Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life

Interest Level: K - 5

Grade Level Equivalent: 2.4

Lexile Framework: 610L

Book Type: Read-Aloud Book

Genre/Theme:

• Informational

Topics:

• Basic Needs of Living Things
• Environmental Studies
• Habitats and Ecosystems
• Life Cycles
• Plants

About This Book

Three-time Caldecott Honor artist Molly Bang celebrates the wonder of energy.

Here is a stunning, poetic exploration of the universal energy force within us all. Two award winners, illustrator Molly Bang and biologist Penny Chisholm, present the story of how light from the sun is transformed into energy on Earth—and becomes YOU!  Clear, accessible, and dazzling, Living Sunlight shows children, teachers, and parents alike the remarkable magic of photosynthesis.  This book is an example of how powerful the arts and sciences can be when working in unison to explore and appreciate our fascinating world. Informative yet dramatic, this book will mesmerize readers and help further a child's understanding of the energy we share with all living things. We are all living sunlight. A perfect addition to any library!

* "If a good picture book does what it sets out to do, a great one sets out to do something huge and succeeds.  The simple yet precise description of photosynthesis is admirable, but the broad explanation of its signifigance is exceptional.  Alight with unusual intensity, the artwork fills the pages with vibrant images...each double-page spread illustrates its lines of text with intelligence and originality.  An outstanding book to read and absorb." —Booklist, starred review  

"Beautiful illustrations light up the pages and swirl across the spreads. Bright yellow outlines large green leaves, landscapes, and animals, radiating against the dark electric blue sky. " — School Library Journal

"...a magnificent celebration of life" — Natural History magazine

"Sunlight is represented visually throughout by tiny yellow dots that travel in and out of Earth’s lush blue and green landscapes, often to gorgeous effect. Photosynthesis is thrilling to ponder, and Bang and Chisholm shout their enthusiasm for the process—and for the interconnectedness of all living things—from the (probably solar-paneled) rooftops." — Kirkus Reviews