Professor Angelicus Visits the Big Blue Ball

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Summary: Professor Angelicus
Review: As a mother of three school-aged children, I highly recommend this book. Professor Angelicus is both imaginative and educational. Each chapter peaks your interest so that you won't want to put it down! Definately a book for all ages. Two thumbs up!!!!!

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Summary: we all can make a difference
Review: Environmental and ecology lesson meets fantasy filled fiction and creates an inspirational book for children of all ages to enjoy under the title of Professor Angelicus Visits The Big Blue Ball. Author L.B.B. Ward has written a gem that will hopefully become the bestseller that will change the world.


Two friends, Ivy and Zak, and Zak's dog Ziggy, are out enjoying the beginning of spring when they are visited by Professor Angelicus of the planet Quantia. He is in need of pure water to fuel his bubble spacecraft, and the children agree to help him find some. The task is much more difficult than any of them think it will be, for pure clean water on Earth is becoming a scarce thing. They begin with the river and are led to the bay, the ocean, the rain forest and eventually to the south pole. Will they ever find water pure enough to fuel the Professor's trip home to Quantia?


Along the way the group is surprised and appalled at all of the damage that is being done to the earth. From toxic clouds to acid rain, mysterious and deadly drums on the ocean floor to the slash and burn of the tropical forests, it is all adding up to one very unhealthy planet. The foursome try their best to do what they can, save a dolphin from a fishing net and learn that they can be guardians of the big blue ball even though they are small.


Throughout the book there is a message of compassion and cooperation among all living things. It is a vital moral value that we must all work harder to uphold. The author demonstrates the interconnectedness that every thing on earth shares and in fact every thing in the universe shares. This is something that we often forget and need to remember. The reminder is through this very entertaining and enchanting tale of friendship and love.


The plot is excellently planned, the descriptive text is beautiful and rich, and the characters are full of life. The underlying message is a much needed one while not being a lecture. The book leaves a happy thought in the mind that we all can make a difference.

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Summary: Ecological issues and a charming story
Review: I thought Prof. Angelicus was a beautifully written and challenging book. It broaches sensitive ecological issues in a thoughtful and engaging manner for young readers while not being didactic. Although, it sometimes has a tendency toward the polemical when it tries to do too much in a given chapter.

The novel tells a charming story with a sensitivity for the biological and the sciences in its use of specific nomenclature and in its specificity to earth processes. It certainly doesn't "talk down" to its young readers. The spiritual overtones will challenge young readers, however the overt Christian motifs and "capital G" God may be exclusive to children of other faiths.

The vocabulary,reading level and subject matter puts the novel in the 10 - 14 age range for me, yet the protagonists seem younger. Generally, young readers like to read about characters the same age or slightly older. Some children may take exception to Zak and Ivy; however the timeless themes and wonderful writing can carry the novel.

My own children, 12 and 14, seem to concur saying that the book was good and raised many questions about our relationship with the Earth, but there were times when the main characters seemed "babyish."

Definitly more stories of this calibre need to be published as they challenge children to consider our inherently mutualistic relationship with the Earth - a relationship we are compromising daily.

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Summary: Inspiring kids to become "sharlings" of the Earth
Review: Living a seemingly normal life in a normal town, young Zak, his dog Ziggy, and his best friend Ivy are suddenly greeted by a strange and unfamiliar character named Professor Aquius Botanicus Angelicus. Stranger still, the professor has arrived on planet Earth in search of the pure water he needs to fuel his spaceship. One would think that on a planet that is 70% water this would be easy...however, Professor Angelicus and the children discover that finding pure water on a planet subject to ever-increasing pollution by humans is not that easy.

And so the journey begins, as the crew searches for pure water in lakes, oceans, and rainforests. Along the way the children meet and request help from the most unlikely characters: a talking French butterfly, King Crab, Dolphin, and an evil monster that morphs into its victim's greatest fear. By stating pertinent facts about our environment and "teaching without preaching," author L.B.B. Ward does an excellent job of interpreting relevant scientific and social topics. Covering natural history, biology, pollution, war, peace, respect, and community involvement, Ward explains how to become guardians or "sharelings" of the Earth. The author's personal closeness to nature, humanitarian spirit, and gentle voice provide a most needed call to action with this imaginative and clever new adventure novel.

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Summary: Wonderful Hope For Our kids' Futures
Review: Professor Angelicus brought my kids (and me) a surprisingly thorough environmental education and actual HOPE for the future - all within a fantastic adventure. I can't wait to read it to my littlest one in three years. Completely recommended!

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Summary: A colorful story, brimming with imaginative characters
Review: Professor Angelicus Visits The Big Blue Ball is a delightful adventure novel for all ages. When Professor Aquius Botanicus Angelicus comes to Earth from the planet Quantia in search of pure water to fuel his giant bubble of a spaceship, two best friends agree to help him. But finding pure water is not as easy as may seem, and an evil, shape-shifting creature is on their tail. A colorful story, brimming with imaginative characters, inventive ideas, and just plain fun.


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Summary: Child and Family Therapist, LSW, CAC
Review: The magical Professor Angelicus is written for and about children...his lessons, however, are universal and beyond timely. In his unique, funny and gentle way he reminds us of the delicate balance of our small planet. This story weaves truth and vibrant imagination with immense appeal. Members of environmental, ecological and conservationist organizations will find Professor Angelicus a must-have. For us this book is an extended family experience of hope and fun.

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Summary: A Must Read !!
Review: This story is a must read for all of us here on the " Big Blue Ball". A very touching and imaginative story that will inspire everyone to appreciate and protect the wonderful planet we have all taken for granted.