Alexandria author Marfe Ferguson Delono won the Newton Marasco Foundations Green Earth Book Award last week for Earth in the Hot Seat: Bulletins from a Warming World.

Published by National Geographic Childrens Books, judges said Delonos book was A call-to-arms to help the Earth, this book explains the science of this global threat succinctly and visually.

Green Earth Book Award winners reinforce the importance of environmental stewardship to our nations youth at a time when the country is renewing its focus on climate change and other environmental issues, said Pam Spencer Holley, a Green Earth Book Award judge.

More than 110 books were nominated for the awards. Each award includes $2,000 to the winning author and illustrator, as well as the contribution of winning books to schools and youth organizations in the Washington metropolitan area.

Through their words and illustrations, these books not only raise awareness of environmental issues, but also instill a sense of responsibility for nurturing, protecting and defending the natural environment, said Amy Marasco Newton, president and founder of the Newton Marasco Foundation. I encourage educators, parents, grandparents and youth clubs to include these books in their programs to help spread the word of what the next generation of environmental stewards can accomplish.