ALA Booklist (Thu Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 1996)

In this attractive picture book, Lauber enlarges on the metaphor spaceship Earth, explaining that just as the space shuttle carries all the food, water, and oxygen the astronauts need, Earth carries all the food (minerals), water, and oxygen we need. She demonstrates the water, mineral, and oxygen cycles, showing that Earth makes a great spaceship, but tells readers that our job is to keep it that way. Ink drawings with bright watercolor washes illustrate the well-conceived text. Another fine addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. (Reviewed Aug. 1996)

Horn Book (Mon Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1996)

Just as a space shuttle carries aboard everything to keep crew members alive and healthy, so the planet Earth, as it rockets through space, provides people with the basic materials of life. This clear, appealing discussion explains how Earth's plants and animals interact to continually recycle water, oxygen, and the minerals that are the basis of all food. Simple, appealing watercolors illustrate the text.

Kirkus Reviews

<p>In this Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science entry, readers learn that, as is true of the space shuttle, Earth is a space craft, speeding through the ether with its own life support systems, elegantly rigged out for recycling. Lauber (How Dinosaurs Came to Be, p. 533, etc.) gives each system a simple, thoughtful mulling over--how water gets from human stomachs back into the clouds, why all the available oxygen doesn't get used up, the role that the littlest creatures (beetles, mites, bacteria) play in the cosmic scheme. Crisp explanations--accompanied by Keller's sharp illustrations--make clear significant natural processes, The book closes with suggestions for poking about in old leaf piles to see Mother Nature at work and a reminder to take care of spaceship Earth.</p>

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3--In this addition to the popular series, life on our planet is compared with a manned shuttle mission that must take special care to insure the health and safety of its crew--"Earth is our home in space. We are all aboard the same spaceship." Once that concept is established, youngsters learn interesting facts about the supplies needed to survive--food, air with oxygen, and water. Lauber is adept at writing for this audience, using simple vocabulary and straightforward sentences. She covers thoroughly the methods by which Earth's vital elements are replenished. Keller's bright and colorful drawings further explain complicated concepts such as the water cycle. A welcome title for young readers who are just beginning to understand the environment.--Blair Christolon, Prince William Library, Manassas, VA