We Are Better Together

by Bill McKibben, Stevie Lewis (Illustrator)

Overview

From environmentalist and bestselling author Bill McKibben comes a hopeful, inspiring picture book celebrating the power of human cooperation and the beauty of life on Earth, beautifully illustrated by artist Stevie Lewis.

When we work together, we humans can do incredible things.

We share the responsibility to address climate change and our changing planet. It is critical that we act collectively to protect our beautiful, fragile world.

Renowned environmentalist Bill McKibben and the incredibly talented artist Stevie Lewis team up to bring this gorgeous picture book to life.

Celebrating the amazing things people can do, it’s an inspiring message of hope.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250755155
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	04/19/2022
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	629,650
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 10.85(h) x 0.45(d)
Lexile:	AD650L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Bill McKibben is a founder of the environmental organization 350.org and was among the first to have warned of the dangers of global warming. He is the author of the bestsellers The End of Nature, Eaarth, and Deep Economy, as well as his recent hit, Falter. He is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College and the winner of the Gandhi Prize, the Thomas Merton Prize, and the Right Livelihood Prize. He lives in Vermont.

For half the year, Stevie Lewis travels out of her van, furthering her passion for art and the outdoors. She is also an avid hiker and rock climber. After working for four years in animation she now illustrates children’s books including Moon! Earth’s Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty, Prince & Knight by Daniel Haack, Lost in the Library by Josh Funk, and Fatima's Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq. She currently lives in Northern Arizona where she lives with her partner and two dogs.

Editorial Reviews

★ 01/21/2022

PreS-Gr 2—A simple and beautiful picture book. Using short phrases and sentences, such as "When we work together, we can do incredible things," the author shares how teamwork and cooperation will help save the planet from climate change. McKibben does not spell out in detail what needs to be done to save the Earth; instead, he offers basic suggestions. This is one of the strongest aspects of the book, as it allows readers to expand on these ideas. Simple phrases that share powerful ideas are highlighted with clear, realistic drawings that expand on the concepts. For instance, one phrase discusses how communication helps people keep track of one another, while the illustration shows a guide explaining and sharing cave drawings. The images, with bright colors and realistic and diverse people engaged in many different activities, are particularly compelling, and, in some cases, say so much more than the words. The text will probably need explanation and detail from adults sharing this book with children, for example, in story hours. VERDICT Optimistic and powerful through its simplicity, this book highlights communication and shared hopes for the future of the Earth.—Susan Lissim

School Library Journal

2022-03-30
Renowned environmentalist McKibben reminds youth of the importance of unity.

In a world divided by borders, ideals, and so much more, we all live on the same planet. If there is any hope to save it from destruction, we need to work together: “The human game is a team sport.” McKibben extols the power of cooperation: “When we work together, we can do incredible things.” Each page shows an example of the possibilities. Lights blink on at night after a day of installing solar panels (with wind turbines in the background), trees are replanted after a forest fire, and two people help tiny sea turtles along their journey by carrying them to the water. McKibben then shifts perspectives, focusing on the motivation for these actions. An undercurrent of love runs through all: “It’s love that lets each of us see we’re not the most important thing on Earth, and makes us okay with that.” All scenarios are enacted by a racially diverse group, with Lewis’ illustrations radiating a warm glow that highlights the hopeful message. While the text, adapted from McKibben’s adult title Falter (2019), is sincere, it does read a bit disjointedly, and though it’s straightforward, some of the ideas are a bit complex for younger readers. Full-page author and illustrator notes add personal reflections. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A message told simply enough for young ones but best internalized by an older crowd. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

Young listeners will be drawn to the audible smile in narrator Greer Morrison’s voice as she shares the wonders of humankind and the importance of working together. As the audiobook opens, the short, reflective messages delivered in Morrison’s warm voice are paired with calming outdoor sounds that seamlessly transition from one to the next. The exciting roar of an ascending spaceship is used to evoke humanity’s ability to explore; animal sounds are softly blended to portray the fragile creatures on Earth that need human protection. These fun, immersive sound effects will appeal to the youngest of listeners. Morrison’s friendly tone imparts a deeply inspirational message from environmentalist McKibben worth revisiting. Audiobook lovers of all ages will take away something new with each listen. J.E.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile

Young listeners will be drawn to the audible smile in narrator Greer Morrison’s voice as she shares the wonders of humankind and the importance of working together. As the audiobook opens, the short, reflective messages delivered in Morrison’s warm voice are paired with calming outdoor sounds that seamlessly transition from one to the next. The exciting roar of an ascending spaceship is used to evoke humanity’s ability to explore; animal sounds are softly blended to portray the fragile creatures on Earth that need human protection. These fun, immersive sound effects will appeal to the youngest of listeners. Morrison’s friendly tone imparts a deeply inspirational message from environmentalist McKibben worth revisiting. Audiobook lovers of all ages will take away something new with each listen. J.E.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2022 - AudioFile