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Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet – A Stunning Green Prize Photography and Poetry Book Winner About Nature and Science
Winner of the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature
“[A] splendid marriage of poetry and photography.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
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, perfect for classrooms and homeschooling. This nonfiction picture book is ideal for Earth Day and for celebrating the planet all year long.
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.
Winner of the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature and a Green Earth Book Award Long List title!
“[A] splendid marriage of poetry and photography.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
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, perfect for classrooms and homeschooling. This nonfiction picture book is ideal for Earth Day and for celebrating the planet all year long.
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.
Winner of the Green Prize for Sustainable Literature and a Green Earth Book Award Long List title!
40 pages, Paperback
First published February 20, 2018
About the author
April Pulley Sayre
106 books105 followersApril Pulley Sayre was an award-winning children’s book author of over 55 natural history books for children and adults. Her read-aloud nonfiction books, known for their lyricism and scientific precision, have been translated into French, Dutch, Japanese, and Korean. She is best known for pioneering literary ways to immerse young readers in natural events via creative storytelling and unusual perspectives.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 13, 2021
This is a lovely and important idea. That cultivating gratitude for our planet, and all its small miracles, will (as the author's note says), "help remind us of what nature does for us and to remember Earth in our actions, to protect the planet, and to spread the message of caring and conservation." This message can be conveyed with written word, or artwork, photos, videos... and is best shared with others. The back matter includes information on how to turn a "thank you" into action, and a few examples of how kids have done this (such as the students at Whitehall Middle School encouraging kids to participate in National Skip the Straw Day or young Ohio student Delaney writing letters asking people not to litter the sky with balloons which can then pose problems for wildlife when they land and are forgotten). The list of Select Resources and Organizations is also helpful.
The book itself succeeds as a "thank you" note in many ways... the photographs are lovely and I like that they invite us to appreciate aspects of nature that we might not normally consider ("Thank you for mountains and minerals, that strengthen bills and bone." "Thank you for curves and prickles and parallels. For patterns -- all shapes that repeat.") and even those that some might normally view with aversion ("Thank you for those that crawl. [crab] Yes, all. [caterpillar] All. [ants] All. [spiders] Even for those that sting" [bees]).
My one critique is that the book feels very North-American or European-centric (skimming the photos credits it's USA) in terms of the types of nature and landscapes photographed. I understand that these are the things some children might think of when they think of "Earth" but it does feel quite limited in scope when the book appears to be about thanking an entire planet. Even the first page that begins "Dear Earth" shows a photograph of an ocean and coastline and not the whole planet. Also, aside from the close-ups of plants or animals that I suppose might be anywhere (a squirrel in a tree, a bee at a flower) none of it shows nature in urban settings which, for many children, is the only "nature" they know intimately. Still, overall, I would recommend this as a good starting point for discussion about the ways we can better say and act a "thank you" to our planet.
The book itself succeeds as a "thank you" note in many ways... the photographs are lovely and I like that they invite us to appreciate aspects of nature that we might not normally consider ("Thank you for mountains and minerals, that strengthen bills and bone." "Thank you for curves and prickles and parallels. For patterns -- all shapes that repeat.") and even those that some might normally view with aversion ("Thank you for those that crawl. [crab] Yes, all. [caterpillar] All. [ants] All. [spiders] Even for those that sting" [bees]).
My one critique is that the book feels very North-American or European-centric (skimming the photos credits it's USA) in terms of the types of nature and landscapes photographed. I understand that these are the things some children might think of when they think of "Earth" but it does feel quite limited in scope when the book appears to be about thanking an entire planet. Even the first page that begins "Dear Earth" shows a photograph of an ocean and coastline and not the whole planet. Also, aside from the close-ups of plants or animals that I suppose might be anywhere (a squirrel in a tree, a bee at a flower) none of it shows nature in urban settings which, for many children, is the only "nature" they know intimately. Still, overall, I would recommend this as a good starting point for discussion about the ways we can better say and act a "thank you" to our planet.
April 26, 2019
If I'm reading it for work it counts alright!
July 20, 2018
Really lovely with lots of possibilities for classroom use. Plenty of excellent back matter that includes resources and many suggested and doable actions.
