Review: One Child, One Planet

Summary: Children of all ages will be captivated by this loving tribute to Mother Earth, her gifts and her greatest concerns. Young or old, everyone’s actions make a difference. Loose-rhyming text and awe-inspiring photography are woven into a family treasure that will create excitement and responsibility toward the planet. -- Sams & Stoick

Since today is the day for the Green Books campaign, I thought it was an appropriate time to review another book that I recently received from my sister-in-law called ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET: INSPIRATION FOR THE YOUNG CONSERVATIONIST by Bridget McGovern Llewellyn. This beautiful picture book tells children (and parents alike) how very special our planet is and how we should take care of it. And in keeping with the overall conservation message of this book, the pages printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based inks.

I have to admit that the very first thing that caught my eye about this book was the cover. I think it's just gorgeous and I love how the little girl's toes are painted in different colors of polish. And then when I opened the book, I was absolutely blown away by the photography. The pictures in this book are amazing -- one is more beautiful than the next! If you'd like to take a peak at some of the pages, you can click here.

ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET not only has beautiful pictures but it also has catchy rhyming prose (although, I did have a few issues with the rhyming cadence, but that's probably just me!) I think this book will most appeal to children probably between the ages of 5 through 10. Younger children will enjoy the photos; however, the book and text is a little long for many to sit through. I also think the the greenhouse effect message might get lost on them. I especially think school age kids will appreciate this book; and teachers might like to use this book as part of their lessons on conservation.

It's pretty evident that the author feels very strongly about protecting the earth and that she wants to share that message with the future inhabitants of our planet -- the children. Ms. Llewellyn is a mother of four girls, and she's very passionate about protecting the Earth. I think she's right to target the kids; and by writing ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET she is getting the parents attention, too.

It's hard to argue with the messages in this book -- protection of the Earth, conservation, recycling, etc. When combined with pictures that show how gorgeous our planet is and how lucky we are to live here, I think ONE CHILD, ONE PLANET conveys a very effective message. I recommend it to parents and teachers alike who want to share the importance of protecting our Earth.

Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book.