This inspiring picture book celebrates the wonders of our world and reminds us that if we all work together to spread the message that Earth is special and worth saving, we can keep our planet beautiful for many years to come.
The message that Earth is special and worth saving is an important one, especially now, when climate issues are so prevalent. Dear Earth is an inspiring story of a young girl named Tessa, who writes a love letter to the Earth in celebration of its many wonderful components. Tessa has the opportunity to blow bubbles with majestic whales, soar with the birds, and join in the noise and excitement of the rain forest. She believes that if we all work together to spread the message that Earth is special and worth saving, we will be able to keep our planet beautiful for many years to come. Includes back matter with ways to help save the Earth, as well as a letter template for children to write their own letter to Earth.---from the publisher
40 pages 9781664300149 Ages 7-10
Keywords: Earth, conservation, ecology, environment, recycling and green living, 7 year old, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, letter
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The beauty and marvels of the planet take center stage in a passionate picture book love letter to Earth written by Isabel Otter (This Love). Accompanied by illustrator Clara Anganuzzi's dramatic illustrations, the missive makes for a persuasive argument in favor of conservation and a delightful way to introduce the ideas to a young audience.
Otter's child protagonist, Tessa, has the same wild hair, light-brown complexion and rounded figure as her grandpa, who "had been an explorer once." Tessa, inspired by Grandpa's adventures, writes a letter telling the planet about all the miraculous sights she plans to see and all the exciting experiences she intends to savor: "kiss the butterflies"; "slide down desert dunes"; "join in with the hullabaloo of the birds and monkeys." The letter takes the audience through different biomes portrayed in dazzling colors by Anganuzzi's inviting and beguiling art. Anganuzzi (Violet's Tempest) uses the book's orientation to enhance Tessa's travels, flipping her illustrations from landscape to portrait and back again as the girl dives underwater or flies with birds.
Tessa concludes her letter by acknowledging the delicate nature of Earth. "You are full of such wonder, but you're fragile, and you need love and care." Rich back matter offers young readers ways they can provide assistance, as well as a template so they can write a letter of their own. Otter's charming picture book shows readers the vast and awe-inspiring planet while reminding them it's up to everyone to keep it safe and habitable. Dear Earth is a letter worth sharing. --Jen Forbus, freelancer
