Heal the Earth (White Feather Flier Adventure #2)

The creators of Touch the Earth present another "healing adventure" aboard the fanciful White Feather Flier--a vehicle that changes shape and function while traveling the planet on environmental and humanitarian missions. As in its predecessor, this mildly interactive book invites readers to join the Flier's young cartoon passengers by pressing a printed "imagination power button" and tilting the book up (to take to the air) or down (to dive underwater). As the vessel morphs from plane to mobile hospital to submarine to tractor to boat, the kids deliver medicine to children in a remote location, help a coral reef recover from the effects of climate change, plant a city garden, and join reforestation efforts in the jungle. Though it provides minimal information about the causes of these dire scenarios, the affable text congratulates readers at every stop ("Wow! You made the rain forest return!"), offering a streamlined vision of the rewards of doing one's part. Set against a backdrop of calming teal tones, Coh's cheering matte pictures portray Earth's dramatic healing in bursts of vivid color. A concluding singsong poem echoes the rallying cry of Lennon's tale, which should spark productive dialogue. Ages 3-6. Authors' agents: Robert Gottlieb and Alyssa Eisner Henkin, Trident Media Group. Illustrator's agency: Bright Agency. (Apr.)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 1-3—Healing the world's ills is the mission of this gentle outreach to young children. The authors successfully engage readers in their cause without raising any alarm bells. Instead, they employ an age-appropriate, interactive format where kids are asked to touch a button icon to "travel" to the earth's trouble spots, including places without accessible medical care, oceans now in danger due to climate change, cities lacking sufficient green space, and disappearing rain forests. There is no call for activism—just a solid introduction to the idea that caring for our planet is a shared responsibility. The imaginary means of travel is a white feather flyer, the origin of which is explained by Lennon in the back matter. Coh's soft hues and playful cartoon illustrations set a pleasing tone, and the spare text delivers an impactful message with just the right dose of seriousness for the intended audience. VERDICT Suitable for Earth Day or for conversations about working together for the common good.—Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission

Praise for Touch the Earth

I've always admired Julian Lennon's singing, because for all he has seen of the world, his melodies contain such childlike wonder... his words too. Buy this book, and his words turn into actions. — Bono 

It's rare to find a beautiful book that speaks directly to kids, in both a playful and thoughtful way, about something as important as caring for our planet and all of its inhabitants. Touch The Earth combines this magic with true hand-to-page interactivity deftly woven into the narrative (and illustrations), creating a story I believe both kids and adults will want to read over and over again. — Laurie Berkner 

When a book takes you on an adventure, it's a good thing and allows you to think about something in a new way. When a book also reminds us how to treat what we have, it's even better because it's a win win. That's exactly what Julian has done with his book... he's given us a Win Win. —Whoopie Goldberg 

The first in Julian Lennon's White Feather Flier Adventure trilogy, Touch the Earth takes readers on a journey in a magical plane that allows them to send clean water to the thirsty, clean oceans of pollution, and 'make the world a better place.' — New York Magazine

Lennon's debut picture book, the first in a planned trilogy, asks readers to hop aboard a magical airplane, the White Feather Flier (a name inspired by his father and his own environmental and humanitarian foundation), and go on a 'helping adventure' to protect the planet's oceans and water supply. [The illustrations] ... have a sweet-natured directness that may light up younger eyes. — Publishers Weekly

[Touch the Earth] is a fun book AND it's an educational one as well.... The book helps teach kids a wonderful lesson for Earth Day and every day beyond. - Peanut Butter and Whine

The artwork is beautiful... It really is stunning. -TODAY

I was immediately impressed with the interactive nature of the book. Although not all books lend themselves to this style, books that include elements of interactivity help resonate with kids more so when there's a lesson to be learned. Some books ask questions of kids, and some books, like this one, encourage kids to touch the picture, lean into the story, and really feel like they're in the book. — Motherhood Moment

A very timely book.... A children's book, if done well, and this one is, lives on and on. —Al Roker 

A passion project that comes from the heart, this stunningly illustrated book is inspired by the white feather he was given by his father when he was young. —Mom and More