Dueling Kid’s Books Clash Over Global Warming

Los Angeles, CA (Sept. 21, 2007) -- Laurie David, former talent scout and self-proclaimed environmental activist, is not content with having made just one disconcerting mistake when it comes to her new kids book about global warming, she has made two. So says the publisher of a book designed to counter David’s specious claims about the environment, called “The Sky’s NOT Falling: Why It’s OK to Chill about Global Warming” (Holly Fretwell, Kids Ahead Books, 0-9767269-4-7, for ages 8-12, Sept. 2007).

In a recent post to a left-wing website, David attacks evidence gathered by the Science and Public Policy Institute (SPPI.com) that exposed a major error in her book, a graph that mislabels CO2 and temperature trends in a way that “proves” the producer’s shrill, unraveling beliefs. “The Sky’s Not Falling,” on the other hand, has the science right.

In her post David writes: “It turns out one of the illustrations in the book was accidentally mislabeled. This has got the gang at the at the Science and Public Policy Instituted up in arms -- or at least pretending to be -- no doubt hoping to ride our coattails, create some controversy, and promote their own new book.”

“First of all,” says Eric M. Jackson, CEO of World Ahead Media,“’The Sky’s NOT Falling’ is not SPPI’s book -- it is a Kids Ahead book. David is guilty once again of ignoring facts while falsely impugning SPPI’s motives.”

Second, the error that SPPI caught is not minor. It is in fact central to David’s argument, asserts “Sky” author, natural resources policy expert and college professor Holly Fretwell.

But then, David and her co-author Cambria Gordon are pretty light on the science when it comes to proving that mankind is causing global warming, or that the trends we are seeing now are abnormal when compared to historical cycles. “They are far more interested in indoctrinating children than they are in educating them,” Fretwell notes.

Which is what makes “The Sky’s Not Falling! Why It’s OK To Chill About Global Warming” a breath of fresh air. In “Sky,” author Fretwell shows kids 8-12 that it’s human ingenuity and adaptability - not a mindless fear of change - that are most likely to guarantee the Earth a healthy future. Parents who’ve comforted children upset by Photoshopped pictures of stranded animals and faux “the-end-is-near” documentaries will embrace this smartly-written, factual and entertaining book.

No wealthy Hollywood dilettante, Holly instead brings genuine educational credentials and practical experience to the environmental debate, giving kids the straight scoop about global warming -- and the potentially devastating human and economic consequences of politically motivated responses to it. She gives a balanced look at a complex issue, offering a refreshing, accessible combination of science and economics that will enlighten while it entertains.

“In ’Sky,’ Holly Fretwell shows that human innovation and creativity, combined with individual choice, will yield better environmental outcomes than the draconian, self-congratulatory approaches advocated by Al Gore and his ilk,” notes Eric Jackson. “If Laurie David is interested in seeing a more careful treatment of the facts that she butchered in her own book, we’ll be happy to send her a copy.”

About Kids Ahead:
Kids Ahead is an imprint of World Ahead Media. To learn more, visit. www.worldahead.com


To interview Holly Fretwell:
Contact Maria Sliwa, M. Sliwa Public Relations, 973-272-2861 / 212-202-4453, or msliwa@msliwa.com

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J. Abarbanel

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World Ahead Media

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