The Earth: One-of-a-Kind Planet

A nonfiction picture book for ages 5 to 8 that explores the place we all call home—planet Earth! Learn how Earth was made, why there’s life here, and how climate change is affecting everything.

Earth is our home, but do we really know about this planet?

Quite a lot! We know how the Earth came to be the planet we live on, how oxygen made it possible for life to develop, and how the climate is changing in ways that affect everyone and everything. In The Earth: One-of-a-Kind Planet, the narrator, who just happens to be the Universe, explains where Earth is located in the solar system, how life evolved on Earth, and more. Universe uses a friendly, relatable tone to engage young readers and explain complex science content in ways kids can understand and relate to. And the alien commentators are hilarious for both kids and adults!

Vivid illustrations, text-to-self connections, and a hands-on science activity all provide foundational learning opportunities to explore planet Earth. A poem at the beginning encourages language arts connections. Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers, with a glossary to support language development.

The Earth: One-of-a-Kind Planet is part of a set of four books in the Picture Book Science series that explore our incredible solar system. Other titles in this series include The Stars: A Gazillion Suns; The Sun: Shining Star of the Solar System; and The Moon: Small-but-Mighty Neighbor.

• Includes layered text and back matter that encourage more in-depth discovery
• Promotes a sense of awe and wonder at earth and space sciences
• Uses humor to engage children’s attention
• Promotes cross-curriculum learning through poetry
• Includes a hands-on, science-minded project to help support and reinforce deeper learning
• Meets Next Generation Science Standards in Earth’s Place in the Universe and Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles for grades K through 3

Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Science series present real-world examples of science topics kids find fascinating! These nonfiction picture books consist of engaging narratives paired with detailed, accurate illustrations and layered text that offers ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Elementary-aged children are equipped to recognize basic science concepts and identify the different ways they are demonstrated in real life, while being impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Laura Perdew is an author, writing consultant, and former middle school teacher. She has written more than 30 books for the education market on a wide range of subjects including, wetlands conservation, renewable energy, animal adaptations, and extinction. Her book Biodiversity: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) earned a Booklist starred review and was a Junior Library Guild selection. Laura is a long-time member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and an avid runner and hiker. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Shululu (Hui Li) has always been driven by curiosity. She is the illustrator of several nonfiction picture books from Nomad Press. She earned a PhD in computational chemistry from the University of Chicago and her research has been published in the world's most influential science journals, including Science and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. She lives with her family in New York, New York.