Monday, October 3, 2022

A PLANET LIKE OURS: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway

 My long-time blog readers will recognize the author and illustrator of A PLANET like OURS. I have reviewed other books by author Frank Murphy that are illustrated by Kayla Harren and published by Sleeping Bear Press: A Boy like You, A Girl like You, A Friend like You, and A Teacher like You.  Like those other four books, A Planet like Ours includes curriculum-rich content that preK-first grade teachers can use in their classrooms. It is co-written with Charnaie Gordon.  Here are some sample illustrations and quotes from the text. 



We need a planet like ours

to nourish us, protect us, and give us life.

A place to call home.

Our planet. Our Earth.

That is one of the opening pages which succinctly states the theme of this informational picture book: respect our planet. The following pages mention six different resources which we must protect.

SOIL


It helps grow our food. 

Pollution and chemicals can ruin our soil and our groundwater.

Let's protect our soil

WATER

Without water there would be no plants... no animals...no people! 
 So we must take care of lakes, rivers, and streams.


I loved this illustration of a child fishing the litter out of the water--what a great message and perspective.

ALL LIVING THINGS


Taking care of creatures means taking care of their 
habitats. Let's protect all living things.

TREES 

Our trees help keep the atmosphere cool. 
They grow branches that grow leaves that give us shade.


AIR

Earth's atmosphere needs clean air.

Pollution comes from factories and energy power plants.



PEOPLE

Our cities, towns, and neighborhoods.

                    ...... 

We build communities, together.  

                    We learn new things, together. 




The back matter includes personal notes from the authors and illustrator as well as several easy-to-implement activities. Click this link for another Activity page

GIVEAWAY

If you're interested in winning this book, please leave a comment with your email address by October 6. Educators (home or school) and librarians get an extra chance as do new followers to my blog. Just let me know what you've done in the comments. U.S. addresses only. 


12 comments:

Becky Scharnhorst said...

I have enjoyed all of the books by this author-illustrator team, and I’m excited to see they have another one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy! My email address is beckyscharnhorst@gmail.com. I’m also a librarian. :)

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for your comment, Becky. I didn't know you were a librarian! Your name starts the list--twice!

Joan Y. Edwards said...

Dear Carol,
A Planet Like Ours has beautiful meaningful words and illustrations.
Thanks for sharing.

Never Give UP
Joan

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Joan. You're in!

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I love it when a book can draw a child in, and they don't realize that they're learning! Thanks for sharing.
Connie Saunders
cps1950atgmaildotcom

Carol Baldwin said...

I agree, Connie!

Danielle H. said...

I agree that this is a gorgeous and important book for everyone. Humans are stewards of this planet and from the climate changes and species extinctions/endangerments, it's already evident we all need to do more. Thank you for offering this to one of your followers.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Danielle!

Marci said...

What a lovely and poignant book! It looks wonderful. The illustrations and the lyrical language seem to be a good pair. Congrats, Frank and Charnaie, and Kayla, too!

Unknown said...

I loved the message, and the beautiful illustrations made me smile!
Thanks Carol!
Hewi Mason

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Hewi. I knew you'd like it!

Carol Baldwin said...

Thank you, Marci. Just added your name to the growing list.

"BUILDING" BOOKS + 4 Giveaways

  Talking Story is live! Here is your chance to not only win LET'S BUILD A TRAIN or PRAIRIE BOY but also A GRAND IDEA by Megan Hoyt a...