It's not just humans working to combat global warming. Meet the ecosystem engineers who are improving our planet's health! In this unique look at how one animal can make a difference for the planet, Adrienne Mason, a marine biologist, reveals how whales are ecosystem engineers — animals that create, modify or maintain a habitat or ecosystem. Whales do this by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

They store a large amount of carbon in their bodies for decades, even centuries; when they die, they sink to the ocean floor, taking their carbon with them. Whales also deposit nutrients into the ocean that help feed phytoplankton, which, in turn, draw carbon out of the atmosphere and into the ocean during photosynthesis. More carbon in the ocean means less carbon in the atmosphere — all thanks to whales!

Using a highly visual approach and a slow build of concepts, this fascinating book explores how whales play an essential role in maintaining a healthy ocean and, by extension, a healthy and biodiverse planet. (From Kids Can Press)

Adrienne Mason is a B.C.-based biologist and the author of more than 30 books for children. She is the author of Planet Ark and the Primary Physical Science series, as well as an editor at Hakai Magazine, a publication devoted to marine and coastal science.

Kim Smith is a Calgary artist who has illustrated many books for children and has also created illustrations for video games, apps, magazines, apparel and more.