This Pretty Planet – Tom Chapin and John Forster, illustrated by Lee White, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, (9781534445321), 2020
Format: Hardcover Picture book
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
What did you like about the book? When my daughter was young we had the Tom Chapin album “Family Tree” (released in 1988) on which was the song, This Pretty Planet. I still know the words of the chorus: “This pretty planet spinning through space, you’re a garden, you’re a harbor, you’re a holy place.” A better way to describe this earth that we live on? Lee’s digital illustrations depict a planet full of dreams, imagination and fantasy overcome by plastic pollution, garbage, air pollution, the destruction of the forests and the animals. But if we all work very hard, our pretty planet can return.
Anything you did not like about the book? No.
To whom would you recommend this book? Children aged 4-10 could readily relate to this topical rendition of Tom Chapin and John Forster’s song. A nice theme song for ecology and environmental projects.
Who should buy this book? Public libraries and early learning centers
Where would you shelve it? Picture books
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Not essential but a very nice addition to the plight of today’s world.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Manager, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review: 5/31/2021
Youth Services Book Review 
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