Our Earth (by Anne Rockwell)

In this simple overview of the planet, deserts, rainforests, and salty seas, are delights for the eyes, and enchanting prose is a delight for the ears. As a primer, Our Earth serves its purpose -- to begin or expand upon a young child's knowledge of the magnificent world.

Author and illustrator Anne Rockwell gives toddlers and preschoolers one of their first looks at the planet earth -- presenting prehistoric dinosaurs, creeping glaciers, large continents and small islands. Each subject is reinforced by an almost full-page watercolor and gouache illustration. She ends the book with this message of harmony: "Our big, round earth is very beautiful. It is my home and yours."

Anne Rockwell's prose is beautiful, instilling a sense of wonder in young children. Her words can serve as a great starting point for a more in-depth discussion of one topic, such as deserts or glaciers, or as a larger discussion about the world around us. Colorful watercolor illustrations fill the pages, depicting subjects that fascinate kids, from long-necked dinosaurs to dapper penguins, monkey-inhabited rain forests, and sunbathing lizards.

Author: Anne Rockwell
Illustrator: Anne Rockwell
Publisher: Harcourt Brace
Publication date: September 1, 1998
Number of pages: 24
Paperback price: $6.00
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 6