2019 End-of-Year Reading Wrap Up

Hey there, readers!
I shared my End of Year Reading Survey yesterday but here's a final wrap up for the year of 2019!

My Life in 2019
It's been a crazy busy year! 
I made a list of all the places we've been this year (from local parks [counted once] to state parks to vacation destinations) and it topped 50! We've been extra active going on bike rides and hikes, as well as camping, swimming, and canoeing. Basically, we've been spending as much time in nature as possible! It's been a blast and I wish I could have shared more here but blogging took a backburner again this year, though I did try to review consistently.

Other than that, this year has been full of ups and downs, gains and losses, lessons learned and plenty of new ones on my plate to work on. I'm hoping to step into the new year with a little more focus on what's important and worthwhile.
As for my upcoming reading goals, I'll be posting them tomorrow!
Happy New Year!

My Year In Books on Goodreads

2019 Reading Challenges

Alphabet Challenge

This one isn't part of a group or link up. It's just another list for me to update, to be honest. 

I read 19 out of 26 letters.

Beat the Backlist Challenge

I slew this challenge in 2018 but I ended up reading more popular, newer stuff from the library this year over books I already owned. That just means I have to join again in 2020 and focus on my own TBR more!
I read 27 out of my goal of 40.

2019 PopSugar Reading Challenge

This was my first year participating in this challenge but I didn't really bother to focus on it. I just mark things off if I read the prompts.
I read books for 13 of the prompts.

Read Around the World

I've been tracking the settings of books I read for a few years now and have enjoyed seeing my map fill up with markers. I didn't focus on filling in locations at all this year so I didn't keep very good track but here's my 2019 map.

 And a close up of the US and UK/Europe

I also keep a master map of all the years I've tracked so far and it is filling up quite a bit!

Apparently, I need to read books set in Africa, Australia, Canada, and South America in 2020!

My Top Ten Favorite Books of 2019

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Where the Crawdads Sing

The Nightingale
The Great Alone
Pet Sematary
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
_________

Overall I think I did an okay job of sticking to my goals. I wanted to read more nonfiction, more books out of my comfort zone, more authors I've never read before. I did well with those goals. I didn't do the best with reading more of my own books or unique settings but there's always next year!

Are you ready for the new year? How many books did you read in 2019?

2019 End of the Year Reading Survey

The End of the Year survey was created by Jamie over at Perpetual Page Turner



2019 Reading Stats

Number of books you read:
(Adding a few of my own because I add picture books I review to Goodreads but also keep a separate list of books that are at least 100 pages or more)

Goodreads total: 190 total 
My personal total: 84

Number of rereads: 7

Number of chapter books read aloud to my daughter: 20
Number of picture books reviewed/documented on Goodreads: 104

Best In Books

1. Best Book I Read In 2019
I was blown away by The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

2. A book you were excited about and thought you would love more but didn't
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
(I started it, hated it, and returned it. Might try again someday.)

3. Most surprising (either good or bad) book you read
Every Heart A Doorway by Seanan McGuire
I wasn't expecting to love it so much! 

4. Book you pushed the most people to read
I probably recommended The Nightingale and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens the most.

5. Best series you started in 2019?
The Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire

Best sequel of 2019?
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire
(Wayward Children series)

6. Favorite new author discovered in 2019?
I suppose Kristin Hannah because I loved The Nightingale, read The Great Alone soon after, and have added two more of her books to my TBR shelf since then.
I also read Laurie Halse Anderson's poetic memoir, Shout, this year and have decided I must read ALL of her books in 2020.

7. Best book from a genre that isn't your typical read / out of your comfort zone?
I really enjoyed Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Was None' and mystery is probably one of my least read genres. It was my first time reading her as well. 
8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
Either Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes or Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
9. A book you read in 2019 that you would be MOST likely to reread again next year?
Animal Farm by George Orwell
I read this for the third time this year and will definitely read it again in the future.
On Writing by Stephen Kingbecause I found it to be quite helpful.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2019?

11. Most memorable character?Leni from The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

12. Most beautifully written book of 2019?
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
This book was spooky but I loved the writing! 

13. Most thought provoking / life changing read of 2019?On Writing by Stephen King, maybe, because it helped put my writing (and other things) into perspective

14. Book you can't believe you waited until 2019 to read.
1984 by George Orwell

15. Favorite passage / quote from a book you read in 2019
"You're nobody's doorway but your own, and the only one that gets to tell you how your story ends is you."
- Seanan McGuire (Every Heart A Doorway)

16. Longest and shortest books of the year
Longest: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah at 564 pages
Shortest: All Around Bustletown: Winter at 14 pages

17. Book that shocked you the most
Maybe The Great Alone or The Nightingale

18. OTP of the year
(one true pairing)
Lale and Gita from The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the only couple I can remember at this point!

19. Favorite non-romantic relationship of the yearMike and Eleven from Stranger Things?
Despereaux and the Princess?
I'm not sure about this one.

20. Favorite book you read in 2019 from an author you've read previouslyI finally read Pet Semetary by Stephen King this year and loved it

21. Best book you read based solely on a recommendation from somebody else/peer/social media, etc.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A reading group I'm in was posting this one nonstop so I gave it a chance and ended up loving it! 

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2019

Not applicable? I can't think of one.

23. Best 2019 debut you read
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

24. Best worldbuilding / most vivid setting
The Steel Prince by VE Schwab

25. Book that put a smile on your face / was the most fun to read
Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel

26. Book that made you cry or nearly cry in 2019The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

27. Hidden gem of the yearMaybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee
This one was an important read!

28. Book that crushed your soulAlso The Nightingale and Where the Crawdads Sing

29. Most unique book of 2019
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

30. Book that made you most mad (doesn't mean you didn't like it.)The Mist by Stephen King


My Blogging / Bookish Life

1. New favorite book blog / bookstagram / youtube channel you discovered in 2019
I'm glad to have found The Ladies of Horror Fiction over on Instagram and Goodreads

2. Favorite post you wrote in 2019
I didn't really take the time to write anything more than reviews and Sunday Posts

3. Favorite bookish related photo I took in 2019
Just one? I have so many great 'books out of doors' photos on my Instagram but I especially love this one of Stardust by Neil Gaiman!

4. Best bookish event that I participated inI participated in a few blog and bookstagram challenges and a read-a-long with LOHF

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging lifeHaha, I don't think I was that immersed in blogging life but I made a few unforgettable bookish friends this year

6. Most challenging thing about blogging / my reading life this year
I battled with finding time for reviews this year but I still made it a reality and think I did pretty good considering all my time constraints.

7. Most popular post this year on my blogThe most popular post on my blog this year is this Read Around the World post from 2016. (I really want to get back into tracking my book settings here instead of just in my private Google Maps so I may do this again in 2020!)
My most popular post written in 2019 was my review for Nat Geo Kids' 'Weird But True: USA' which has over 1200 pageviews!

8. A post I wish had gotten more love

9. Best bookish discovery

10. Challenges I participated in / finished

Goals i reached / completed


Looking Ahead

1. A book I didn't get to in 2019 but will make a priority in 2020
The Near Witch by VE Schwab

2. My most anticipated book of 2020 (non-debut)
I'm not sure yet

3. 2020 debut novel I'm most anticipating

4. Series ending (or sequel) I'm most anticipating
Come Tumbling Down by Seanan McGuire (#5 in the Wayward Children series)

5. One thing I hope to do or accomplish in my bookish/reading life in 2020I would like to start reading in a second language (Spanish first, then French) whether that be children's books or adult novels

6. A 2020 release I've already read and recommend to everyone
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
I haven't read more than the first chapter but it was impactful!

 

Want to do the End of the Year survey yourself?

See the original post and Link Up HERE. 

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And Then Comes Christmas by Tom Brenner (Picture Book Review)

And Then Comes Christmas

by Tom Brenner

Illustrated by Jana Christy

Published by Candlewick Press

on September 9, 2014

Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holidays

Length: 32 pages

Ages: 4 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

A lyrical invitation to watch for signs of the approaching season -- and revel in the homespun rituals that warm a family celebration. 

