EARTH! MY FIRST 4.54 BILLION YEARS, by Stacy McAnulty and David Litchfield, Henry Holt and Co., Oct. 24, 2017, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)
Kids have lots of questions and sometimes it’s hard to answer them. That’s why I’m so glad for books like Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty and David Litchfield.
Do you know the history of Earth? In Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years, Earth herself tells readers her story. This fact-filled picture book is broken down into kid-sized facts that are easy to digest.
Earth begins her story with her family, explaining how she has seven siblings — Venus and Mars are the closest — and Pluto who is more like the family pet. Earth shares how she spends her time and shows off key moments from her childhood. Earth talks about how lonely it was before life arrived and how life has changed over the years, and how much she likes humans.
The end of Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years features a fun note from the author and additional facts about the continents, the Milky Way and major extinctions. She also includes a disclaimer about how scientists are making new discoveries all the time.
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years is a great source of material for all the “whys” younger readers ask, and the perfect jumping off point for older readers who need a place to start before digging deeper.
Stacy McAnulty’s text is bright with just the right amount of humor mixed in. David Litchfield’s illustrations are bold and inviting.
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years is a great option for established and new fans of our planet and outer space.
