Our common ground is the earth we all share. Molly Bang's introduction to environmental issues gives young readers a simple, accessible means for understanding the difference between reckless consumption and careful use and conservation of the earth's natural resources. Looking at fish, trees, fossil fuels and water, Bang explains how consuming them for short-term benefits such as more fish to sell, more money to make, and more products to buy only hurts all living things in the long run. Unlike the village common of long ago, when those who didn't want to share the land could find someplace else to go, there is no place else to go for the people of our planet. That is why, Bang tells readers, we must work all work together to protect the earth's resources. Bang has illustrated her short text with bright, colorful art that is both intimate and grand in scale and feeling--just like the message she conveys in this small (9x6-1/4") and heartfelt book. (Ages 5-8)

How do our individual actions affect the world?From the Caldecott Honor author Molly Bang, author-illustrator of the critically acclaimed Sunlight Series, 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, Molly Bang presents the challenge of handling our planet's natural resources. With jewel-like paintings and simple text, Bang impresses upon us the urgency of conserving and preserving our earth's limited bounty.