Planet Power, which won a Nautilus Award, is Stacy’s second children’s book. With lyrical, rhyming verses and vibrant illustrations created by Annalisa Beghelli, this book is an exciting, hopeful introduction to the world of clean energy. In vivid, double-page spreads, readers travel to six countries where renewable energy technologies are at work today.
This journey begins in Paraguay, in the middle of South America, where the flow of rushing river water though the Itaipu Dam powers generators to produce clean electricity for the country. Paraguay is fortunate to derive 100% of their electricity needs from renewable energy sources.
Next up is India, where readers see solar power at work. The vibrancy of villages located near the Pavagada Solar farm in southwestern India is palpable, as distant electric trains pass by colorful local markets and sunflower fields. Pavagada is just one of many new solar farms in the country.
Turning to the next page, the splendor of windmills in northern China is revealed. The world’s longest electrical power transmission line, the 2,000 mile long ‘Changji-Guaquan’ power project, is underway to deliver electricity from northern China to the densely populated eastern cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.
In the United States, readers witness tidal turbines spinning below the surface of New York City’s East River. These turbines, installed by Verdant Power, deliver carbon-free electricity to the City’s power grid. With the predictable rise and fall of tides near harbors, seas and oceans, tidal power can potentially be deployed around the world.
The natural energy of the Great Rift Valley is on display in Kenya, where heat and steam from Earth’s core rises to the ground. There, the steam is captured to spin turbines that power generators, which send low-carbon electricity to villages and businesses across the region. Nearby the Olkaria geothermal plants is the world’s largest rose nursery, fully powered by geothermal energy (and sunshine and rain!).
In Gibraltar, a small nation located between the United Kingdom and Spain, Eco Wave Power has installed ocean-resilient ‘floaters’ (or ‘power buoys’) along a jetty that reaches into the sea. The predictable motion of the floaters on the ocean’s surface powers a generator, which in turn delivers clean electricity to Gibraltar’s local grid.
Planet Power, beautifully brought to life by celebrated artist Annalisa Beghelli, portrays a world where water, sunshine, wind, and heat are changing the way that electricity is harnessed and used.
Planet Power includes accessible facts, maps and diagrams about each renewable energy technology presented, details on how turbines and generators work to harness “electrons” (electricity) to provide clean power and an explanation of how renewable energy can help to slow the warming of the planet and ensure a safer world for people everywhere.
Be sure to read endorsements for Planet Power below.
Endorsements for Planet Power
“We have so many clever, clean ways to power our world: the push of the breeze, the warmth of the sun, even the flow of the tides. This book reminds us what a sweet planet it is--and that if we're careful, we can keep it rolling on!”
Bill McKibben— Environmentalist, Author, Journalist and Co-Founder of 350.org, the Global Grassroots Climate Change Movement that Launched the Fast-Growing Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign.
“Planet Power is a fun and lively journey around the globe that reveals how the wind, water and sun supply clean electricity for towns, islands, cities and countries. From the high mountains of China, the broad rivers of Paraguay, the colorful villages of India and beyond, this timely, thoughtful global tour will delight the children in your life.”
Mark Z. Jacobson —Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program at Stanford University, Co-Founder of The Solutions Project. Author of 100% Clean Renewable Energy and Storage for Everything
"Stacy Clark’s Planet Power gives kids of all ages a compelling window to a clean, green future, where the world is united against the threat of climate change. Renewable energy from wind, water, and sun is already transforming the world but we have to speed it up! Planet Power’s rhyming verses and bold illustrations will inspire and activate the next generation in service to the greatest challenge of our time."
Clara Vondrich—Senior Advisor to the President of Global Choices, an international all-women non-profit dedicated to preserving our Global Commons. She is the former director of Divest Invest, where she supported the global divestment and renewable energy reinvestment movement for more than five years.
“Creative, vivid and imaginative — Planet Power introduces kids to the many different ways we can grow and harness our energy from this amazing planet on which we live.”
Katharine Hayhoe —Atmospheric Scientist, U.N. Champion of the Earth and Professor of Political Science at Texas Tech University. Director of Texas Tech’s Climate Science Center
“Stacy Clark’s book, Planet Power, brings together science, art, poetry, technology and culture in an exciting and hopeful picture book for children of all ages. I and my great-grandchildren, who love to spend time exploring the wild out-of-doors, all give Planet Power a thumbs-up!”
Sam Wyly – Serial Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Author and Founder of Green Mountain Energy, one of the United States’s first providers of 100% wind and solar powered electricity packages.
“Through the power of rhyme, Stacy Clark provides readers with a view of the future of renewable power and highlights the diversity of communities around the world. Beautifully paired with Beghelli’s vibrant illustrations, Planet Power is a captivating introduction for young readers to explore the exciting possibilities of renewable energy.”
Melissa A. Burt— Ph.D. Co-founder, ScienceMoms.com. Research Scientist, Department of Atmospheric Science. Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at Colorado State University
“Planet Power is a how-to guide for unleashing the Earth’s renewable power. Stacy’s book and my song, “Power,” celebrate the welcome reality that the wind, water and sun, when harnessed and distributed worldwide, can power this beautiful planet. Pick up a copy today and feel hopeful about our future!”
John Hall— Founder of the band Orleans, an American musician, politician, environmentalist and community activist. His song, "Power," performed at the 1979 No Nukes concerts, celebrates the potential of the wind, the sun and water to power our lives safely and sanely. The song has since been an anthem for the renewable energy movement.
“Planet Power is a perfect storybook for these times, as it distills the simplicity and beauty of renewable energy technologies that are redefining the way electricity is harnessed and used around the world.”
Laura Zapata – CEO of Clearloop Corporation, a startup founded by three Tennesseans, including Governor Phil Bredesen, who believes that the environmental, health and economic benefits of new solar infrastructure projects should reach all corners of our country equally.
“For a lyrical, light and engaging exposition of the wonder and promise of renewable energy, I highly recommend Stacy Clark’s Planet Power: Explore Renewable Energy Around the World.”
Michael E. Mann —Climatologist, Geophysicist, Author and Current Director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University. The Madhouse Effect: How Climate Change Denial Is Threatening Our Planet, Destroying Our Politics, and Driving Us Crazy is Mann’s Recent Book.
“Planet Power: Explore the World’s Renewable Energy is a wonderful story for kids of all ages. Get your copy now.”
Ed Begley— American Actor, Conservation Champion, and Renewable Energy Activist
“There are many books that teach children how to be kind to their parents, to their siblings and to their friends. However, there are not many books that teach our children how to be kind to our planet. The book Planet Power fills this gap, by presenting colorful and eye-catching illustrations which will surely inspire the adults of tomorrow to better take care of our planet.”
Inna Braverman — Founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, which developed a patented innovative technology for generating clean electricity from the ocean and seawaves.