Libby Hathorn has a string of books to her name, and along with those, come a multitude of awards. This latest one is sure to be another favourite.

Mother Earth is a compilation of poetry which celebrates nature – from the deep blue sea, to the skies above.

Oh the wideness and the bigness
Of the sky so high above!
And the smallness and the dearness
Of all down here I love!

There are poems about trees, from beach blues to a cane toad chorus, a bushfire baby to an iceberg’s secret in Antarctica.

These poems explore the world around us with great sensitivity, sometimes with sadness, but always with hope.

Other times they brought a smile to my face or inspired a desire to head out exploring. As I read, I couldn’t help but feel enveloped in the beauty of the world around me and wanted to share it with someone young.

Kudos to Christina Booth, whose illustrations are simply perfection, raising the poetry to another level. A match made in heaven, thrumming with wonder.

Reviewed by Jane Stephens
Age Guide 5+