Awesome Earth by Joan Bransfield Graham for Earth Day and National Poetry Month

April 22, 2025
goodreadswithronna
Ages 4-8, Children's Book Reviews, Earth Day, Education & Reference, Environment & Ecology, Guest Blogger, Holidays & Celebrations, Juvenile Fiction, National Poetry Month, Nature, Poems, Science Studies, STEM

AWESOME EARTH

Written by Joan Bransfield Graham

Illustrated by Tania Garcia

(Clarion Books; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

★Starred Review – Booklist

There are so many things I love about this fabulous 40-page poetry book, Awesome Earth, written by Joan Bransfield Graham and illustrated by Tania Garcia! Considering its title, it can easily be called an Earth Day book.

Artwork: The most obvious is the eye-catching artwork. Tania Garcia uses such vibrant hues and striking color combinations that I was surprised to learn it’s her first ever picture book. Her seemingly simple illustrations deliver a powerful message. If you weren’t awake before reading this – both physically and symbolically —you will be afterward.

Awesome Earth int1 desert with camel and oasis. — Interior spread from Awesome Earth written by Joan Bransfield Graham and illustrated by Tania Garcia, Clarion Books ©2025.

Concrete poetry: closely related to the bold artwork is the graphic arrangement of the words. Words shapeshift on every page to emphasize what’s written. Just as importantly, they underscore the book’s core message that earth never stands still.

Rhythm: I loved the variety of rhythms in this book. They felt fresh and reminded me of spoken word poetry, which kept me engaged with each poem.

Awesome Earth int2 volcanoes and chasm. — Interior art from Awesome Earth written by Joan Bransfield Graham and illustrated by Tania Garcia, Clarion Books ©2025.

Science: This book is slyly educational … I was so focused on admiring the elements mentioned above that it took me a while to realize I was actually learning about landforms, too!

A Love Story: This collection of poems goes beyond simply educating readers about landmasses. It makes us fall in love with our planet all over again:

The earth is an artist, at work every day, with powerful tools that come into play: pressure, time, wind, water, ice, too — all forming wondrous features to view. It sculpts, chisels, carves, etches, creating awe-inspiring sketches. Explore the world, enjoy its glory, listen to it whisper its unfolding story. Walk gently, with care, when you roam. Earth is a treasure, the earth is our home.

Even More Learning! As if this weren’t enough of a great book, the end is filled with interesting facts, definitions, and additional resources to explore.

Reviewed by Susan Corry. Susan Corry writes picture books and has more than ten years of experience writing and editing articles for top universities and corporations. She lives in LA with her husband, daughter, and two fluffy rescue dogs. Bluesky: @susancorry.bsky.social

This Is It Written and Illustrated by Daria Peoples-Riley

February 26, 2018
goodreadswithronna
African-American interest, Ages 4-8, Ballerinas & Dance, Being true to yourself, Children's Book Reviews, Diversity, Emotions & Feelings, Girls & Women, Juvenile Fiction, Performing Arts, Resilience, Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

THIS IS IT
by Daria Peoples-Riley
(Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins, $17.99, Ages 4-8)

is reviewed today by Cathy Ballou Mealey.

★Starred Review – School Library Journal

When a young dancer hesitates nervously at the studio audition door, her mirror-shadow self comes to life to encourage, support and reassure her in This Is It, a charming debut from author-illustrator Daria Peoples-Riley.

“Look at me,” commands a tutu-clad shadow, hands on her hips. The young girl, stiff and uncertain, looks askance but listens to the shadow’s message about challenge, confidence and poise. Slowly, the girl stretches, bends, leans and finally embraces the shadow’s exhortations. “Listen to the hum of your heart’s song,” says the shadow and reminds her to hear the melodies that flow from her elbows to her knees.

The delightful pas-de-deux, girl and shadow, pass together through a grey, concrete cityscape where bridges, staircases and sidewalks accentuate the opportunity for movement and energy. Red, green and pink shrubbery soften the silent, stiff buildings, while the curves of splashing fountains and smoky vents echo the dynamic pair’s swirling, twirling exuberance.

Peoples-Riley employs a mixture of free-verse and concrete poetry that showcase the strength and grace of the young dancer in definitive, certain terms. Moving in deliberate, thoughtful progression, the phrases carefully build up the young dancer’s inner confidence and ultimately celebrate her beautiful self-expression. While the shadow keeps all the spoken lines, it is the girl who ultimately shines in the triumphant, starring role.

Most young dancers become accustomed to studying their reflections in the dance studio mirror. This Is It will inspire them to look for a supportive, encouraging shadow that has also been with them every step of the way, both in and out of the spotlight.