A Planet Like Ours

Four children, portrayed with varied skin tones and hair textures, learn about conservation and model stewardship of the Earth in this straightforward introduction to environmentalism. Murphy and Gordon focus on soil, water, animals, trees, and air (“Pollution and chemicals can ruin our soil and our groundwater. Let’s protect our soil”), conveyed by Harren in prettily rendered illustrated vignettes. Actionable suggestions lean toward accessibility over life-and-death concerns: gentle illustrations and language blunts the impact of a spread depicting overfishing and casual littering (“Sometimes, we are careless”), and another featuring ocean plastics elides the litter’s dire effects on sea creatures. Endnotes and suggested activities offer additional thoughts and approaches in a book whose simplified message invites readers to “take care.” Ages 6–7. (Aug.)