The EARTH Book [Hardcover]

Todd Parr (Author)

Book Description

Grade Level: P and up

"I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference..."

With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitiviy, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book. Featuing a circular die-cut Earth on the cover, and printed entirely with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, this book includes lots of easy, smart ideas on how we can all work together to make the Earth feel good - from planting a tree and using both sides of the paper, to saving energy and reusing old things in new ways.

Best of all, the book includes an interior gatefold with a poster with tips/reminders on how kids can "go green" everyday. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, this sweet homage to our beautiful planet is sure to inspire readers of all ages to do their part in keeping the Earth happy and healthy.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 4—The narrator states, "I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference." Parr then offers a practical catalog of simple activities easily managed by even quite young children, followed by clear explanations of how those simple things can have a large impact on the health of our planet. "I use both sides of the paper and bring my own bags to market because…I love the trees and I want the owls to have a place to live." The book is "printed with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks." The vibrantly colored cartoons with heavy black outlines resemble those a child might create. Useful as an introduction to the subject, this is a bright and cheerful presentation.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

With illustrations that look as though they might have been done by enthusiastic children themselves, Parr’s book offers first-person advice about ways to take care of the earth. Although the suggestions are fine (“I turn off the faucet while I brush my teeth”) the reasons behind the actions (“because I love the fish”) could use more explanation for such a young audience. The strong appeal comes from the simple artwork done in Parr’s signature style, which features pure colors, objects and people outlined in thick black ink, and kids whose round faces are comprised of two dots for eyes and upturned lines for mouths. Young children will get a kick out of the vivid art (and the funny touches, like a fish wearing glasses); feel helpful when they do things like write on both sides of the paper; and perhaps intuit why protecting the environment is a good thing, if not exactly making the connection between saving paper and saving trees. Preschool-Grade 1. --Ilene Cooper

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Rei/Pstr edition (March 17, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031604265X
• ISBN-13: 978-0316042659
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 0.5 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #171,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #35 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Environment
  • #47 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Health > General
  • #79 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Nature > Environment

More About the Author

I like the fog
I like sea lions
I like to paint
My favorite color is Blue
My favorite food is macaroni and cheese


I spent my childhood in a small town in Wyoming. It was a great place to grow up but I knew the world was out there waiting for me.

In high school, art was a passion of mine, but I failed art class. Because of that failure, I lacked the self-confidence to pursue it further. But it wasn't all my teachers fault.

I worked at many things before finally coming back to my original dream of painting, but again I faced rejection. Despite the rejection, I continued on with my work because I knew being an artist was what I wanted to do with my life.

After not having success with galleries, I was able to show my work at one of Wolfgang Puck's restaurants, Postrio, in San Francisco, where I have lived for the past 13 years. With a little luck and persistence, this exhibit led to many other things, like creating merchandise for Macys, and then on to my own line of clothing for kids.

I first got into children's publishing in 1998. I was able to take the messages that are part of my art and put them in a simple reading about acceptance, differences and empowerment for kids to feel better about themselves in a simple, fun way.

I have a lot of fun creating my books and I'm proud to know they are helping someone feel better about themselves in a silly, fun way.

Here are some of the fun, cool things that have happened to me and my books:

My work was displayed in the windows of FAO Schwarz in NYC and San Francisco, with interior displays of some of my product, including my first four books.

Todd Parr Shops within Toys R Us Japan were launched at all 101 stores with products exclusively available in Japan.

My Books have won several awards and have been featured on The Rosie O'Donnell show. Currently I have written and illustrated 28 books with two more for 2007 and 2008.

In 2004, I appeared in a Panasonic commercial and print ad.

I have partnered with Target, Reach Out and Read, People Magazine and several other organizations to promote reading.

In November 2005, my children's preschool show, ToddWorld premiered on TLC and Discovery Kids. The show has since been nominated for an Emmy and has won several other awards including the iParenting Media Award and the 2005 Humanitas Award for the episode entitled "Who's Your Best Friend"?. The Bronze medal in the New York Film Festival and an award for "Pizza on Earth" in the Chicago International Children's Film Festival. ToddWorld is now airing in almost every country around the world with a second season is in the works.

With the support of my family, especially my Dad and Grandma, I have been very successful but I do have another passion. I'd like to own my own restaurant!

As my Grandma used to say:
"You're a little lost now but I know you'll find your way".

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Caring about the environment can be tons of fun, July 16, 2010

By 

Marcello - See all my reviews

This review is from: The EARTH Book (Hardcover)

I LOVE this author's work and always look forward to what he does next. I certainly wasn't disappointed with THE EARTH BOOK as it shows kids in unique simple, fun ways what they can do to help. One of the pages even tears out to become a fun and useful poster. There are a lot of kid's book about the environment, but this one really stands out!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Earth Day and Deep Discussions, May 14, 2010

By 

bjb "bubbe barbara" (Eastern WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The EARTH Book (Hardcover)

Todd's simple art work and words can lead to deep discussions. As we study food chains, water cycle, and change, this book introduces concepts and relationships we need to discuss with children. And Todd's books are just FUN to read or have read to you!!!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Perfect, April 22, 2010

By 

William Hootnick (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The EARTH Book (Hardcover)

Happy Earth Day and The Earth Book by Todd Parr makes me very happy! It's the perfect book for today and all year round.