Cover Image: It's Up to Us

It's Up to Us

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Member Reviews

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

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This book is gorgeous, with 33 illustrators bringing their unique style, perspective and background to give attention to building a brighter future for nature and the planet. The book is thoughtful and the illustrations beg for time to ponder over and discuss. The text at times is simple and at others incredibly specific. I think as a librarian the book would be great around Earth Day where the kids can reflect on the illustrations and the message can be heard from many sources at one time, so they can consider what the illustrator is trying to convey. Younger kids will need a lot of hand holding, and older children will hopefully consider the impact, messaging, and their role moving forward. I particularly appreciate the diversity of the illustrators, the representation of #muslimsintheillustrations and am hopeful that the physical copy will be large and glossy as to engage readers of all ages.

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Two words, THE ART! 33 illustrators contributed to make one of the most stunningly beautiful children's books I've seen in a long time. This is another amazing non-fiction picture book. Discussing the climate change problem frankly and without sugar coating it, this book allows children to understand there is a problem, then gives them ways to be a part of the solution. What a joy to read!

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Thank you to the Publisher Spotlight and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This book is based on the Terra Carta for nature, people, and planet. Beautiful illustrations and clear language highlight the importance of sustainability and conservation. More information about Terra Carta is provided at the end of the book.

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“It’s Up To Us” is an important book that addresses the human role in climate change and the degradation of human habitats. While the text tries to present a comprehensive view of the current environmental issues, it leans on the heavy side for an elementary school read. Nonetheless, it does try to offer a brighter side of possible general solutions.

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This book is introduced by Prince Charles who invites children to think about and care for our world. In the last chapter of this title, he writes about the Terra Carta project and invites children to participate in it.

This book has the most charming and delightful illustrations! They have been contributed to this title by a variety of artists. The accompanying text complements them.

There are four short sections in this book; they are Nature, People, Planet and Terra Carta. Through them, what we get from nature and what we need to do for nature are laid out in simple terms.

This children’s book is a call to action for our planet. It should be read by children and families who, hopefully, will recognize that there is work to be done.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

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What a beautiful book, a work of art, and a learning resource all in one!

I just love this book, as I felt like it was so diverse and so beautifully done that it just really encompasses the whole mission of being about Planet Earth.

The book has an impressive 33 illustrators, many from diverse and marginalized backgrounds! I also love the actual illustrations, which were works of art themselves and included so many diverse backgrounds of people, Muslims in the illustrations through hijab, as well as people with disabilities.

The book covers the mission of the Terra Carta, a plan by the Prince of Wales in the UK to take care of Nature. The plan itself is outlined in the back of the book as a source and I loved how parts of it include “taking into account diversity” and “undertake to collaborate”. It’ makes the message and the audience of this book people from all over the world and many different backgrounds.

The book is made of Four divided parts: Nature, People, Planet, and Terra Carte. Each section discusses details on each subject and all highlight the importance of taking care of nature as people who affect the Planet, and how the Terra Carte offers a solution.

I learned a lot and I found the book super informative and educating, as well as kid-friendly. My only note is page 16 of the ARC, as it had hard to read font in the illustrations.

And as a Muslim reader myself, I appreciate the inclusion of Muslims in the illustrations. I also feel the value of taking care of the Earth as represented in Islam through numerous ahadith and Quranic ayahs about the importance of taking care of the world that Allah created!

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Pollution, global warming, and climate change are explained in easy to understand language for kids in this artfully crafted book. Artworks from around the world illustrate points made in the reading. Ends on a positive note of how we can improve our lot by mending our ways through actions and activism.

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Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. I enjoyed the varying illustrations even more than the text, and the non-fiction text was excellent! The reading level is just right for elementary students. I like how the book is organized by chapters, but it is not too long of a book. Practical information and steps for helping take care of the world are discussed in child-friendly ways. There is diversity in the people depicted in the illustrations. I will definitely recommend this book for our science libraries.

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