September 5, 2018
This beautifully illustrate book offers an ode to the many things that our earth gives us. Trees, water, air, and mountains, things big and small, simple and fancy, sights and sounds, are mentioned and appreciated. This would be a great book to use on Earth Day to remember the planet that is our home. The photographs are gorgeous, both the close-up and far away shots. The end of the book gives suggestions for how to expand the reach of the book, including ideas for how children can help our planet. A great educational and artistic endeavor, this book provides a powerful reminder of the fact that life would not be possible without the uniqueness of this planet.
December 30, 2018
Ah-this exquisite love letter to our planet earth is filled with a multitude of detailed images. April Pulley Sayre's note to our planet explores a variety of habitats, showcases plants and animals, both large and small. The unique perspective leaves the reader with a new-found appreciation for all that our Earth provides. A note from the author challenges readers to consider actions, investigation and exploring organizations that help our planet.
April 17, 2018
Thank April Pulley Sayre for creating this book. You do such an amazing job bringing nature up close and personal for children.
Thank you for using a photo of Miner's Castle from the Pictured Rocks next to Lake Superior. The Great Lakes are rarely acknowledged in books like this.
Thank you for using a photo of Miner's Castle from the Pictured Rocks next to Lake Superior. The Great Lakes are rarely acknowledged in books like this.
November 27, 2018
Sayre’s photographs just spring off the page. Here she combines them with an ode to our beautiful planet. It’s a little long for a young storytime: my medium sized storytime group made it through this, but it was a near thing.
February 19, 2018
Beautiful message and photos throughout.
Read
May 2, 2018Really terrific back-matter about how kids/we can "turn a thank you into action."
May 7, 2018
Any book with a bunch of baby sea turtles is an automatic 5 star rating. I really want to do the activity in the back, writing thank you notes to the earth for next Earth Day.
May 30, 2018
A beautiful love letter to our planet. A lovely poem and stunning photos perfectly paired to educate and celebrate the planet Earth.
June 5, 2018
Gorgeous photos.
May 7, 2021
From the front cover, the reader can prepare for a journey through nature in the form of crisp photography taken by the book's author, April Pulley Sayre. "Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to Our Planet" is more of a tribute to the beauty of Earth that most people tend to overlook. Humanity seems to forget that our living on this planet is a gift not to be taken for granted. The text of the book flows easily in the form of an impactful, rhyming poem that is complimented with strong visuals of animals, landscapes, and sceneries. One of my favorite double-page spreads is of Sayre's acknowledgement of textures in nature, "Thank you for curves, and prickles, and parallels. For patterns-all shapes that repeat." To see the details of petals, cacti, leaves, turtles shells and flowering patterns, is easy on the eye but also complicated compositions that the average person would not think about with a passing glance. The colors are so vivid and so bright, while also being darker in a way that brings the subject matter, forward. Another double-page spread that I loved was, "Thank you for those that crawl. Yes, all. All. All. Even those that sting." Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder, however, humanity needs to recognize that even venomous or poisonous creatures are important to the world's ecosystem and growth, from the smallest bee to the largest tree. I also enjoy how April Pulley Sayre ends the book, "Thank you for being our home," showing an almost smiling squirrel, blooming flowers and a sunset out on the horizon.
April Pullet Sayre obviously took her time to locate, photograph, and place the images creatively alongside poetic text that grabs the reader's attention. Within the author's notes at the end of the book, Sayre includes ways that residents of the planet can thank the world for all it has given us: Investigate the facts, Share the story, Share the story, Participate, Be an inventor, Help the helpers, and Ask for action. Furthermore, there is a description on the book's last page of each photograph that appears on the cover or within the book. This book may not be the best for instructional purposes, however, it does bring awareness to the benefits of nature, the importance of preserving what we have left on this planet, and the beauty that is right beneath our noses. I am happy to own this book, myself, and encourage other educators to consider having it to share for Earth Day or when talking about preservation within a science course.
