In short, “Kings of a Lonely Kingdom” is a thorough, tough, yet heartfelt examination of our climate crisis and severe loss of biodiversity worldwide. Told through the eyes of a scholar, a child, a poet, a storyteller and a lay-person who has educated himself deeply on the subjects, David Mahood wears all of these hats well, creating a book that effectively speaks to a diverse audience, and guides the reader toward an in depth understanding and subsequent plan of action.

Mahood wrote his first book (well, booklet) at the age of 9 when he was in 4th grade, two years after the first Earth Day. It was clear to him even then, that the planet was in trouble and he offered his voice and commitment toward a sustainable future, and has not deviated from that path since. Now in his second book on the topic, he awakens his readers through a series of Earth Day essays, personal poems and well documented facts, stating first, what is, then provides tools, insights and direction toward real solutions.

It is difficult to reach the “blissfully unaware”. For those who know Earth Day, and think it is simply a reminder to pick up trash, we have a long way to go. Mahood potently educates the reader on the effects of long-term climate change, subsequent environmental injustice and of the first real stewards of the planet, the Native Americans who embody the wisdom of living sustainably on the earth. He courageously calls out corporations and industries who have more than carelessly contributed to the degradation of the earth. “What hell hath we wrought upon this ecosystem?”

“Kings of a Lonely Kingdom” is a book of fierce honesty, coupled with hope and guidance toward a sustainable future and the healing of the planet. Certainly this should be required reading for all, and included in school curriculums for middle school through college.

If you want to know anything about the Monarch butterfly, David Mahood is the man to ask. His knowledge, understanding, and distress about the Monarch is both impressive and disturbing. Anyone who reads Chapter 6 will want to rush right out and purchase a couple dozen packets of milkweed seeds (if they’re even available for purchase). David invites the reader into his own backyard for an intimate view of how we can all become environmental activists and help save the endangered Monarch butterfly. We cannot ignore the plight of this beautiful creature if we care at all about the environment.

Charlotte, 12/6

The experiences, connections and knowledge the author has gathered through his years is impressive. It’s evident his passion for planet earth began early, role modeled by his parents’ practices and stimulated by his historic homeland. David has a talented way of expressing his concerns by weaving facts and personal experiences that leave the reader contemplating how to take better action to preserve precious earth for future generations. This is a read that remains on one’s conscience. 10/13

Kings of a Lonely Kingdom is a must read. David Mahood has offered his expertise, insight and passionate concern for our precious planet Earth and all of its inhabitants. He has cleverly shared his extensive knowledge of environment-related issues through an entertaining mix of eye-opening facts, poetry, humor, heartfelt personal stories and interviews.
Of particular interest is his treatment of the Last Wrong Dictionary, written to express his concerns about the Earth when he was but 9 years old. It’s hard to fathom that those same concerns are still his today! Mahood also shares enlightening information to “provide a voice for those who cannot speak out” i.e. monarch butterflies and sea turtles. He writes of threats in the ocean, the plight of Native Americans and delves into politics and the environment. His family anecdotes illustrate both his concern about the ways climate change effects his loved ones and the big heart that motivates him to keep fighting despite the frustration. The book concludes on a hopeful note with words of inspiration and with quotes from young people who express a desire to respect our planet and work to keep it healthy. With this book, David Mahood has again shaken us by the shoulders with an urgent plea for our planet. Yet he also plants seeds of hope for the future.