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I am an author-illustrator of educational graphic novels and cartoon-based resources about the natural world, and a conservation biologist. My main focus is climate change. Several of my books, as well as some free resources, are available for download here.

I am an author-illustrator of educational graphic novels and cartoon-based resources about the natural world, and a conservation biologist. My main focus is climate change. Several of my books, as well as some free resources, are available for download here.
Educational comic about the natural history and ecology of Amazon rainforest creatures.
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Educational comic about the natural history and ecology of Amazon rainforest creatures.

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The funny comic strips in this book feature facts about jungle animals taken from actual field observations made by the conservation scientist authors. Natural history and ecology are fascinating but complex subjects. What better way to discover them than through a comic that is both funny and scientifically accurate? A perfect learning resource for nature-loving kids and adults, as well as for science teachers! Available here as a pdf to download, Fables of the Amazon features the following: Eleven comic-strip short fables featuring a wide array of South American jungle animals. Each fable comes with an ecology or conservation lesson. An intimate look at the secret lives of wild guinea pigs, rare macaws, jaguars, leaf-cutter ants, the elusive Maned Wolf, and many others. The authors’ own natural history notes (with photos) from the field.
Climate change board game!
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Climate change board game!

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A fun and educational resource for classrooms and at home, the Captain Polo Climate Change Board Game combines the playability and fun of Snakes & Ladders with the educational potential of Trivial Pursuit. The game is a world map tracing Captain Polo’s adventures across oceans, over mountains, through jungles, swamps and cities as he uncovers a wealth of factual information about climate change issues and solutions, presented as Question and Answer cards and on-board boosts and penalties. Battle tested in classrooms from the UK to Ecuador, the game is fully downloadable as a bundle of A4 sheets and playing cards that are then printed out and assembled to reconstruct the board game. INSTRUCTIONS: Download the game board pieces and playing cards. Unzip the game board file and print out the 15 A4-sized JPEGs. Reassemble the board game by cutting out and pasting all the pieces on an A0-size cardboard (105 x 89.1 cm) following the order shown in the diagram. Print the playing cards pdf you downloaded earlier. For best results, print them on heavier paper, or paste them on cardboard. Cut out each playing card and stack the red, blue and green cards in separate piles. As you play the game, you will need to draw on these cards. Once you’ve read a card, put it back at the bottom of its pile. Playing instructions are included on the actual board game itself.
Educational graphic novel about Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Educational graphic novel about Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection

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This funny, historically and scientifically accurate graphic novel explains Darwin’s theory in clear language, and provides thoroughly researched insight into Darwin’s thought process and the pressures he had to deal with. Available here as a pdf download, the book provides an entertaining learning experience and is perfect for science teachers who teach evolution in their classrooms. Recommended by the US National Science Teachers Association, this book explains the following: How the field observations made by Darwin and his crew while visiting the legendary Galápagos islands eventually led to the Theory of Natural Selection How Darwin tapped into the scientific minds of his time and related with his peers Darwin’s inner struggle while developing his work, including the dilemma he faced as a God-fearing Christian The little-known truth behind how the Theory of Natural Selection was actually stumbled upon How the Theory actually works, explained in simple language and with cartoon illustrations KEY REVIEWS “*This fantastically illustrated comic focuses on the five weeks that Darwin spent in Galapagos and the subsequent development of the theory of evolution. Taking such a story and turning it into a comic that is both enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of ages is no mean feat, but Alan Hesse has done a brilliant job.” *- Galapagos Conservation Trust “Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection stands out as a comprehensive and engaging work that will not only appeal to its intended young audience but also to adults. It is a testament to Hesse’s ability to present complex scientific concepts in a way that is both informative and thoroughly enjoyable.” - Literary Titan Gold Award Winner “Have you been searching for a fun and understandable way to introduce natural selection and evolution in your classroom? Look no further! Charles Darwin and the Theory of Natural Selection tells the story of Darwin’s voyage to the Galapagos Islands and his theory that followed in a comic book format that is fun for all ages.” -National Science Teachers Association.
Climate Action Calendar 2021
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Climate Action Calendar 2021

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This environmentally themed, pdf calendar features 12 action-packed, humorous comic-strip stories about the impacts of climate change as seen through the eyes of comic book character Captain Polo the climate change bear. Based on the popular graphic novel series ‘The Adventures of Captain Polo’, each month comes with a set of practical Climate Action tips to put into practice with your students and colleagues, or even at home. The calendar marks the main holidays in the UK as well as key environmental dates for 2021. Get this calendar to keep the environmental crisis and what can be done about it top of mind and tip of tongue, in a fun and novel format for every month of the year!
Video: climate change in the Andes with Captain Polo
AlanJHesseAlanJHesse

Video: climate change in the Andes with Captain Polo

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In this video, Captain Polo visits the Ecuadorian Andes and learns all about the effects of climate change on glaciers, highland moors and water supplies. An original resource for science teachers and presented by Alan J. Hesse, Captain Polo’s creator and author of the climate change graphic novel series ‘The Adventures of Captain Polo’, the video highlights the Antisana volcano, which has the biggest glacier in Ecuador and is over 5 times higher than Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain the Britain. The video explains that although Ecuador only contributes about 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions causing global warming, yet it is still highly affected by climate change. According to recent research, the rate of warming in the Andes is nearly twice the global average. The main impact of global warming in the Andes is on water sources, which is why water management is one of the top climate change adaptation priorities in Ecuador. One of the most obvious global warming effects on water in the Andes is **melting glaciers. ** Antisana holds the largest of Ecuador’s 7 glaciers. Glaciers in the Andes are all under threat from global warming. One of Ecuador’s glaciers has already lost 96% of its surface due to rapid, man-made global warming. Local scientists predict that in 5 years it could have melted completely. Captain Polo was very keen to see the Antisana volcano for himself, because, as he finds out in his own adventures around the world, climate change truly is global, in the sense that what happens in one place will affect places even if they are on the other side of the planet. For example, most GHG emissions are created in industrial areas that can be very far away from these mountains, yet they still have an effect here, as we can see with the shrinking glaciers. In some parts of the Andes, entire lakes have already dried up because of this. Polo will want to know what the solutions are. It’s a good question, because there are always solutions. In the Andes it’s really all about protecting those water sources. That basically means preserving natural ecosystems, such as forests and this high altitude moorland called paramo, because these are natural water regulators: when they are healthy and work properly, they make sure there is always the right amount of water.