Down to Earth (Hardcover)

~ Michael J. Rosen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6?This is one of those books in which authors and illustrators donate their works and somebody pulls it together into a package that, when sold, raises money for a cause. In this case, it's Rosen featuring "Share Our Strength," an American organization that contributes to school-breakfast programs, soup kitchens, etc. The body of the book is devoted to 38 reminiscences and musings, each about a different plant. The subjects range from milkweed and moss to roses and zucchini; the quality and tone vary too, as is the case in this kind of collection. The illustrations are more even in quality than the writings: colorful artwork in many different styles combines to make a garden of enjoyment. The second part of the book contains 33 projects or recipes related to the plants discussed: making a fruit tree bell to keep the birds away, drying flowers, making dandelion salad, making sun prints, etc. For whom is this book intended? The musings might be lost on children, but they could be read as stories heard from adults about their childhoods.?Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 5^-8. Rosen has gathered the work of 41 children's authors and illustrators in this collection of stories, recipes, projects, and other tidbits, all pertaining to gardening. Judy Sierra lists six reasons why she loves mustard greens, Daniel Kirk reminisces about mushrooms, and Nicholasa Mohr writes about her discovery of the flaming red trees of Puerto Rico. The variety of ideas, stories, styles, and illustrations makes the book a wonderful resource for gardening projects, class lessons, and story hours, as well as just plain reading enjoyment, and each page is uniquely illustrated by a contributor or with Rosen's own artwork. The final part of the book is devoted to recipes and activities--Denise Fleming's instructions for making cheesy zucchini, Diana Pomeroy's explanation of potato printing, and more. Like many of Rosen's other anthologies, this stunning book will touch readers of a variety of ages, including grown-ups. A list of garden resources is appended. Helen Rosenberg

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; 1st edition (March 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152013415
• ISBN-13: 978-0152013417
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 11 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,525,639 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious Cornucopia Of Gardening In Words And Art, April 29, 1998

By	Jonathan Wilhelm (Lorain, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

I had the great pleasure of meeting Michael J. Rosen, the brains behind "Down To Earth," at a recent booksigning. Rosen explained how he approached 41 children's book authors and illustrators to send him their thoughts or artistic impressions of their favortie plant, be it a flower, vegetable or weed. All contributors donated their work, with all profits benefitting Share Our Strength, the leading antihunger organization in the United States. My favorites include Denise Fleming's musings on the proliferate zucchini and David Catrow's discussion of the dandylion. A wonderful book that supports a wonderful cause.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, thoroughly enjoyable, delightful illustrations., July 10, 1999

By	[e-mail] "mcdscb" (Schenectady, New York) - See all my reviews

Down to Earth is a great addition to my library. As an adult I thoroughly enjoyed it and related to many of the authors' memories. Touching, humorous, creative. Both entertaining and practical (activities are outstanding). A great gift, a great book to share with a child -- to do the activities together, to discuss the various authors' experiences. Both young and not so young would find value in this book. My 28 year old son and his wife will love it. I'm so glad I stumbled upon it. As an added bonus, proceeds benefit Share Our Strength, the nation's leading antihunger organization.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a fun book!, May 28, 2002

By A Customer

This book is hours of fun outdoors for both kids and adults. The pieces are written with a genuine enthusiasm and the illustrations are great. I have given this book as a gift several times and all have enjoyed it just as much as I have. I am eager to recommend this book to you as well!