Little Land

Naturalistic cartoon depictions of Earth's beginnings form the backdrop to Sudyka's urgent call for conservation in this captivating story about planetary renewal and reciprocity. Starting in the distant past, the opening showcases a "little bit of land" that changes as the years progress, evolving from an aquatic landscape into a home for early humans. Natural forces such as fire occasionally alter the environment, but it's humankind's footprint, illustrations assert, that's responsible for "tip, tip, tipping" the planet's climate out of balance. Fluid gouache in blues and greens render prehistoric settings before giving way to sooty gray scenes of disruptive human development, until youthful stewards welcome back the sunny biodiversity that was initially present. Closing second-person lines encourage readers to reflect on the importance of caring for the planet. Human figures are portrayed with varying skin tones. Ages 4-8. (Apr.)

Gr 1-3--Taking care of our planet is a big concern for kids growing up today, who are often seeing the drastic effects of climate change in their own backyards. This title provides a gentle introduction to how the environment has naturally changed over eons, from dinosaurs to the ice age, with life ultimately finding a balance despite it all. The biggest environmental changes, however, have come with the arrival of humans, who covered the land fairly thoughtlessly until the whole thing tipped out of balance (i.e., climate change). But anyone can make a difference by taking care of the land once more, argues Sudyka. The gouache watercolor illustrations are lovely, with two passages standing out in particular: the images of a small house being overtaken by a city are evocative of Virginia Lee Burton's The Little House, and the spread of the environment literally upside down effectively illustrates the drastic nature of the situation. The final pages include an author's note, definitions, and a few resources for further reading. VERDICT An excellent, effective introduction to why saving the Earth is important.--Kadie Seitz