Green Cities by Sheila Boudreau. Illus. by Katy Dockrill

Green Cities: How green infrastructure helps heal the planet is a fascinating look at a growing movement of providing a possible solution to climate change issues. Written by a Canadian university lecturer, landscape artist and urban planner who specialises in green infrastructure, this very green looking book is an excellent introduction for upper primary - early secondary students to show how positive action is being taken to future-proof cities against climate change. This new edition has been adapted for the Australian market but does use examples from all over the world.

Presented in a traditional nonfiction format, with a contents page, an introduction, four clearly defined chapters, and a concluding section featuring a detailed glossary, selected resources, and an index, this book offers accessible information supported by softly muted illustrations. Although the text is substantial, it is thoughtfully spaced and enhanced with bold headings and visual features such as coloured text boxes, quote circles, large images, and labelled diagrams to engage the reader’s attention

The introduction, A Green Way, gives a brief overview of what we already have in our cities and what this book hopes to achieve. Each of the four chapters provides further information, ideas, examples of green architecture already happening across the world and how readers can play a part in greening their cities.

·       Chapter 1: Cities: A great Invention that Could Be Even Better
·       Chapter 2: Nature First: Creating Greener Cities
·       Chapter 3: Going Green: Green Infrastructure in Action
·       Conclusion: Making Our Future even Greener

In Chapter 2, pages 16-17, the topic: Learning from Indigenous Knowledge discusses how for over 60,000 years, First Nations Peoples have lived in harmony with Country which encompasses land, sea, sky, living things, knowledge systems, cultural practices and responsibilities associated with each area. Being connected to Country can enable people to understand things differently and take greater responsibility for nature and the ongoing effects of climate change. The author suggests that governments would be wise to include First Nations voices in future planning decisions.

Green Cities would be a valuable addition to schools and public libraries.

Themes: Renew Urban Spaces, Climate Change, Green Infrastructure, Nature, Relationships, Sustainability, First Nations Knowledge, Engineering.

Kathryn Beilby