Living Earth

Children's Literature - Gisela Jernigan

The Living Earth tells us that there are more living organisms in a handful of soil than there are people on the entire earth. This and other facts about our earth are presented in this attractive, nonfiction picture book. The large, full-color illustrations greatly enhance the brief, factual text, as it describes the composition of soil, how it changes, how plants and animals depend on earth for shelter and sustenance, and finally, how humans use and sometimes misuse this vital resource beneath our feet.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Schmid continues her nature series by considering the ecology of Earth. She concentrates on the importance of topsoil and describes the complex interactions of plants and animals that maintain this resource's viability. In her discussion of the impact of humans on the Earth, she crosses the scientific with the social. The author notes that some farmers carefully plant their crops to restore the earth but faults large-scale agricultural use of artificial fertilizers and other practices for reducing the land's natural productivity. She also warns against squandering resources such as coal and oil. As in Air and Water, softly colored, double-page spreads of panoramic views and poetic language emphasize the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Rather than serving as a handbook of factual information for science reports, this volume garners an appreciation of the environment that could serve as a thought-provoking introduction to Earth science and ecology.-Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN