It's My Earth, Too

July 1, 1992
K-Gr 2- An introduction to recycling and ecology that tries to cover too much territory. Krull's focus shifts around too often for it to be a meaningful book for beginning readers; the tone and Greenberg's illustrations are too young for older readers. However, this could be very useful as an idea starter or discussion book in classrooms. There is a good list of activities for children to do by themselves. Especially useful are suggestions for conserving energy by changing habits and thinking before acting. The bright, cheerful illustrations show multiethnic children in a variety of situations. This could be used nicely in conjunction with Frederick Lehrman's Loving the Earth (Celestial Arts, 1990) or any of the catalogues available on ways to save the Earth.- Tina Smith Entwistle, Oakley Park Elementary School, MI

July 1, 1992
Ages 5-7. In simple, rhythmic text, Krull pays homage to the wonders of the natural world. Although acknowledging the need for modern conveniences--electricity and cars, for instance--she cautions against overuse. Krull's strength is the list of 12 specific suggestions for helping the earth. Most are not new ideas, but several are particularly appropriate for this age level (don't take more food than you can eat, clean up your trash at the beach, don't be too greedy when asking for birthday presents). A publisher's note indicates the book is printed in soybean-oil inks on recycled paper and bound with water-soluble glue. Greenberg's brightly colored paintings add much to the book's appeal. Although Gibbons' "Recycle! A Handbook for Kids" and Brown's "Dinosaurs to the Rescue! A Guide to Protecting Our Planet" are both stronger titles, this is recommended for larger collections. ((Reviewed July 1992))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1992, American Library Association.)