April Pullet Sayre obviously took her time to locate, photograph, and place the images creatively alongside poetic text that grabs the reader's attention. Within the author's notes at the end of the book, Sayre includes ways that residents of the planet can thank the world for all it has given us: Investigate the facts, Share the story, Share the story, Participate, Be an inventor, Help the helpers, and Ask for action. Furthermore, there is a description on the book's last page of each photograph that appears on the cover or within the book. This book may not be the best for instructional purposes, however, it does bring awareness to the benefits of nature, the importance of preserving what we have left on this planet, and the beauty that is right beneath our noses. I am happy to own this book, myself, and encourage other educators to consider having it to share for Earth Day or when talking about preservation within a science course.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2019
With rhyming poetry, this love letter to the planet Earth is gorgeous. The photography is stunning, showcasing animals, food, air, trees, seasons, and so much more. The back matter includes an author's note, a variety of activities to do, a list of resources and organizations, and the details about every photo taken. What a treasure to share with both children and adults!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
May 16, 2019
Really beautiful photographs, but I got mixed results reading this one to different preschool groups no matter how interactive I tried to make it.
April 11, 2022
A thank you note to all the beautiful parts of our planet.
April 23, 2022
5 stars. A true love letter, poem style! Rhyming text and stunning photos of Earth and her creatures. Author note, actions for young environmentalists, resources.
January 7, 2026
Lovely photographs, nice concept, but I'd hoped for more from the text; even just some rhyme or meter would have made a bit of a difference.
May 8, 2026
Beautiful photography and lovely prose with some unexpected vocabulary words to learn and discuss. Embers, Earth Day.
April 25, 2021
This would have been 5 stars for me if there were more backmatter to explain the amazing photographs in this beautiful books.
October 6, 2020
Beautiful images and words to corelate. A must read for all ages.
April 4, 2018
Beautiful, amazing photography that illuminates all sorts of related ideas for children in the form of expressions of gratitude to the earth. I am neither a scientist not a mathematician, but even I caught onto the scientific and mathematical concepts the author was demonstrating. The stunning photographs related microcosm to macrocosm - tiny, living creatures to the wider world they inhabit. My favorite photograph was the dark-eyed junco, either landing on or taking wing from a branch of pussywillow. The note from the author at the end shares comprehensive ways that children can investigate and then participate - take action based on what they have discovered about their world. There is a great list of resources and organizations, and ways to participate at the community level. This is a beautiful treasure.
December 26, 2018
April Pulley Sayre brings all of the reasons that our earth is special together in a beautiful book of photography entitled Thank You, Earth: A Love Letter to our Planet. Told through simple photography and a limited number of words, Sayre writes an ode to earth - to the big and the small, the good and the bad, the animals and colors that constantly amaze us. The photographs are absolutely breathtaking. Sayre goes into amazing details on some of the photographs and captures all of the things that we should remember to be thankful for on Earth Day and every day. Sayre also writes an important note at the end that it isn't enough to just say thank you, we need to show our appreciation by doing something to help care and preserve our earth. She gives many examples of how people with a variety of strengths can use those skills to make a difference.
March 19, 2018
There aren't enough books like this. Wonderful and refreshing. A beautiful message (the planet is awesome) and beautiful photography.
It is much easier to complain about life, to notice things that are wrong, than it is to acknowledge the beauty that is present in the universe. In Renaissance paintings, for example, hell is always more beautifully and vibrantly pained than is heaven. In modern life, our shallow electronic means of communication and sensationalized infotainment media outlets amplify the negative.
Thank you earth and thank you to the humans who populate it. Each action is an expression of love in the divine cosmic sea. This book, is an expression of love, and it's pure like water.
It is much easier to complain about life, to notice things that are wrong, than it is to acknowledge the beauty that is present in the universe. In Renaissance paintings, for example, hell is always more beautifully and vibrantly pained than is heaven. In modern life, our shallow electronic means of communication and sensationalized infotainment media outlets amplify the negative.
Thank you earth and thank you to the humans who populate it. Each action is an expression of love in the divine cosmic sea. This book, is an expression of love, and it's pure like water.
April 1, 2018
I imagine April Pulley Sayre enjoyed the travel to capture these photographs! I have seen her in person several times, and appreciate how clever she is in her writing. (My favorite work of hers might actually be the Bicentennial Chant she wrote for Indiana.)
