Reviewed by Ann Rubino
Adjunct, Lewis University College of Education
This excellent read-aloud for the pre-K through primary audience is one of a group of primary books from Whitman. Robert Wells puts his illustrations to good use in conveying often-complex content to his young audience. There are busy, happy kids in almost every spread, experiencing the changing conditions on our own planet, and then taking off on an imaginary trip with Captain Coco’s Rapid Rocket Rides to explore alternate places to live in the solar system.
Basic information about each of the eight planets is clearly presented, and more-detailed data are given in small side tables. Readers will learn why each planet is a worse choice than Earth. For instance, the book says the following about Venus: “Uh-oh. Your gauges show that the atmosphere is poisonous for people to breathe. And the surface temperature is nearly 900ºF (482ºC)! You couldn’t live for a minute here. Get out fast, before you’re cooked!” After checking out Neptune, “It’s time to go home—to our very special planet, Earth.”
Once back, the kids learn more about Earth as a planet and come to appreciate how well it provides for us. Then, care of the Earth becomes the focus, showing pollution and waste of various sorts and ways to avoid them. The segment on environmental awareness is clear, simple, and thankfully, not panic-generating. Suggestions for student involvement are realistic. What’s So Special About Planet Earth is an excellent read-aloud for primary students and would be quite accessible for students to read to themselves as well, once they’re familiar with the vocabulary.
Review posted on 11/5/2009
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