run of this work - the world, and kids, need it.
Megan Herbert writes and illustrates beautifully. There's a playful charm that underscores a topic which is causing us all anxiety. Mann's expertise provides the foundation for her work, giving readers and their parents security in its reliability. It's not a polemic or pedagogical in any kind of political or ideological way.
I got three copies, gave one to my nephew, and two to the local school.
I hope Herbert and Mann are able to do another run of this work - the world, and kids, need it.
August 22, 2018
This picture book offers an important message for kids about the importance of fighting against the realities of climate change. The rhyming story and colorful illustrations will appeal to younger children, while the interesting informational sections in the back will offer even more depth for older readers. I purchased this online directly from World Saving Books.
April 2, 2018
Lovely art and story! The science story in the back of the book is a little dense, but overall a very nice way of getting kids to think about environmentsl issues.
March 29, 2022
I always feel torn when I read books like this because they handle a truly important subject matter and therefore deserve praise in that regard. But, were this a different children’s story, I would have complained immensely about the lack of commitment to the meter of the rhyme scheme in the writing and the disregard language wise for the children who this will be read to.
The first is only a minor complaint, an irritation on my end about the choppiness of the writing. But, if you are going to build up a bundle of rhymed lines an yet you cannot commit to ensuring that it flows properly by syllable count, you end up with a story that is awkward to read aloud. It doesn’t flow and, at numerous points, leaves the “song,” for lack of a better word, completely unbalanced. And I hate it.
The second, however, begs the question: who is this book written for? The parents? The older siblings who wouldn’t really want a book this kid-centered to be read to them anyhow? I just find there’s a disconnect in the age of child who would be able to fully conceptualize the content and the age that the story seems to be geared to.
This is thoroughly frustrating as I know there are a great many words and themes included in this book that many children having this book read to them, will not be able to connect with. I am not, of course, saying that this is the worst thing in the world. However, it’s important to note that none of the language in this book is made simpler for the consideration of who it may be read to.
But, all that said, this is a teaching book through and through. It’s purpose is to garner attention first and then, to teach. And I think it succeeds there, at least, even if some may need it read many times at different ages, to fully conceptualize the message. I don’t love the mismatch in this book’s inability to fully determine what age group it is for, but the fact that it is there to teach an incredibly important topic and does so rather effectively is at least worthwhile.
The artwork is cute, colorful, and engaging. All in all, a book I’d recommend.
The first is only a minor complaint, an irritation on my end about the choppiness of the writing. But, if you are going to build up a bundle of rhymed lines an yet you cannot commit to ensuring that it flows properly by syllable count, you end up with a story that is awkward to read aloud. It doesn’t flow and, at numerous points, leaves the “song,” for lack of a better word, completely unbalanced. And I hate it.
The second, however, begs the question: who is this book written for? The parents? The older siblings who wouldn’t really want a book this kid-centered to be read to them anyhow? I just find there’s a disconnect in the age of child who would be able to fully conceptualize the content and the age that the story seems to be geared to.
This is thoroughly frustrating as I know there are a great many words and themes included in this book that many children having this book read to them, will not be able to connect with. I am not, of course, saying that this is the worst thing in the world. However, it’s important to note that none of the language in this book is made simpler for the consideration of who it may be read to.
But, all that said, this is a teaching book through and through. It’s purpose is to garner attention first and then, to teach. And I think it succeeds there, at least, even if some may need it read many times at different ages, to fully conceptualize the message. I don’t love the mismatch in this book’s inability to fully determine what age group it is for, but the fact that it is there to teach an incredibly important topic and does so rather effectively is at least worthwhile.
The artwork is cute, colorful, and engaging. All in all, a book I’d recommend.
April 10, 2023
The Tantrum That Saved the World is a cli-fi children’s picture book about addressing the climate crisis. This rhyming book is aimed at 5-9 year olds.
