Cynthia Pratt Nicolson cleverly begins The Earth by urging children to write their cosmic address on a post card, affirming their place in the universe. The book offers a range of information about the solar system, night and day, the inside of the Earth, and our planet’s history and ecological future. Interspersed are numerous “Try It!” activities, such as “Make a miniature solar system,” using marbles, and “Make a hard-boiled model of Earth,” using an egg to illustrate tectonic plates, the mantle, and the core. The pictures are beautiful and colourful, and the print is large and well-spaced, making it easy for young readers to follow .

The author has capitalized on children’s fascination with digging holes to the centre of the Earth, volcanic eruptions, and dinosaurs. Children will learn why the Earth is a suitable home for humans rather than Venus, which is too hot, or Mars, which is too cold, or some other planets that have no water or oxygen. The author wisely uses both ancient stories and “Try It!” activities to introduce the idea that the Earth revolves around the sun and rotates on its axis simultaneously. However, the activities designed to demonstrate eclipses, or how night and day occur, are frequently used in schools, and unlikely to generate much enthusiasm.

The final chapter deals with the evolving Earth, how plants and animals have developed, and in some cases disappeared. I found the “Try It!” time-line hard to understand; most people have a hard time thinking beyond their own life span and this exercise would have little relevance to children’s understanding of the age of the Earth. The author acknowledges that change has taken place and continues to take place, and that pollution is accelerating the change; however, more emphasis could have been placed on the urgency for action to protect the planet.

This attractively illustrated book would be a lovely gift for a child who enjoys stories and legends. The more serious science student would probably prefer more facts and specific directions for hands-on investigations.