As with many picture books these days, especially non-fiction, there is back matter that can be used to extend the reading. I also enjoyed seeing where the photographs were from, several of them from Indiana.
I could see having students create their own thank you book, or taking a few characteristics from the book and asking students to find pictures that also illustrate the concept. My favorite spread is the "Thank you for curves and prickles and parallels. For patterns--"
As with many picture books these days, especially non-fiction, there is back matter that can be used to extend the reading. I also enjoyed seeing where the photographs were from, several of them from Indiana.
I could see having students create their own thank you book, or taking a few characteristics from the book and asking students to find pictures that also illustrate the concept. My favorite spread is the "Thank you for curves and prickles and parallels. For patterns--"
May 19, 2018
Sayre provides a love letter to the Earth in this picture book. With a reverential tone and gentle rhymes, the book swoops the reader up on a photographic journey around Earth with all of its wonders. Thank yous go out for mountains, water, air and trees. Then the book moves to smaller things like patterns, sounds, seasons and plants. The book once again widens to look at the beauty of the sky and the amazement of lifetimes.
Embracing and filled with just the right tone of enthusiasm, this picture book is celebratory and filled with big thoughts that children will find mesmerizing. The photographic illustrations are varied and filled with color, mists, water, stone and more. A diverse look at life on earth and our privilege to be here. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Embracing and filled with just the right tone of enthusiasm, this picture book is celebratory and filled with big thoughts that children will find mesmerizing. The photographic illustrations are varied and filled with color, mists, water, stone and more. A diverse look at life on earth and our privilege to be here. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
February 10, 2018
Reviewed for YA Books Central
A beautiful and well-done love letter to our planet.
Gosh, what can I say about this one? I loved it. It's like an earth lover's dream.
The pages chronical everything about the earth there is to love and is thankful for each. Things like water and stone and vines and shapes. The words follow a rhythm that makes reading them a pleasure. The lower age range says four, but I read this with a three-year-old and she loved it as well.
Final Verdict: Bright colors and animals and simple words that are easy to understand. You can't go wrong with this one. It's one of the most heartfelt children's books I've read in a long time.
A beautiful and well-done love letter to our planet.
Gosh, what can I say about this one? I loved it. It's like an earth lover's dream.
The pages chronical everything about the earth there is to love and is thankful for each. Things like water and stone and vines and shapes. The words follow a rhythm that makes reading them a pleasure. The lower age range says four, but I read this with a three-year-old and she loved it as well.
Final Verdict: Bright colors and animals and simple words that are easy to understand. You can't go wrong with this one. It's one of the most heartfelt children's books I've read in a long time.
April 25, 2022
Gorgeous nature photographs are accompanied by simple poetic text. Author note includes examples of and suggestions for young people's involvement in caring for the earth + a list of organizations that support environmental and wildlife causes (Goodall Roots and Shoots, Monarch Watch, and Balloons Blow are some of the lesser known groups).
Earth Day week 2022 - this one got some mileage around school. We had just read Bloom Boom at the beginning of April so this was both a tribute to the Earth AND an author study. Oh, and poetry lesson introduction to alliteration. Great stuff.
Earth Day week 2022 - this one got some mileage around school. We had just read Bloom Boom at the beginning of April so this was both a tribute to the Earth AND an author study. Oh, and poetry lesson introduction to alliteration. Great stuff.
July 12, 2018
I'm pretty good about writing thank you notes. I didn't do the best of jobs instilling this habit in my sons; but do appreciate a good thank you note. (I'm lookin' at you, Kate, Aiden and Seamus!) This photo essay/ poem is an absolutely gorgeous meditation on gratitude for our living, breathing planet. Truly, a first purchase for ANY public, school or classroom library. Seriously, its intriguing backmatter notwithstanding, there are tons of cross-curricular uses for this gem. Don't miss it!
March 28, 2018
Using amazing photography and lyrical rhyming text, this “Thank You” letter to the Earth celebrates all of the wonderful creatures and natural wonders of the world. This would be a great book to share with young readers in the days leading up to Earth Day. The end notes give readers more ideas on how to help the environment and detailed notes about the photographs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews