Reading The Earth

Distributed by the University of Nebraska Press for the University of Idaho Press Ecocriticism is a scholary approach to literature that is rapidly building momentum and legitimacy because of its usefulness as a means of inquiry into the relationship between human culture and the nonhuman world. This collection demonstrates promising new directions in the study of literature and environment and suggests the importance and passion of this scholarly enterprise.

"I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference..." With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitiviy, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book. Featuing a circular die-cut Earth on the cover, and printed entirely with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, this book includes lots of easy, smart ideas on how we can all work together to make the Earth feel good - from planting a tree and using both sides of the paper, to saving energy and reusing old things in new ways. Best of all, the book includes an interior gatefold with a poster with tips/reminders on how kids can "go green" everyday. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, this sweet homage to our beautiful planet is sure to inspire readers of all ages to do their part in keeping the Earth happy and healthy.

A lighthearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the Earth--told from the perspective of the Earth itself! "Hi, I’m Earth! But you can call me Planet Awesome." Prepare to learn all about Earth from the point-of-view of Earth herself! In this funny yet informative book, filled to the brim with kid-friendly facts, readers will discover key moments in Earth’s life, from her childhood more than four billion years ago all the way up to present day. Beloved children's book author Stacy McAnulty helps Earth tell her story, and award-winning illustrator David Litchfield brings the words to life. The book includes back matter with even more interesting tidbits. This title has Common Core connections.

When a young boy in search of joy asks the Earth where he can find happiness, the Earth responds and agrees to show him the way. The boy rushes excitedly through the landscapes that make the Earth most proud--the ocean, the cliffs, the forest, the desert, the mountains, and the top of the world. But the boy soon realizes happiness is much harder to find than he expected.

A child explains how he and the Earth dance and sing together and take turns listening to each other.

Acclaimed children's book author and photographer April Pulley Sayre's love letter to Earth is a stunning exploration of the beauty and complexity of the world around us. Remarkable photographs and a rich, layered text introduce concepts of science, nature, geography, biology, poetry, and community. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It's a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. April Pulley Sayre, award-winning photographer and acclaimed author of more than sixty-five books, introduces concepts of science, nature, and language arts through stunning photographs and a poetic text structured as a simple thank-you note. Touching on subjects from life cycles to weather, colors, shapes, and patterns, this is an ideal resource for science and language art curriculums and a terrific book for bedtime sharing. Thank You, Earth is a great choice for Earth Day celebrations, as well as family and group read-alouds. Includes backmatter with kid-friendly ideas for conservation projects information about the photographs, and additional resources. --Kirkus Reviews

Is it time to refresh the way you think about teaching Earth science? Learning to Read the Earth and Sky is the multifaceted resource you need to bring authentic science—and enthusiasm—into your classroom. It offers inspiration for reaching beyond prepared curricula, engaging in discovery along with your students, and using your lessons to support the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The book provides • examples of Earth science labs and activities you and your students can do as co-investigators; • insights into student expectations and misconceptions, plus ideas for inspiring true investigation; • stories of real scientific discovery translated for classroom consideration; • exploration of how you can mentor students as a teacher-scholar; and • guidance on how to translate the sweeping core ideas of the NGSS into specific examples students can touch, see, and experience. The authors of Learning to Read the Earth and Sky are husband-and-wife educators who promote science as something to figure out, not just something to know. They write, “It is our hope that readers will find our book short on ‘edu-speak,’ long on the joy of doing science, and full of stories of students, classrooms, scientists, and Earth and sky.”

This volume introduces the hermeneutical approach and ecojustice principles developed by the Earth Bible project team. Following this approach, biblical scholars illustrate how a reading of the biblical text from the perspective of Earth yields fresh insights. Though the text may seem anthropocentric, these studies are able to retrieve evidence of the living voice and intrinsic value of Earth. It is an approach that can be harmonized with other recognized critical approaches to the Bible, from historical criticism to ecofeminist criticism. The texts chosen are from many parts of the Bible (Psalms, Prophets, Gospels, Romans, Revelation) and the intertestamental literature (Tobit and Wisdom of Solomon).

Engaging and accessible text presents our planet's distinguishing features, its position in relation to the rest of the solar system, its composition and atmospheric conditions, its moon and the lunar cycle, and how scientists have learned about Earth and the moon through space missions.