Dear Children of the Earth

Schimmel, S. (1998). Dear children of the Earth: A letter from home. Minnetonka: Northword. 

Interest Level: K-3

Reading Level: 2.5

Dear Children of the Earth is a letter written by the earth to her children. She writes to them to tell you that she loves them and loves to take care of them. She asks them to protect her and take good care of her because this is the only home that we have, and we share it with all of the other creatures.

I would, and have, used this book in the classroom. The message it sends is one that children need to hear. It is a way to get them thinking about what it means to be environmentally conscious.

The illustrations are very beautiful, and kids will spend lots of time looking at them. They add to the story in the way that they make you appreciate the wildlife that is depicted in them. They do not, however, fit with the story very well.

Literary Elements Highlighted:

Personification: This gives human characteristics to the earth.

Mini-Lesson

I used this book in a unit about taking care of the earth. We read it, and then wrote letters back to the earth about the changes we would make to take better care of her. Students liked this activity, and liked the book.