Footprints Across the Planet

This beauty of a book is all about animal feet and the footprints they -- and we humans -- leave on our planet. Gorgeous photographs. Classic writing. You and your kids will be riveted.

A lyrical text with gorgeous photos makes this book a masterpiece to show us we all leave footprints on our planet. We are all important. We all matter. A beautiful book to teach about our planet. Science + Art + Poetry.

For her first picture book Jennifer Swanson has found a topic that has nearly universal appeal. (There are some creatures like fish and snakes that don't have feet, but they do leave their marks in other ways.) The text explains that footprints can be large or small; made by feet, paws, or talons; and can be lasting or ephemeral. This isn't a poetry book, but the careful word choice is lyrical in its exploration of all the ways and places that footprints are made and how they are alike or different. From looking at "strong and purposeful" tracks left by elephants to chicken scratches in the dirt, a wide range of animals are shown.As the book transitions to human footprints there is a beautiful spread that shows a dozen different pairs of shoes from various cultures around the world because "Footprints are also as diverse as the people of the planet." The discussion moves into how footprints mark the locations of great adventures with images juxtaposing mountain heights and ocean depths. Then we are shown fossilized dinosaur prints and the tracks of a Mars rover, spanning the past and "a glimpse of our future." The broader meaning of footprints is introduced with references to the historic impact of "people who stood up for change" like Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Greta Thunberg, as well as "reminding us that our way of living impacts everything around us."Back matter offers additional information about the concepts and images. Details about the first footprints on Mt. Everest, carbon footprints, and digital footprints are some of the extras on these pages. Whether you are looking for a read-aloud to begin a lesson on comparing and contrasting for younger readers, or a text to lead into a discussion of human impact on the environment, this book is ready for all that and more. Between the perfectly chosen words and the images that accompany them, readers of all ages will be left pondering the final question the author poses: "What type of mark will you leave behind?"

"Footprints come in all shapes and sizes,colors and species.Some are large and deep,strong and purposeful. (Pictures of elephant and small child walk in elephant's footprints)Some are small and shallow,barely leaving any imprint at all. (picture of small insect)" pages 1-6"Footprints reveal our past, (picture of dinosaur)And give us a glimpse of our future. (picture of rover on Mars)." pages 19-22"Footprints represent peoplewho stood up for change, (photos of Rosa Parks, RBG, MLK)And those to strive to follow them. (photos of Greta Thunberg & other young people protesting)" p. 27-30LOVE HOW THIS BOOK ENCOURAGES READERS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND THINK MORE DEEPLY about what Swanson's words mean or imply, about the many definitions of the word "footprint," and how our "footprint" on the world, something we are largely in control of, takes many shapes.Highly recommend READING ALOUD in grades 2-5. Read aloud the first time for joy and then the second time asking students to give a thumbs up when they "wonder" or notice that Swanson is CHALLENGING them to think BEYOND THE TEXT. There's plenty of room for student-led ABOUT THE TEXT discussions, too, like - Why do you think Swanson chose the photographs for this page? How does she develop the idea that footprints are more than a physical imprint?

This nonfiction book for young readers offers a sampling of different types of footprints that can be found on our world and in other places, like the moon and even Mars! From elephants to turtles to familiar animals like chickens, young readers are asked to consider their own impact on the world and the type of footprints they will leave behind. The stunning photographs and lyrical text is sure to engage thinking on deeper levels and lead to insightful conversations.

A beautifully written nonfiction picture book that will inspire young readers (and adults!) to think outside of the box. The lyrical text combined with the stunning photographs will capture young readers and take them on a journey around the world, while igniting the spark of self-empowerment and global responsibility. This is a must-read for all!

With spare and lyrical text plus gorgeous photography, author Jennifer Swanson entices readers to examine all the kinds of footprints in the world and their meanings and ramifications. This stunning book can be read as poetry or as a science book. Indeed, the back matter, while also pithy, packs a STEM punch. It’s accessible to both the picture book age crowd and also to older elementary school kids who will find it a useful way to think about the planet and its inhabitants.

My almost 3yr old grandson loves this book. It has beautiful color photographs and just few enough words on a page. He likes looking for traces of footprints in his own back yard and has found his pet cat and a few bird tracks. It's great fun! Another one of Jennifer Swanson's well done STEM books.