City streets are for people

Following her informational picture books on urban forests and water, Curtis' third ThinkCities title focuses on sustainable transportation in urban settings. She opens with modern city transportation problems, such as congested roads, air pollution, and traffic accidents, and offers a simple mantra and solution: "City streets are for people!" In order to understand today's urban needs, the author uses short paragraphs to give a brief history of public transportation in cities around the world, from Jerusalem's narrow, twisty streets for walkers only to North America's highway sprawl. The bulk of the volume, however, focuses on global mass transit solutions and opening up spaces and making them safer for pedestrians (including wheelchair users) and bikers. Creative solutions, like cable cars in La Paz, Bolivia, and Dutch trains that run on 100 percent wind power, emphasize the benefits of renewable energy sources. Cheery and busy childlike illustrations not only reflect the expected diversity of cities but also postpandemic life with mask-wearing individuals throughout. Suggestions for readers to promote sustainable transportation conclude this thoughtful book for young environmentalists.

A kid-friendly look at how urban areas can move away from traffic congestion and fossil-fueled vehicles. In the opening spread, Curtis establishes that city streets pose a challenge for pedestrians and cyclists trying to circumnavigate cars and trucks. Readers learn that vehicles that run on fossil fuels create carbon dioxide, a root cause of climate change and various health problems. The book provides a brief history of urban transportation, from narrow roads for walking to the advent of carriages and wagons to the rise of personal vehicles. It also shows the various forms of public transportation that cities have offered during different eras. Taking a global perspective and using straightforward language, Curtis outlines the changes cities are making in order to balance the needs of people and motorists and reclaim public spaces: creating more bike lanes, regulating vehicles, and making public transportation more reliable, affordable, safe, and convenient. Lively hand-sketched illustrations with both traditional and digital coloring offer panoramic views of disparate cities teeming with a diverse array of people, including some wearing surgical masks. Included in the backmatter are steps--some practical, others more aspirational--kids can take to promote sustainable transportation. (This book was reviewed digitally.) An empowering look at reclaiming urban areas from vehicles for a better quality of life and a greener future. (glossary, sources) (Informational picture book. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.