"People mostly live on the land
in big cities
and small towns
and tiny villages or ...
just in the middle of nowhere."
A small child, clad in a jaunty red cap, pens an invitation to any 'visitor from outer space' to come to Earth and have a look at the beauty and diversity to be found here. What the visitor needs to know begins with which is the planet issuing the summons. Earth is clearly described and shown through stunning, ever-closer images. Once the reader is placed in a small house 'just in the middle of nowhere', the child continues with a description of our planet.
Each turn of the page then shows variety in homes, families, bodies, feelings, clothing, weather, travel ... the list goes on and on, accompanied by intimate and engaging detailed images that encourage full attention and endless discussion for the multitude of scenes encountered. The human characters are as diverse in shape, ethnicity, and action as can be imagined. They are often humorous and full of kindness in their interactions. I have pored over the pages numerous times. Each time the illustrations conjure new stories and memories.
Ms. Blackall does not stop with the human beings who inhabit Earth. She moves on to show animals of ocean, land, and sky. Each new spread adds to a world that can be shared with all visitors, new or old. It is a planet which heralds our diversity and our ability to stand together as the most important constants in taking care of each other and this place we call home.
Spread love and joy by reading this book with family and friends, in homes and classrooms! If you are thinking about a gift at Christmas, here's a book for you!
From Sophie:
"I have made books about boars and babies and bears and lighthouses, but what I wanted in that moment was a book that would bring us together. A book about their home and mine. I wished for the same book when I was with children in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in India and Singapore, and in Brooklyn, New York. And so, I decided I would make such a book."
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