What would happen if all around the world industry slowed down and people stayed inside, away from animals’ habitats?
Here are twelve illustrated, real-life stories of wild creatures around the world romping in empty cities and swimming in quiet seas during the COVID-19 shutdown: kangaroos, flamingos, sea turtles, lions, and more. These lyrical vignettes show us the surprising ways animals adapt and the importance of habitat conservation. Sea Lions in the Parking Lot inspires young readers to think about how ecosystems and wildlife can rebound if the right environmental conditions are achieved.
“In years to come, these will surely be some of the few joyous tales told about the pandemic . . . This moment in time is gloriously brought to life on the page with brief descriptions and stunning, double-page illustrations of animals — playing, exploring and napping in peace — that will resonate with young readers....[Sea Lions in the Parking Lot] stands as an important reminder that things were different for a while, and guides readers toward deeper environmental thinking, about species and habitats and the interdependence of it all.”
“Challenges readers to think more deeply about human impact on the environment. . .absorbing snapshots of what creatures large and small were up to. . .captivating. . .
a must-have for all science and social studies collections at all grade levels.”
“Thought provoking… [A] gem of a book… boasting beautiful illustrations, “Sea Lions in the Parking Lot: Animals on the Move in a Time of Pandemic” is a remarkable look at habitat loss and how wildlife can rebound if humans are more thoughtful of environmental issues.”
“This timely nonfiction picture book is a tremendous documentation of ways in which our “built human landscape” was reclaimed by nature and animals during the “anthropause”…fabulous illustrations… eye-popping and smile-inducing…lyrical text…gloriously fascinating…a valuable resource for readers of all ages, including older ones who will find rich connections and content for discussion regarding climate change, habitat, wildlife behavior, and finding balance between progress and environmental responsibility…I encourage you to take a close look at this, to suggest it to teachers and families, and to reflect on the compelling question of your/our place in the world.”
“Fascinating…I learned so much…It’s an eye-opening book and makes you wonder how humans can continue to stay away from animals’ natural habitats.”
“Sea Lions in the Parking Lot is an amazingly timely and stunning account of how animals were impacted by the pandemic.
As educators we strive to encourage our students to become global citizens and this book points them in the right direction!
If you are a teacher who covers Climate Change, Human Impact, Biomes, or Animal Habitats, this book is a great resource to enhance your unit!”
“Timely, fascinating and informative!
Sea Lions in the Parking Lot will make children laugh, wonder, and most importantly, see the interconnectedness between human life and wildlife. The short vignettes and beautiful illustrations make this book accessible to children of all ages. It lends itself perfectly to facilitating lively elementary classroom discussions about the pandemic, animal habitats and conservationism.”
“If you’re looking for a book with wide appeal and broad curricular connections, look no further than Sea Lions in the Parking Lot!
I teach grades K-5 and I try to incorporate the Global Goals into as many lessons as I can. I see this book fitting into several of those categories—Life on Land, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action, to name a few—making for a strong way to tie in a global focus and STEM themes.”
“In this series of delightful vignettes in which animal behavior and habitat change during the COVID-19 lockdowns, Todaro playfully captures some of the serious problems of coexistence between humans and wild animals.”
