How do our individual actions affect the world? This is a simple story of our planet's natural resources. Through the example of a shared village green and the growing needs of the townspeople who share it, the author presents the challenge of handling our planet's natural resources impressing upon us the urgency of conserving and preserving our earth's limited bounty.

A simple message about sharing and not overusing--unfortunately, we still don't seem to be getting the point. :( ( )

Audience: 3-5th grades
This is a wonderful book about conservation and the environment. It made me really think of the real meaning of the word 'Common ground' and how it applies to the global village. This book explains the concept so well that even younger children can understand how a shortage in water or resources can affect all of us at some point. It is a must read for growing minds to make children more environmentally conscious and a great conversation starter on Earth day. This is a fantastic book with connections to Science, Social Studies, Math and ELA. ( )

According to the book's author, Molly Bang, Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share was inspired by an article written by biologist Garrett Hardin entitled, "The Tragedy of the Commons," which focuses on the dilemma between shared resources and population. The book begins with an analogy of villagers using "common ground" to feed their sheep. But, due to some villagers having more sheep, while others may have had only one and, in some cases, none, the "common ground" was used up and everyone suffered. The villagers were given two choices, one, choose to live and be responsible with their shared resources or two, move away. The book then moves into a real life version of this analogy, where the author reminds the reader that if we as citizens of the world are not mindful of our natural resources, we may lose them all. From overfishing, to cutting down too many trees, from the burning of fossil fuels to contaminating our water source. The book then ends dramatically by telling the reader that a choice must be made to be responsible because we have no other place to go. While the book is not a difficult read, I would not necessarily recommend for small children. I think the content has very deep meaning and would, likely, be lost on them. While I feel children of all ages should be taught about conservation and environmental responsiblity, teaching these concepts to small children should be done delicately. I do not think they need to worry about whether or not they will have clean water or enough food to eat. The book is illustrated by Molly Bang and is colorful and engaging. ( )

This is a story of our planet's natural resources with memorable paintings by Molly Bang. Molly Bang presents the challenge of handling our planet's natural resources and sharing them. ( )