PICTURE BOOKS
Scanlon, Liz Garton

Everyone Starts Small

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Dominique Ramsey. "Everyone starts small and then grows.” Scanlon gives readers and listeners a ­better understanding of the natural world through a lyrical exploration of how all its elements are interconnected. Everything is growing and doing well until Sun becomes “too hot,” which results in Tree overheating. Dry conditions caused by Sun eventually lead to Fire. The flames can only be cooled by Rain. As the temperature drops, Fire whispers, “I’m tired,” and “half the world, it seems, lies down to sleep.” While this dormant period may look like the end, Ramsey’s dynamic digital illustrations capture what’s still happening underneath Soil. Tree’s roots stretch down deeper into the dirt. Berry provides nutrients for Bug in a burrow, and seeds begin to germinate. Eventually, the resulting plants burst forth through the ground as small stalks, starting the cycle all over again. An author’s note explains how Earth’s ecosystems work together to look out for one another, particularly after “environmental traumas” such as fires and the “myriad effects of climate change.” It also includes a list of organizations young people can look to for ways to help.

RELATED 

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?