From icicles clinging to roofs and houses strung with colorful lights to visiting Santa and hunting for the perfect tree, this classic-in-the-making celebrates all of the holiday's excitement. Evoking both winter's changes to the world outside and well-loved traditions taking place within, here is a story to encourage readers to curl up with their loved ones and bask in the magic of the Christmas season.

Our Thoughts: 

This beautifully illustrated and lyrical picture book focuses on the little changes in weather, plants, people and more that lead up to Christmas! 

While most Christmas books focus on Santa, his reindeer, etc, And Then Came Christmas focuses on the tell-tale signs and traditions that people partake in such as hanging wreaths,  searching for the perfect tree to decorate, hanging twinkling lights, and lining up to see Santa!

This unique holiday read-aloud spans the entire 'season of Christmas', from the falling leaves and bare-branched trees to chilly days and glistening white snow and focuses on all our favorite things about Christmas!

The illustrations have a soft and cozy aesthetic that makes this a perfect bedtime or storytime read, especially while snuggled up warm and tight with loved ones while waiting for Christmas!

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Santa's Story by Will Hillenbrand (Picture Book Review)

Santas' Story
by Will Hillenbrand
Published by Two Lions
on Sept. 10, 2019
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holiday
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 3 - 6 years
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
Santa is ready to leave on Christmas Eve, but he can't find the reindeer anywhere. Dasher is busy dashing, Donner is dozing, and Cupid is crooning. It isn't until Santa remembers their annual tradition--reading a Christmas story together--that the reindeer are ready.

Reindeer merriment abounds in this charming yuletide tale about honoring the celebration of holiday customs with those you love.

Our Thoughts:

It is the night before Christmas and Santa is ready to deliver gifts but the reindeer are nowhere to be found! They're busy with other things and have forgotten Christmas Eve, or so Santa thinks, at least until he remembers their traditional Christmas story!

Even though Santa has no idea where any of them are, we are shown what each of his reindeer are up to. Dasher dashes, Dancer dances, and Donner dozes while Santa is busy doing everything he can think of to round them up.

This is a fun and beautifully illustrated story about Santa, his reindeer, and the wonderful Christmas Eve tradition of reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. 

This story is set outside in the reindeer's natural habitat so the entire book is filled with snow! Snow on the ground, trees, and falling through the air! I have a particular appreciation for snowy books so all the snow made me extra happy!

On top of all the lovely snow, we enjoyed the extra forest critters, the snowman, and the fact that Santa has a dog! There's also lots of fun text in differing sizes that give emphasis to the actions, dialogue, and onomatopoeia.

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Santa Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins (Picture Book Review)

Santa Bruce
(Bruce #4)
by Ryan T. Higgins
Published by Disney-Hyperion
on September 4, 2018
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Holidays
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 3 - 5 years

Goodreads |

Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

Bruce is a lot of things. He is a bear. He is a grump. He is a pretty decent cook. And he is a mother. One thing Bruce is not?

Santa Claus.

But that doesn't stop the whole forest from lining up to give him their Christmas wishes when he becomes the victim of mistaken identity - again.

Our Thoughts:

Once again, Bruce is mistaken to be someone he isn't --this time as Santa-- in this hilarious addition to the Bruce series! 

Bruce doesn't like Winter, or Christmas, or celebrating, but somehow he gets roped into the holiday and all its excess against his will. Once he is mistaken as Santa, the annoying mice that share his stories determinedly set out to make 'Santa Bruce' a reality. In typical fashion, Bruce grumbles and groans through it all but in the end, everyone is filled with joy, cheer, and all that other festive stuff.

This is a perfect holiday read for little readers with a bit of an 'A Christmas Carol' vibe with Bruce being a 'Bah humbug' Scrooge that doesn't care for Christmas but ends up bringing happiness to the entire forest. 

We read Mother Bruce for the first time a couple of years ago and have enjoyed every sequel since then, as well as the cast of characters within them. The mice especially like to stir things up! These books are always a lot of fun to read out loud and Bruce's grumpy antics are comical for both children and adults!

We also really love the illustrations! Higgins always does an amazing job with these books and makes Bruce's setting one that we want to crawl into! We especially love the detail of the forest, leaves, and all the cute forest critters! 

More from this series:

Mother Bruce
Hotel Bruce
Be Quiet!

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Last Stop on the Reindeer Express by Maudie Powell-Tuck & Karl James Mountford (Picture Book Review)

Last Stop on the Reindeer Express

by Maudie Powell-Tuck

Illustrated by: Karl James Mountford

Published by Little Tiger Press

on September 7, 2017

Length: 32 pages

Age range: 3-7 years old

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

Mia misses her Grandpa. Without him, Christmas has lost its magic. But when Mia discovers a world within a mysterious post box, she is whisked away on a truly wonderful adventure over sparkling seas and streets of paper stars. But what will Mia find at the end of her journey?

A magical tale of love and adventure brought to life by peep-through pages, lift-the-flaps and breathtaking illustrations from Karl James Mountford (The Curious Case of the Missing Mammoth). Last Stop on the Reindeer Express is a wonderful way to help children articulate their feelings when spending Christmas away from a parent, grandparent, or sibling. 

My Thoughts:

 This is such an incredibly sweet Christmas story! 


Mia is off to send her grandfather a letter when she comes across a strange postbox that opens into a shop that opens into a forest where she finds a reindeer that flies her all the way to her grandfather to deliver her letter in person. 

I believe this is my new favorite Christmas-themed picture book. The story is sweet and endearing but the illustrations and interactive lift-the-flaps make this book extra special. The lift-the-flaps are not like the typical ones you find in baby books. There are doors to open, windows to look through, a card to open, and more! 

There are also strategically and artistically placed 'cut-outs' throughout the book to show off the moon through the trees, the stars in the sky or the mountains beyond the rooftops of the village Mia flies over. 
All of these fun elements make the overall story that much more fun!

The full-page illustrations are exceptionally amazing. I love the excess detail, the busy backgrounds, and the different textures on every surface. The people are all incredibly friendly-looking and the animals are oh so cute!

This festive picture book is one you will definitely want in your holiday collection. It would make a great gift to a grandchild that may or may not have the chance to see their grandparent or another loved one during the holidays but I think everyone will love the magic of this story! 

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Celebrations Around the World by Katy Halford & DK Publishing (Children's NF Picture Book Review)

Celebrations Around the World:
The Fabulous Celebrations You Won't Want To Miss
Illustrated by Katy Halford
Published by DK Publishing
on August 27, 2019
Genre: Children's, Picture Book, Nonfiction
Length: 48 pages
Ages: 4 - 6 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
It's time to celebrate! From Christmas to Thanksgiving, to Diwali and Halloween, kids won't want to miss out on all the festivities.

Embark on an exciting journey through the most interesting and important festivals, celebrations, and holidays enjoyed by people around the world. Stunning original illustrations and fascinating facts will inspire and inform children about cultures and religions from the countries of the world. 

Children will love poring over artist Katy Halford's beautiful illustrations, which showcase every celebration in absorbing detail.  Engaging factual writing introduces young readers to the most interesting aspects of each celebration, from the costumes worn to the food eaten, and encourage an understanding of other cultures and religions. 

Our Thoughts:

Celebrations Around the World is a fantastic collection of holidays and festivities that people celebrate all over the world.

Starting with New Year celebrations, this colorfully illustrated picture book takes us through all of the important holidays and festivals and tells us about how they are celebrated in different parts of the world. Lots of neat traditions are included, such as smashing plates on their neighbors' doors in Denmark to wearing yellow underwear in South America for luck in the new year. 

We've previously read and enjoyed 'Around the World in 80 Ways' by the same illustrator (and in a similar style) but this is now our favorite of the two! It has all our favorite holidays like Halloween and Christmas but also included plenty of holidays and festivals that we knew little to nothing about, such as Holi, Las Fallas, Dongji, and Anzac Day.

The illustrations are fun and festive with lots of colors and details that really set the mood of each holiday. We especially loved the darker pages that made all the bright lights pop! 

A festive resource for learning about holidays and festivities different cultures, religions, and traditions!

Also, check out our review for Katy Halford's 'Around the World In 80 Ways'!

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All Around Bustletown: Winter by Rotraut Susanne Berner (Picture Book Review)

We received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

All Around Bustletown: Winter
by Rotraut Susanne Berner
Published by Prestel Junior
on September 3, 2019
Genre: Children's, Picture Books, Board Book
Length: 14 pages
Ages: 2 - 5 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | 
BookDepository

Synopsis:
Welcome to Bustletown! There's so much to see. So many places to go to. Explore the market square. Stop by the train station. Skate on the pond. Even in winter, people and animals go about their busy lives: Anne misses the bus again, Lena's parrot goes on a little trip, and someone lost their red wallet...

Our Thoughts:

Just one in a seasonal quartet, All Around Bustletown: Winter takes us on a journey throughout a cozy little town in winter, showing us a snowy day that turns the town white and all the people bustling about on their daily errands! 

All around Bustletown is a unique extra-large board book without words (except on signs around town) that can be both a story you create yourself with endless possibilities or a look-and-find! Or both! 

The very back of the book shows several characters that are featured in the illustrated pages (as shown in this photo), stating their names and what they are doing, which helps prompt you to search for and follow them throughout the pages. You can easily make up and/or continue stories for the many characters shown throughout the book.

There is no end to the detail in these illustrated pages! You can spend a great amount of time absorbed in each page looking at everything there is to see or you can move quickly through the book following the characters! 

One thing I love about these kinds of books is that you can 'read' it over and over and almost always find something new. There is so much to notice that you might have previously overlooked!

It's also a great interactive book for those kiddos that want to be part of the story rather than just listen to it! My daughter and I always have a fun time with these kinds of books and I've found that they keep her interest for much longer than a typical storybook so that's a big win from me!

More like this:

Bucketloads of Friends: A Look and Find Book by Mia Cassany & Miguel Bustos

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The Sunday Post - 2019 Week 50

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer

and is a chance to share news, both new and old!

Hey there, readers!

This month is flying by! 
I've been busier than usual this holiday season, with lots of extended family time (and more on the way), festive adventures, and the dreaded shopping trips as well.  I'm not a fan of the extra stress but some traditions are hard to say no to, especially when you have a child! We hunted down the perfect tree the other day and have been enjoying decorating it. My daughter and I have also been reading an advent story, How Winston Delivered Christmas, that has crafts included for each day so we've been doing those. Of course, with all the extra activities, it's been difficult to keep up with everything! I'm working on catching up to start the new year off on a good note! 

Currently Reading

I've been in a bit of a slump with a severe lack of time to read so I've started a few books but haven't finished any yet this month. I just started a reread of The Call of the Wild in anticipation of the adaptation and am hoping I can finish it since it's so short!

Recent Reviews

Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris (4/5 stars)
Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty
Dream Flights on Arctic Nights by Brooke Hartman

Currently Watching

I took my daughter to see Frozen 2 recently! That was a magical experience!
I've also been watching Joe Hill's NOS4A2 on Hulu even though I haven't read the book yet (oops!) and am loving the Christmas theme and all the fantasy/horror.


Have a great week and Happy Holidays!

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Dream Flights on Arctic Nights by Brooke Hartman (Picture Book Review)

Dream Flights on Arctic Nights

Written by

Brooke Hartman

Illustrated by
Evon Zerbetz

Published by
Alaska Northwest Books

on February 26, 2019

Genre: Children's, Picture Book
Length: 32 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

Follow a child's dreamy flight through the Arctic and discover the animals that live there, from the wolves prowling in the snow to the goats and sheep standing on the mountains to the walrus and sea lions lying on glaciers.

Told in singsong rhymes and colorfully illustrated with gorgeous linocut art, Dream Flights on Arctic Nights is a beautiful bedtime story for children to explore the Arctic before drifting off to sleep. 

Our Thoughts:

"At night,
just as the moon climbs high,

I make a wish that I can fly."

Travel through the Alaskan wilderness on the wings of a raven, an eagle, and an owl, and discover a world of life and wonder!

My daughter and I loved this book! It has beautiful, lyrical rhymes all about the animals and geography found in Alaska paired with vivid and colorful linocut illustrations on a black background that makes this the perfect night-time read.

We loved how the gorgeous illustrations stand out and how many animals are incorporated into both the illustrations and the rhymes. There's even a beautiful Northern Lights display!

Evon Zerbetz, the illustrator, has linocut constructions and public art installations in public buildings across Alaska.

Both the author and illustrator are Alaskan.

Cilka's Journey (The Tattooist of Auschwitz #2) by Heather Morris (Adult Fiction Book Review)

Cilka's Journey
(The Tattooist of Auschwitz #2)
by Heather Morris
Published by St. Martin's Press
on October 1, 2019
Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, WW2
Length: 352 pages

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
In this follow-up to The Tattooist ofAuschwitz, the author tells the story, based on a true one, of a woman who survives Auschwitz, only to find herself locked away again. Cilka Klein is 18 years old when Auschwitz-Birkenau is liberated by Soviet soldiers. But Cilka is one of the many women who is sentenced to a labor camp on charges of having helped the Nazis--with no consideration of the circumstances Cilka and women like her found themselves in as they struggle to survive. Once at the Vorkuta gulag in Siberia, where she is to serve her 15-year sentence, Cilka uses her wits, charm, and beauty to survive.

My Thoughts:

Cilka's Journey begins as Auschwitz is liberated but her freedom is still far out of reach. The role she played in The Tattooist of Auschwitz labels her as a spy and she is shipped off to fifteen years in prison in Krakow and then Siberia. There, she is awarded small luxuries compared to what her fellow people received in Auschwitz and her good luck wins out when she is awarded a job that gives her opportunities to help her fellow prisoners.

"She is just surviving... There is no one way to do it."

I read (and reviewed) The Tattooist of Auschwitz a few months ago and enjoyed the hopeful story despite the horrors of the Holocaust. Cilka's Journey had a very similar theme of hope, love, and looking forward to the future but also covered the many hardships that women suffered throughout Auschwitz and in prison.

My only complaint is the similarities between the main characters. Each is randomly given an important job that sets them apart and gives them purpose, privilege, and a little more to share amongst the other prisoners. Both Lale's and Cilka's stories are supposed to be based in fact but the similar 'lucky streaks' make it seem a bit disingenuous.

I would recommend this duology to readers of historical fiction that would prefer to read Holocaust fiction without crying their eyes out. Both have endings that readers will enjoy.

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Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years by Stacy McAnulty (Nonfiction Picture Book Review)

Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years
(Our Universe series)
Written by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrated by David Litchfield
Published by Henry Holt & Co.
on October 24, 2017
Genre: Children's, Picture Book, Nonfiction
Length: 40 pages
Ages: 4 - 8 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Literary Awards:
Flicker Tale Children's Book Award for Nonfiction (2019)

Synopsis:
"Hi, I'm Earth! But you can call me Planet Awesome."

Prepare to learn all about Earth from the point-of-view of Earth herself! In this funny yet informative book, filled to the brim with kid-friendly facts, readers will discover key moments in Earth's life, from her childhood more than four billion years ago all the way up to present day. Beloved children's book author Stacy McAnulty helps Earth tell her story, and award-winning illustrator David Litchfield brings the words to life.

Our Thoughts:
Get ready to hear the tale of Earth's history, from Earth herself!

Earth goes by many names (Gaia, Third Rock From the Sun, etc), has many siblings (planets in the same solar system), and spends her days revolving around the sun with her best friend, Moon! She doesn't remember being a cranky baby planet but she does remember all the changes she's gone through, from thousands of years of rain, to dinosaurs, to human inhabitants!

This is a fantastic way to learn all about Earth, its' history, and more! 

The adorable illustrations help personify Earth into a living being that shares her very, very, very long life with the reader, using lots of scientific facts to tell us the story of the very place we call home.

The author includes her sources in the back of the book along with an extra explanation of continents (which are mentioned in the story), as well as the different extinctions that have happened throughout Earth's time.

We read Moon! Earth's Best Friend earlier this year and thought it was adorable! We were happy to find that there were more books in this picture book series! Up next is Sun! One In A Billion!

More from the 'Our Universe' series:

Sun! One In A Billion & Moon! Earth's Best Friend

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