The story follows Sophia who one day opens the door to a polar bear. Soon afterwards, climate refugees begin arriving at her door, which is a neat metaphor for what will happen as the climate crisis worsens. She learns they’re there to ask for her help. So she leads them to City Hall. However, the adults at City Hall aren’t interested, saying they’re too busy and there’s not enough money. Thus she channels her resulting tantrum into saving the world through climate action.
The book carries additional weight as it’s authored by distinguished climate scientist, Michael E. Mann, who is Presidential Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania. For his contribution to IPCC reports, Mann alongside other IPCC authors won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Mann has turned his knowledge into an engrossing story, at the end of which are useful bite-sized information explainers about climate change. Meanwhile Herbert’s engaging illustrations bring the story vividly to life.
The Tantrum That Saved the World is an important book with a vital message at this crucial point in history. As such, I highly recommend it and hope it leads to conversations between parents and children about how they can meaningfully take climate action.
My full review can be read here: www.ryanmizzen.com/the-tantrum-that-s...
The story follows Sophia who one day opens the door to a polar bear. Soon afterwards, climate refugees begin arriving at her door, which is a neat metaphor for what will happen as the climate crisis worsens. She learns they’re there to ask for her help. So she leads them to City Hall. However, the adults at City Hall aren’t interested, saying they’re too busy and there’s not enough money. Thus she channels her resulting tantrum into saving the world through climate action.
The book carries additional weight as it’s authored by distinguished climate scientist, Michael E. Mann, who is Presidential Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania. For his contribution to IPCC reports, Mann alongside other IPCC authors won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Mann has turned his knowledge into an engrossing story, at the end of which are useful bite-sized information explainers about climate change. Meanwhile Herbert’s engaging illustrations bring the story vividly to life.
The Tantrum That Saved the World is an important book with a vital message at this crucial point in history. As such, I highly recommend it and hope it leads to conversations between parents and children about how they can meaningfully take climate action.
My full review can be read here: www.ryanmizzen.com/the-tantrum-that-s...
June 27, 2022
4.25 stars (extra .25 for the pop-up "10 things you can do" at the back of the book)
I'm reading books for kids on climate change for the educational climate change camp I'm running. This book was well-designed, had good illustrations, rhyming, and story, but it was very long for a children's book. Midway through the book there is a scientific explanation of climate change and other concepts like melting ice and sea level rise. Unfortunately this section was written with bigger words that would be good for around 11 year olds to understand - but this book is supposed to be a children's book for a younger audience, so that didn't fit well.
I needed a book for 7-12 year olds, but due to the length and harder phrasing of the second section, I don't think I will end up choosing the book for the camp. It was also slightly long for the kind of book I was looking for (I'd be worried younger kids would get bored before the book is over).
It does have a realistic message (with some children's book magic of course). Instead of a fake "oh, we spoke up and the world became perfect!", the book showed the accurate political "we don't care" (get louder) "we still don't care" (get even louder) "we can't do anything still" until the message spreads and gets everyone to care.
All in all, it's a pretty good book about climate change, standing up and taking action.
I would recommend for kids eight to thirteen.
06/27/2022
I'm reading books for kids on climate change for the educational climate change camp I'm running. This book was well-designed, had good illustrations, rhyming, and story, but it was very long for a children's book. Midway through the book there is a scientific explanation of climate change and other concepts like melting ice and sea level rise. Unfortunately this section was written with bigger words that would be good for around 11 year olds to understand - but this book is supposed to be a children's book for a younger audience, so that didn't fit well.
I needed a book for 7-12 year olds, but due to the length and harder phrasing of the second section, I don't think I will end up choosing the book for the camp. It was also slightly long for the kind of book I was looking for (I'd be worried younger kids would get bored before the book is over).
It does have a realistic message (with some children's book magic of course). Instead of a fake "oh, we spoke up and the world became perfect!", the book showed the accurate political "we don't care" (get louder) "we still don't care" (get even louder) "we can't do anything still" until the message spreads and gets everyone to care.
All in all, it's a pretty good book about climate change, standing up and taking action.
