The Wizard Who Saved the World

(El mago que salvó al mundo – Spanish)
(E-book available in Japanese.)
by Jeffrey Bennett, illustrated by Roberta Collier-Morales

As read from the International Space Station for Story Time From Space!

SELECTION — Story Time From Space, launched to International Space Station in 2014
WINNER — Young Voices Foundation Gold Medal
WINNER — Nautilus Book Awards Silver Medal
WINNER — Mom’s Choice Award
National Science Teachers Association Recommends List, Grades K-8

Now in the more than 1,030 public elementary school libraries in the State of Colorado, thanks to the help of the Colorado PTA, the Jared Polis Foundation, and the “Max Goes to Schools” Donation program.

The perfect book for introducing young students to climate change science and solutions, presented with inspiration, not fear. Diego is a young boy who daydreams of being a wizard with magical powers. During about the first half of the book, he imagines using these powers to make the world a better place, and in particular to fight global warming. But when he snaps out of his daydreaming and remembers that he can’t really do magic, he wonders whether there is anything he can do in real life to help save the world. The rest of the book shows him considering many potential careers, and becoming greatly inspired as he realizes that he can make a difference. As the book draws to a close, he walks past a mirror — and in the reflection, he sees that he has become a wizard after all.

Also available in Spanish (links below) and Japanese.

Resources for The Wizard Who Saved the World

Learn more about global warming with Dr. Bennett’s Global Warming Primer.

Reviews

The Wizard Who Saved the World floating in the International Space Station, with Earth visible through the window behind it, as part of the Story Time From Space program.

“Once again, award-winning author Jeffrey Bennett has written a valuable book for all ages to read and contemplate. Everyone from students to teachers and parents will be inspired by Diego’s journey… a fascinating book to share with all students.”
— National Science Teachers Association “Recommends”

“The Wizard Who Saved the World is a powerful teaching tool, great to read on a singular basis, but potentially effective in classrooms as a means of inspiring the leaders of the future! Every library, personal or school/public, should have at least one copy!”
— My Bookshelf

“A must buy! The format of the book is exceptional. The story is really cool, motivational, and informative. There are beautiful pictures along with the story on each page. Then there is a vertical text box that gives scientific info about topics such as Fossil Fuels, Global Education, etc that are discussed in the book. The info that accompany the story is my favorite part of the book. The info is presented in such an easy to read and understand format that makes it a really good reference and background for students who might not completely understand those specific topics. I hope many kids and adults find this wonderful book under their Christmas tree on Christmas day. Lastly, I pray that this books inspires many people: young and old to be that wizard and make the world a better place to live in.”
— Brad Shonk, Mississippi Teacher of the Year, 2011

“The Wizard Who Saved the World is an interesting blend of illustrations, fiction, and non-fiction. The fiction writing does a great job seeing the world through a child’s eyes and would be appropriate to read to ages 6 and up. The non-fiction side-bars go into detail about the subjects mentioned in the fictional text and are very well written and explained. … What I particularly liked about this book was the greater moral of the story – it attempts to instill a larger sense of purpose and dispel selfishness. The author reiterates that we are part of a much larger picture; although we are fortunate for what we have on this planet, we should take better care of what we have. Rarely do you find well-presented science intertwined with statements on morality – this book is able to seamlessly blend them.”
— Shelley Spohr, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Science Books and Films

“The Wizard Who Saved the World is a picture book with fact-filled sidebars that teach young adults about science, global stewardship, what they can do to help promote sustainable living and a healthy environment, and the importance of following their career dreams through hard work in college. … Bright color illustrations fill this inspirational and heavily researched blend of storytelling and call to awareness of the science behind the planet’s perils. Especially recommended for parents who want to teach their children about global warming.” (“Reviewer’s Choice Selection”)
— Midwest Book Review