Stickley, Frances. Love, the Earth. Tim Hopgood, Illus. Candlewick, 03/2024. [44]pp. Picture Book. Trade $17.99. 978-1-5362-3412-1. GRADES Preschool–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Earth delivers a message to its people in this rhyming picture book: “I am the Earth. All yours to share. The mountains and the Arctic air…” and asks the reader “Will you take care of me?” The vibrant, dramatic, mixed-media illustrations resembling cut paper collage are as lovely as the text, featuring a young child with dark brown skin and black hair. The graceful language and enticing artwork combine to make the message clear without being sentimental or heavy-handed. This would be perfect for an Earth Day readaloud, appealing to a wide age range. Originally published in the UK in 2023.
Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool