Earth Mother
Title: Earth Mother Author: Ellen Jackson Illustrator: Leo & Diane Dillon Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers Age Group: 4-8 Picture: Mother Earth is Bhoodevi , bejeweled and fertile, in Hindu mythology. She is a young African woman in this book. Both epitomize Earth, like a mother - gentle, beautiful, giving. Earth Mother wakes up and walks across deserts and mesas, touching the lives of bugs, flowers and birds. Soon she meets Man. Man is preparing to catch a frog for breakfast. He thanks Mother for Frog. But he goes on to complain about the Mosquito that annoys him. Nonchalantly, Earth Mother moves on to savannas and plains, tending and caring for her creations on the way. She filled the water holes and sharpened the thornbushes. Her hand guided a sunbird to a blossom sweet with nectar. In the north, Earth Mother powdered the trees with snow. Tiny crystals gleamed in the air like diamond dust. The depth and beauty with which the writing evokes calmness and vigor, that ...