This Is the Earth

Young readers learn how they can create a greener, healthier world in this powerful nonfiction picture book from authors Diane Z. Shore and Jessica Alexander, with art by award-winning illustrator Wendell Minor.

This Is the Earth explores hundreds of years of changing landscapes and the positive and negative impacts humans have had on the environment. Even the smallest actions can help save the world, and this lyrical, rhyming read-aloud text shows how smart and simple everyday habits can protect the planet.

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This is the Earth that we treat with respect,
where people and animals interconnect,
where we learn to find balance
between give and take
and help heal the planet
with choices we make.

This Is the Earth takes readers on a journey through hundreds of years as it explores how humans have affected the environment and shows the ways in which we can all care for the planet. Every action we take has an impact on our surroundings—and everyone can help save the world.

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PRAISE FOR THIS IS THE DREAM: “A soaring tribute.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A chronicle of the Civil Rights movement presented through lyrical verses and distinguished illustrations. This book honors our humanity while leading readers through a painful history. A valuable addition to children’s literature.” - School Library Journal

“A poetic mosaic.” - Black Issues Book Review

“Shore, Alexander, and Minor have created an ode to the earth. There is a powerful contrast between the early paintings, full of animals that populate oceans, savannas, rivers, and skies, and the dark, fiery, gritty world of man’s greed and wastefulness.” - ALA Booklist

“Shore, Alexander, and Minor have created an ode to the earth.” - ALA Booklist

“Simple but eloquent poetry.” - San Jose Mercury News

PRAISE FOR THIS IS THE FEAST: “With the bouncy rhyme and sun-filled illustrations, this offers an idyllic view of the happy holiday, fun for sharing with preschoolers before the holiday.” - ALA Booklist

“Conveys more of the nuance of the story than is often presented to young readers. Lloyd’s primitive-inspired paintings effectively complement both verse and tale.” - Kirkus Reviews

“A vividly colored rendition of the customary story about Pilgrims and Indians. A perfect introduction for young children.” - New Orleans Times-Picayune

“Minor’s precise renderings of wildlife and flora are characteristically lovely.” - Publishers Weekly

PRAISE FOR THIS IS THE EARTH:

“This noteworthy picture book—a mix of verse, paintings, history, and environmental science—demonstrates the impact humans have had upon Earth. A fine selection for reading and sharing, with curriculum connections to science, social studies, and language arts.” - School Library Journal