A simple text follows a boy enjoying the wonders of nature: "The sun is good. / The earth is good. / The trees and birds and bees are good." The watercolors in brown, green, and blue tones add some movement to the actionless text by showing the boy running, leaping, and climbing. The boy is sometimes awkwardly proportioned, but the environment and animals are more successfully portrayed.

In a rhythmic and prayer-like text, DeMunn asks children to appreciate the beauty and goodness of nature, of which they are an integral part: "The earth is good. The trees are good. The flowers, the birds and bees are good." The unity of all things is emphasized through the brilliantly colored illustrations which sometimes project aspects of the landscape onto both the boy's clothing and his limbs. The simple text, with its concluding statement—"and you are good"—not only reinforces the story's uplifting theme, but it leads children to a fuller understanding of their role in the world while fostering a healthy respect for its treasures. (Picture book. 3-6)

PreS-Gr 1-This deceptively simple book celebrates the wonders of nature as seen by a child. DeMunn's chant consists of short phrases that enumerate parts of the natural world and declare them good. Accompanied by a puppy, the child explores ocean, mountains, fields, and forest. Trees, mouse, soil, wind, rain, rivers, night, and day all receive equal admiration. McMullan's illustrations effectively reveal the connection between the youngster and the natural surroundings. The book is suitable for group sharing, with many participation possibilities, including repeating lines and extending the chant to other animals and landscapes with which youngsters are familiar. The concluding affirmation that "you are good" encapsulates the book's positive, joyful spirit.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.