My Friend Earth
on Goodreads (714)
What’s inside...
Celebrate Earth Day with this valentine to our wonderful planet from the Newbery Award–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall. Our friend Earth does so many wonderful things! She tends to animals large and small. She pours down summer rain and autumn leaves. She sprinkles whisper-white snow and protects the tiny seeds waiting for spring. Readers of all ages will pore over the pages of this spectacular book. Its enticing die-cut pages encourage exploration as its poetic text celebrates everything Earth does for us, all the while reminding us to be a good friend in return. Interactive format and kid-friendly art will engage both toddlers and young readers. A celebration of the natural world and rallying cry for positive action for Planet Earth. Great opportunities to share life science concepts and amazing facts about the environment with children. This beautiful and innovative ode to our natural world will appeal to readers of Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth, The Poet's Dog, and Thank You, Earth. Ideal read aloud books for kids ages 3-5, Earth books for kids, and climate change books for kids; Perfect for Earth Day
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-5
Length
44 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Earth feels when she takes care of the plants, animals, and oceans?
What are some ways we can help Earth stay healthy and happy?
Can you think of a time when you felt a connection with nature? What was it like?
What did you learn from Earth's journey through the seasons in the book?
If you could ask Earth one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Earth and nature. Use the illustrations in the book to spark conversation about the natural world.
Relate the story to your child’s daily experiences, such as recycling, gardening, or interactions with animals, to make the themes more tangible.
After reading, spend time outside together. Discuss the elements of nature you see and how you might protect and cherish them, just like the character Earth.
Use the changing seasons depicted in the book to discuss the cycle of nature and how each part is essential for the environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental stewardship
Explanation: Through its narrative and illustrations, 'My Friend Earth' showcases the ways Earth helps and nurtures life, encouraging children to reflect on how they can care for the planet.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in recycling, conserving water, and planting trees, fostering a sense of responsibility towards Earth's care.
Example Lesson: Seasons and natural cycles
Explanation: The book explores the different seasons and the natural cycles of Earth, educating children on the environmental changes and processes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of seasons in agriculture and daily weather preparation, enhancing their knowledge about the environment around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: As Earth is personified as a friend, the story teaches empathy by showing how Earth cares for all creatures, reinforcing the message of kindness towards our planet and each other.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness to animals, plants, and other people, understanding the impact of their actions on others' well-being.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book's journey through various landscapes invites curiosity and a spirit of exploration about the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore, ask questions, and learn more about their local environment, stimulating an active engagement with nature.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and proactive behavior
Explanation: By demonstrating how Earth takes care of its inhabitants, the book instills a sense of responsibility in young readers to also take proactive steps to protect and nurture their environment.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in activities like clean-up drives or being mindful of waste, thereby practicing responsibility towards their surroundings.