Mother Earth [Hardcover]

Nancy Luenn (Author), Neil Waldman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1992 | Age Level: 6 and up

Mother Earth in all her magnificence is presented in this glorious picture book which portrays in poetic language and vibrant art how all living creatures and all elements exist as the bountiful products of a mother's generosity. Waldman's vivid and sweeping illustrations perfectly match the text in this tribute to the planet on which we live. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-- Echoing the message of Native Americans that human beings and nature must give to each other, this book encourages children to respect and replenish the planet. Lyrical words and complementary watercolors create a tranquil mood. Although the text is simple, with one line per page, the concept will be best understood when shared with an adult. Some metaphorical references are easy to understand: ``The earth is our mother/ The ground is her skin/ Mountains her bones.'' However, ``Frogs and snakes are her sense of smell/ Insects her thoughts'' may be more difficult for young readers to comprehend. Gentle illustrations, in double-page layouts from cover-to-cover, give the effect that nature is all-encompassing. Soft tones of blues and greens form the background for brighter splashes of color in the animals and the play of light on the Earth. Care has been taken to represent the Earth as inhabited by a multiethnic population. An attractive book with a timely introduction to ecology and the importance of conservation. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elem . School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Luenn's poetic text explores the title's image--``Mountains her bones/ Trees and plants her living hair/...Frogs and snakes are her sense of smell/ Insects her thoughts''--the metaphor is intriguingly applied, though it seems overextended. At the end, we who are ``her eyes'' and ``her children'' are encouraged to give back to the earth what we can: ``Plant living hair...use her gifts well.'' Waldman's designerly, heroic-scale watercolors present the earth in light-filled rainbow colors. An earnest paean that will appeal to many readers and can do only good. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum (March 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689316682
• ISBN-13: 978-0689316685
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,633,390 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated, a loving story!, September 15, 2003

By 

Bookaholic (Tampa, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mother Earth (Paperback)

This book is simply breathtaking. The soft colors in the illustrations are not only beautiful, but very soothing to look at. The story tells of the earth, and all the life forms that make up her body. It then encourages us to look around us to see what we can do to help our mother earth, the greatest gifts we can give back to the planet that gives us life. It's a wonderful story to read to my boys, who are in awe of nature at every glance.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars sweet and soothing, August 2, 2005

By 

Amanda Johnson Rivera "alexianbelle" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mother Earth (Paperback)

My children and I enjoyed the book very much. Also, very easy for my first grader to read and understand. We need more children's books focusing on the earth and conservation efforts.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MUST READ!!!, January 13, 2005

By 

Wendy (Eastern Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mother Earth (Paperback)

My kindergarten age daughter brought this book home from her school library. We LOVED it! My preschooler also loved it. We will be adding this to our home library. Great message, great illustrations, simple story, huge ideas.