Ellen Jackson (A) Leo and Dianne Dillon (ILT)

List Price: 16.99 (Hardcover - A Visual Representation of Mother Nature - 2005) 

Ashay's Price: $16.99

Description: The circle of life turns in unexpected ways.  As she walks the land, swims the seas, and climbs the mountains, nurturing all of creation, she comes across Man, Frog, and Mosquito. They each give her thanks for nature's bounty,yet can't help but give her advice about making their lives better. Everybody's got an opinion, it seems, and Earth Mother is amused when it becomes clear that the circle of life is not without a healthy dose of cosmic humor.

Leo and Diane Dillon lend their formidable talents to Ellen Jackson's original folktale about the unexpected and sometimes humorous ways that life is interconnected. When this lovely, serene African Earth Mother blows across the mesas of the sage-covered deserts, she becomes the wind beneath a hawk's wings. She gives beetles shiny jackets and guides sunbirds to nectar-filled blossoms. In other words, she is the real thing. In an amusing three-part sequence, Man complains to Earth Mother: Frog is very good eating, he says, but Mosquito is annoying. An Earth with no Mosquito, he thinks, would surely be perfect. Earth Mother listens patiently, but her eyes express her true response! Later, Frog feels free to file a complaint. He loves tasty Mosquito, but Man? He is a dangerous predator. The third complainer, Mosquito, fears Frog but is grateful for Man's blood. At day's end, Earth Mother smilingly ignores them all and bids goodnight to her children of all species.  (32 pages) Ages 4-8  

Ashay says, "Earth Mother has always been one of my favorite picture books. And I love Leo and Diane Dillons artistic signature. Their soft pastel illustrations and Africentric patterns are just right for this story. Also I must compliment Earth Mother on her personal style, which is always graceful, peaceful and serene next to her round billowy beautiful Afro.  Go Sister and represent.  Great for a read aloud. Must have for the classroom and library."  

Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds