Love, the Earth

PreS-Gr 2–“I am the Earth./ All yours to share./ The mountains and the Arctic air.” From the mighty visions and statements of the earth, readers are quickly dropped into a more intimate setting with a bronze-skinned newborn held close: “And now you’re here,/ So small and new—/ A tiny little dream come true.” Then, “Don’t worry,” says the omniscient voice. “I’ll take care of you.” The life of the entire world and that of this child, planting seeds, tending a plot, and taking care of herbaceous surroundings are intertwined in tissue-paper, collage-like paintings that have the color and translucence of Eric Carle’s work, but are more detailed and representational. The voice promises that mutual tending, despite a sad-faced, earth-like globe, will lead to better outcomes. Stickley and Hopgood create a reassuring lullaby of faith and cooperation that is accessible to small children, but can launch Earth Day discussions for younger elementary students.