What better way to learn about the Earth than from Earth herself, who narrates this cheery introduction to our home planet: "Hi! My name is Earth. Some people call me Gaia, the blue marble, the world, or the third planet from the sun. You can call me Planet Awesome." Warm and welcoming full-page scenes invite youngsters to learn a flurry of information about Earth in a genial, personable tone. For instance, the solar system is a set of eight siblings (Pluto's the family pet); Earth's favorite activity is spinning (a cute way to describe rotation); and she describes her childhood as "Explosive. Gassy! Very cranky" apt description of early Earth. Litchfield's cartoonish depictions of expressive planets are a fitting complement to McAnulty's playful text, which ends on a reflective note that might encourage little ones to think about their own activities and habits: "Humans have been super fun . . . But sometimes they forget to share and play nice and clean up after themselves." The book closes with additional resources. A creative, educational, and entertaining read for inquisitive kiddos.

McAnulty (Mr. Fuzzbuster Knows He-s the Favorite) and Litchfield (Miss Muffet, or What Came After) cast planet Earth as an exuberant celestial body with bright brown eyes and a broad smile, who couldn-t be happier to share its life story. There-s family (dwarf planet Pluto -is more like the family dog-), favorite activities (spinning, circling the sun), and the whole process of growing up: -I don-t remember what it was like to be a baby. Who does? But I-ve been told I was a hot mess.- (A photo album shows the planet as an infant with a pacifier; the accompanying text reads, -Explosive. Gassy! Very cranky.-) Litchfield-s mixed-media cartoons work in perfect sync with the irreverent narration to share geological tidbits with panache; on one spread, a ruler represents the timeline of the planet-s existence, labeled to note when air, plants, animals, and humans showed up. Despite brief references to past extinctions and current environmental threats, the mood is largely upbeat, and a closing spread includes more detailed information about Earth and its inhabitants. Terrifically entertaining. Ages 4-8. Author-s agent: Lori Kilkelly, Rodeen Literary Management. Illustrator-s agent: Anne Moore Armstrong, Bright Groups. (Oct.)