School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-Lewis, one of the reigning sovereigns of silly verse, turns from nonsense to good sense in this consciousness-raiser. Urging his readers to "Make the Earth your companion./Walk lightly on it,/as other creatures do," he embarks on a free-verse tour of terrestrial features and habitats, from a limpid lake to a bursting volcano, a teeming wetland to a busy classroom. His language is simple but high toned: "Let the Sea be horizon to hope,/let seashore be the landfall/you dream on." These meditations and observations are linked to create a sense of continuity, and printed over richly colored, luxuriously detailed landscapes filled with monumental landforms and expertly rendered wildlife. Children (and some adults, too) will be moved by the lyrical sweep of these poems and pictures to a greater appreciation for nature's grand beauty. Consider this title, the first of a trio celebrating the community of living things, as a companion or alternative to such global-awareness enhancers as Barbara Brenner's The Earth Is Painted Green (Scholastic, 1994) or Michael Foreman's One World (Arcade, 1991; o.p.).-John Peters, New York Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
A poetic plea for thinking of oneself as a part of the earth, this brightly illustrated book touches on sixteen locales from wetlands, volcanoes, and mountains to school. By suggesting behavioral lessons (Like VolcanoesàBe slow to anger, quick to cool) the text becomes didactic. The book may foster appreciation of nature but not scientific understanding. From HORN BOOK Fall 2001, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
