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A PLANET LIKE OURS: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway

carolbaldwin

 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. 

Published by carolbaldwin

Carol enjoys teaching writing and has presented at many educators' and writing conferences. She has published widely in newspapers and magazines and along with Rebecca Wheeler, co-publishes Talking Story, a newsletter for educators and media specialists. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you’ll find her walking with friends, golfing, or gardening.

25 thoughts on “A PLANET LIKE OURS: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway”

  5. I love it when a book can draw a child in, and they don't realize that they're learning! Thanks for sharing.Connie Saunderscps1950atgmaildotcom

    Reply

  7. 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.

    Reply

  9. 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!

    Reply

  17. I love it when a book can draw a child in, and they don't realize that they're learning! Thanks for sharing.Connie Saunderscps1950atgmaildotcom

    Reply

  19. 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.

    Reply

  21. 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!

    Reply
  25. Pingback: Four picture books which celebrate voice and music.

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