Earth and Sky by Pascale Hédelin, illustrated by Laurent Richard

Happy Nonfiction Monday! It's been quite a while since I've done a Nonfiction Monday post because I haven't had a lot of time to scour the library for good finds. Thankfully, I've recently received some great selections in the mail, and as a panelist in the Cybils MG/YA Nonfiction category, I hope to be bringing you some great selections for middle graders and teens very soon. By the way, if you haven't nominated your favorite titles, do stop by the Cybils website by October 15 and do so.

Earth and Sky by Pascale Hédelin, illustrated by Laurent Richard arrived in the mail from Owlkids just this week, and it provides a wonderful and interactive introduction to the Earth and our solar system. With basic information about everything from erosion to volcanos to constellations to the International Space Station, Earth and Sky presents digestible chunks of information perfect for curious learners.

What makes the book unique and what will appeal to young learners are the interactive elements on nearly every spread. You can lift flaps, pull tabs, and even move the Earth around the sun to learn more about the featured topics. A page about the moon features a large illustration of the moon with indentations, allowing readers to feel the moon's craters, seas, and plains.

 Pascale Hédelin did a great job of choosing just the right amount of interesting information to present, and Laurent Richard's illustrations provide an engaging and fun reading experience. This would make a great supplement to a home, classroom, or homeschool library.

ISBN: 978-1897349687 | Owlkids, September 2008 | Age Range: 5+ | Source: Review copy from publisher

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