A Planet Like Ours

By: Frank Murphy and Charnaie Gordon
Illustrated by: Kayla Harren
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
Publication Date: August 15, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-534-111530
Reviewed by: Katie Specht
Review Date: September 2, 2022

From award-winning author Frank Murphy and founder of Here Wee Read, blogger Charnaie Gordon, comes a love letter to planet Earth entitled A Planet Like Ours. The stunning art that accompanies the story was created by Kayla Harren.

The premise of A Planet Like Ours is simple, yet profound. The message is this: if we, as inhabitants of the Earth, do not protect it for future generations, then who will? Authors Murphy and Gordon present, in simple terms for even the youngest of readers, how valuable and precious the resources on our Earth are, from the soil to the water and the trees to the air. They explain what roles these resources play on our Earth, from water providing drinks for animals and helping plants grow, to trees offering us shade and giving us food.

The illustrations are beautifully done and provide young readers with concrete examples of ways they can positively impact Earth. A nice bonus feature that the authors included is the activities list at the end of the book. This list is made up of specific behaviors that even kids can do that will help to protect Earth and its precious resources. While A Planet Like Ours is a stunningly illustrated and delightfully written story, it is, above all, a call to action. No one can save our planet except for us, the people who call it home. It is up to us to take care of planet Earth by taking care of each other.

Quill says: Authors Murphy and Gordon have written a masterpiece that not only celebrates Earth for all its amazing qualities, but also implores its readers to do their part in protecting it for years to come. The illustrations are charming, and not only do they visually represent the story perfectly, but they also provide specific actions that are beneficial for the protection of planet Earth.

To learn more about A Planet Like Ours, please visit Frank Murphy’s website or Charnaie Gordon’s website.