I would recommend for kids eight to thirteen.
06/27/2022
August 6, 2023
Sophia gets several unexpected visitors one day and doesn't really want them in her home. Feeling frustrated, she heads for her room to throw a tantrum but starts to think instead. She changes her mind about everyone being there when she sees what they want and how hard this has become. Readers see the results of climate change in several areas. They all go to City Hall to ask for changes and are rejected. Now is the time for a tantrum so their voices are heard. The story concludes with actions being taken. I appreciate the informative text included at the end of the book. The illustrations capture the beings and the settings well.
January 17, 2024
Strong example of youth voice on climate change and active hope
"More out-of-towners arrived needing aid,
Asking it is was alight that they stayed.
'Somehow the seas have flooded our land.'"
...
"Sophia felt beaten, and quite disrespected,
She never imagined that she'd be rejected.
Again she felt feelings of rage multiply
But she squashed them back down, and started to cry."
...
"Sophia thought deeply and then made her choice
She had to give those who'd been silenced a voice."
Used: Half Price Books
"More out-of-towners arrived needing aid,
Asking it is was alight that they stayed.
'Somehow the seas have flooded our land.'"
...
"Sophia felt beaten, and quite disrespected,
She never imagined that she'd be rejected.
Again she felt feelings of rage multiply
But she squashed them back down, and started to cry."
...
"Sophia thought deeply and then made her choice
She had to give those who'd been silenced a voice."
Used: Half Price Books
July 13, 2022
Holy back matter! I thought 64 pages seemed long for a picture book but when the last many pages are really solid, cool back matter I'll take a 64-page book any day!
Kids can make a huge difference and this book will empower young readers in a big way, plus they'll be able to learn lots about climate change, melting ice, habitat relocations, and more! The glossary rocks, and the list of world-saving heroes would lend itself SO well to a research project following the story. LOVE IT!
Kids can make a huge difference and this book will empower young readers in a big way, plus they'll be able to learn lots about climate change, melting ice, habitat relocations, and more! The glossary rocks, and the list of world-saving heroes would lend itself SO well to a research project following the story. LOVE IT!
November 29, 2021
I really liked the idea of the book!
There are sweet illustrations and the matters that are addressed involves beyond climate change (which actually affects and creates other problems). The story is rhymed and fun to follow!
I just think it could have ended in a better way, though.
There are sweet illustrations and the matters that are addressed involves beyond climate change (which actually affects and creates other problems). The story is rhymed and fun to follow!
I just think it could have ended in a better way, though.
March 27, 2022
What a great book to teach children about climate change and ways they can make a difference. The first half of the book is geared towards younger kids with the second half explaining in more detail about climate control. It's a fantastic book with beautiful illustrations.
November 13, 2022
Needs an audience.
I read the book with sadness that mankind was destroying a beautiful planet with all its myriad forms of life and the lands that support them.
Read this book to your children before its too late, they might have the answers to mankind's sad fate.
I read the book with sadness that mankind was destroying a beautiful planet with all its myriad forms of life and the lands that support them.
Read this book to your children before its too late, they might have the answers to mankind's sad fate.
March 23, 2022
Rhyming book about the effects of climate change and ways we can fight it, which was not at all what I was expecting based on the title.
April 27, 2022
Important and engaging. The extra back matter was also quite useful.
May 25, 2022
Beautiful illustrations! Serious message intended for children to be inspired to make a difference.
May 25, 2022
Not a bad little book. Has defined some environmental issues/factors well enough for older elementary age children/younger middle age.
November 5, 2022
An excellent book about finding your voice but I can't help feeling that the word tantrum in the title does it no favors.
July 16, 2025
wordt hopelijk nog vertaald zodat ik het in de klas kan voorlezen!
March 18, 2022
Check out this cute review by Robert at Children's Climate Championship on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lxU51pn7tHA
June 16, 2022
kinda doing a lot for a children's book, but I appreciate the intent and illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews