"When we work together,
we can do incredible things.
We can harness the power of
the sun.
We can deforest the land.
We can help lost sea turtles
find their way to the ocean."
This is a perfectly-worded reminder to each and every one of us that all things are better when we do them together. I will admit that I thought going through a pandemic might help us see that very clearly. After all, we ARE all dealing with the same threats to our health and our lives. Instead, we have decided to be on one side or the other - and there is no acceptance of the other's point of view. Imagine what we are teaching our kids in a time of great strife.
Bill McKibben, a distinguished environmentalist and an advocate for unity, has written a book to remind our children that we all need to care about each other and the planet we call home. Our only chance to make things better will come from cooperation and a shared need to make a difference.
"It is a beautiful, fragile place -
worthy of protection.
We can accept with grace that each
of us has a moment and a place.
That our humaness is
important."
Each page presents the wonders of our world in digitally created images. Filled with color and light, they offer young readers ways in which we can learn more, do more, be more in our communal attempts to make our world healthier and more sustainable. Racially diverse groups spread their love for doing better in the face of powerful and reckless decisions. Little ones will hear the message, older children may be spurred to action. It is a worthwhile message for all of us.
In back matter, the author and illustrator provide context for their own journeys to wanting to do better to protect our planet by helping to solve the problems being faced every day.
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