The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil

It was supposed to be an easy, delightful journey to return Penguin to Antarctica, but Captain Polo and her clever sidekick, Penguin, are drawn into perils they never anticipated. Tex Greedyman is a ruthless oil tycoon with devastating plans for the Amazon, and from the rainforest's heart to Rio’s enchanting streets, Captain Polo and Penguin are on a whirlwind adventure packed with action and discovery. They'll scale Sugar Loaf Mountain's cable car, dodge a furious bull at a southern cattle auction, and uncover nature-based climate solutions in the Atlantic Forest. Along the way, they confront pressing environmental crises while discovering inspiring community-driven innovations. Will they make it to Antarctica, and what becomes of the greedy Greedyman? Blending humor, thrilling escapades, and eye-opening insights, The Adventures of Captain Polo: Polo in Brazil by Alan J. Hesse entertains while teaching about geography, climate change, and cultural diversity.

Polo in Brazil is the fifth book in the series and one that is packed not only with action and adventure but also delivers powerful lessons on fighting environmental issues. This book is the best protest against oil companies, illegal loggers, miners, and businessmen who are callous and mindless about how their activities impact the environment. Alan J. Hesse writes for children, but his work will appeal to adults who genuinely care about the earth. The book features accurate maps, authentic details, and an expanded glossary. The illustrations are terrific, capturing the humor and translating scenes into visuals that are as gripping as they are thoughtful. Hesse has the uncanny ability to transform climate science into engaging storytelling. Unique among children's environmental books, this book focuses on Global South perspectives, underlying indigenous knowledge and Brazilian-led conservation efforts rather than Western savior narratives. Characters like the determined conservationist Lucho and the Suruí community members provide authentic voices often missing from climate literature. The book's greatest strength lies in its balance: it acknowledges the urgency of the climate crisis while spotlighting tangible, hopeful solutions—from mangrove restoration to green hydrogen aircraft. The best and timely gift for young readers!