by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Miren Asiain Lora
We walk on Earth’s surface every day, but how often do we wonder about the incredible planet around us? From the molten cracks below to the shimmering moon above, Hello, Earth! explores the wonders of the natural world. This playful journey across our puzzle-piece continents does not hesitate to ask questions—even of the Earth itself!
Joyce Sidman’s imaginative poems encourage boundless curiosity, and Miren Asiain Lora’s stunning paintings capture the beauty of Earth’s ecosystems, creatures, and powerhouse plants. The book concludes with extensive scientific material to foster further learning about how the earth works, from water cycles to plate tectonics to the origin of ocean tides.
A gorgeous, expansive celebration of science and art, Hello, Earth! is a book to cherish in whatever landscape you call home.
Recommended for ages 5 years and up.
Hardcover, 68 pages. 8.3 x 12 inches.
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.
Reviews
“Requesting that the planet supply resolve to its denizens on top of supporting life seems like a big ask, but Sidman does a credible job of demonstrating Earth’s resilience.” ~ Publishers Weekly
“Lithe, accessible poetry celebrates our world’s mind-boggling grandeur—and humanity’s role as her steward.” ~ Kirkus Reviews
“A must-have for all schools and libraries that wish to maintain a current and vibrant poetry collection for young people.” ~ School Library Journal
“Melding scientific research with poetry, Sidman's words encourage readers to think philosophically. . . . Lora's graceful watercolor and acrylic art employs fine details on expansive backgrounds to evoke wonder in concepts both concrete and abstract.”
“On pages that portray the planet in terms of space and time, weather and astronomical phenomena, and land and the oceans, the narrator continuously addresses Earth directly, as if in conversation with a respected friend, asking how Earth feels about these wonders. These questions are deeply philosophical, sometimes spiritual, and consistently scientific.”
National Science Teaching Association Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12 List (2022)
School Library Journal Best Books List (2021)
The Horn Book Magazine Fanfare Booklist (2021)
Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Books of the Year List (2021)
Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibit Selection (2021)
About the Author & Illustrator:
Joyce Sidman is the author of The Girl who Drew Butterflies (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), which received the Sibert Medal, as well as Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), a Newbery Honor Book. Her other books include Swirl by Swirl, Winter Bees, and Before Morning (all Houghton Mifflin Harcourt).
For her acclaimed body of work, she has received the NCTE Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. When not writing, Joyce enjoys exploring the woods near her home in Wayzata, Minnesota. Visit Joyce's website at joycesidman.com.
Miren Asiain Lora is the illustrator of Hello, Earth! and A Good Day (both Eerdmans). She studied fine arts at the University of the Basque Country, and her artwork has been shown in several exhibitions in Spain, Argentina, Italy, and Mexico. In her illustrations, she works to capture the magic of everyday life. Miren lives in Spain. Visit her website at miaslo.com.