When Planet Earth Was New

When Planet Earth Was New is a children's non-fiction book that traces the formation and evolution of Earth from its beginnings as a space rock to the present day. The text follows a linear timeline through major geological and biological developments across billions of years. The narrative moves through key phases of Earth's development including the formation of oceans, emergence of early life forms, and arrival of diverse species. Illustrations by Katherine Diemert show the changing landscapes and creatures during each period. The work balances scientific concepts with accessible explanations for young readers ages 4-8. Through its scope and structure, this book connects children to deep time and demonstrates Earth's continuous process of transformation.

Readers describe this children's science book as an accessible introduction to Earth's 4.5-billion-year history. Parents and teachers report that children ages 4-8 engage with the colorful illustrations and connect with how the planet's story is told. Likes: - Illustrations help visualize abstract concepts - Clear progression of Earth's development - Scientific accuracy while remaining kid-friendly - Includes timeline for context Dislikes: - Some found the text too simple - A few readers wanted more detailed scientific explanations - Limited coverage of human impact on Earth Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (173 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (46 ratings) "The artwork really brings Earth's formation to life for young readers" - Elementary school librarian review "My 6-year-old asks for this book repeatedly and understands the basic concepts" - Parent review "Could have included more about climate change and conservation" - Teacher review

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🌎 Around 4.6 billion years ago, when Earth formed, the planet was so hot that rocks and metals melted, creating an ocean of magma. 🌋 The book shows how Earth's earliest atmosphere was created by volcanic eruptions releasing gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor. 🦕 Though Earth is approximately 4.6 billion years old, complex life only emerged in the last 600 million years - meaning most of Earth's history was dominated by microscopic life forms. 🎨 Illustrator Katherine Diemert used bold, vibrant colors and swirling patterns to capture the dynamic, ever-changing nature of Earth's early environments. 🏆 The book received the 2018 Green Earth Book Award Honor in the children's nonfiction category for its contribution to environmental stewardship.