Jaclyn Crupi (text) and Cheryl Orsini (illustrator), The ABC Kids Guide to Loving the Planet, ABC Books, January 2022, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780733341045
Our planet is precious. It’s where we live, learn, work and play.
So begins this charming guide to appreciating and caring for the planet. Each spread explores ways to enjoy and protect the planet, along with instructions for specific activities to try. Some of the concepts and actions include caring for a garden, making seed balls, reducing food waste and re-wilding. Being an Australian book, it’s nice to see native flora and fauna represented in the text and illustrations.
The ABC Kids Guide to Loving the Planet is a great introduction to conservation as it takes a gentle and positive approach. Instead of discussing ‘doom and gloom’ aspects of the environment, it focuses on loving the planet and small ways children can make a difference. Concepts are explained simply, using child-friendly vocabulary, and children are encouraged to work with adults for more difficult tasks. The book is best suited to younger children (3+ years) as most of the concepts are only introduced or explored lightly, although the activities are suited to older children, too.
Cheryl Orsini’s joyful illustrations reinforce the ‘love the planet’ message. The modern, brightly coloured illustrations have a childlike quality that perfectly matches the target the age. Lots of details support the text and keep little ones interested. This is the latest in a series of ABC Kids books illugstrated by Cheryl Orsini. Other titles include The ABC Book of Food, The ABC Book of Places to Go and The ABC Book of Feelings.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
