(3) K-3 Illustrated by Christy Lundy. Apollo 8 was the first mission to orbit the moon, but it also gave us the first photograph of Earth from space. In lyrical picture-book text, Gladstone explains how the now-iconic image, taken by astronaut Bill Anders in 1968, conveyed a message of unity to a world in turmoil. Lundy's stylish illustrations feature the hues and fashions of the time; the original Earthrise photo is included at book's end.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Karen Reczuch. A young boy visits a man-made turtle pond inside a public garden during the four seasons of the year, observing the red-eared sliders and speculating about their behavior and activities. The graphite-pencil and watercolor illustrations bring readers up-close to the turtles in this unique habitat alongside humans. An author's note adds context to the picture book's spare, lyrical text.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Katherine Diemert. This book's poetic text aims to trace a big concept: Earth's formation and the evolution of life through billions of years to the present day. Cosmic collisions, volcanic explosions, and the emergence of living creatures are rendered in wild and vibrant ink, collage, and digital art. The final spread includes thumbnails and further explanations of the action depicted in prior spreads. Websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler