A Book A Week

As a twenty-six-year-old man with no children, I'm always a bit hesitant to review children's books. That being said, books occasionally end up on my desk that are either too creative or important to pass up. That is exactly the case with Touch the Earth. Written by Julian Lennon with the assistance of Bart Davis and illustrator Smiljana Coh, Touch the Earth combines interactive storytelling with an educational and vitally important message that kids, parents, and everyone in between will appreciate.

With a physical shake and a bit of imagination, the book is transformed into the White Feather Flyer. This magical vehicle is equipped with a compass, buttons, and other gadgets that aide in our adventure across the globe. In each place that we land, we learn of the natural resources that are vital to the lives of the people who live there. From the depths of a polluted ocean to the searing heat of a desert in need of irrigation, the book provides a fun and interactive look at the world we live in.

Julian Lennon, son of the famed Beatle John, along with Bart Davis take readers on a journey that is as educational as it is entertaining. Smiljana Coh's vibrant illustrations showcase the beauty that can be found throughout the Earth. The interactive elements that allow readers to steer the aircraft, irrigate land, clean litter, and control the environment is a unique feature that will surely add to the re-readability of this story. The end of the book features a poem by Lennon as well as information about his charity The White Feather Foundation. Portions from the proceeds of this book go towards that foundation. Touch the Earth is the planned start of a trilogy of books that entertain, teach a valuable lesson, and promote a worthy cause.

For more information, visit The White Feather Foundation's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2017, 15)