Hidden Planet: An Illustrator's Love Letter to Planet Earth
on Goodreads (100)
What’s inside...
A visually stunning book that celebrates the natural beauty of our planet. Through his detailed and intricate illustrations, author Ben Rothery takes readers on a journey to some of the most incredible and lesser-known places on Earth, revealing the diversity and complexity of the natural world. Perfect for animal-lovers everywhere! A beautiful, large-format crossover book for all ages, this is the book natural-history illustrator Ben has wanted to read since he was a child. Facts and descriptions provide insight into a curated collection of birds and animals - some endangered and some less so - told from the perspective of a detail-obsessed illustrator. Fun to read together or independently, let the secrets of the animals on our planet come to life in vibrant detail. 'This is my love letter to Planet Earth; a celebration of her hidden species, from the bold and the beautiful to the interesting but ugly. And while not a complete list, I hope that these few give a glimpse of the outstanding diversity of nature' - Ben Rothery
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite animal featured in the book and why do you like it?
How do you think we can help protect the habitats of these animals?
What are some new things you learned about planet Earth from this book?
If you could create your own planet, what would it look like and what creatures would live there?
How do you feel about the ways humans impact the environment, and what can we do better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about Earth’s ecosystems and animals, and what they hope to learn more about.
Pause at each illustration to discuss the details and ask your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel.
Link the information in the book to real-world events, such as climate change and wildlife conservation, to make the concepts more relatable.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or animal from the book, discussing the importance of each element as they draw.
Explore together more resources or activities related to environmental conservation to extend learning beyond the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature's diversity
Explanation: Through intricate illustrations and engaging text, 'Hidden Planet' showcases the vast variety of animals and ecosystems on Earth.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and respect the natural world, encouraging activities such as recycling, conservation, and exploration of local wildlife.
Example Lesson: Importance of conservation
Explanation: 'Hidden Planet' highlights endangered species and the impacts of human activity on nature, fostering a sense of responsibility towards preserving biodiversity.
Real-World Application: Kids are prompted to participate in or initiate environmental-friendly practices like planting trees, supporting wildlife foundations, and reducing waste.
Example Lesson: The interconnectedness of ecosystems
Explanation: The book explains how different species and habitats are connected, emphasizing the balance required to maintain healthy ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the impact of their actions on the environment, promoting thoughtful decisions about how they interact with the world around them.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and lifelong learning
Explanation: 'Hidden Planet' encourages exploration and discovery through detailed illustrations and facts about lesser-known creatures and plants.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to engage in learning activities, such as visiting museums, reading educational materials, and asking questions about the world.
Example Lesson: Respect for all living things
Explanation: The book portrays various animals with empathy and respect, emphasizing their roles in our world and the importance of each species.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to treat all living beings with kindness, fostering a compassionate attitude towards animals and people alike.