Title: Sing Up the Earth!
Author: Cheryl Hellner
Illustrator: Mercè Tous
Publisher/Year: Paraclete Press/2026
Format: Hardcover
Happy World Environment Day! This annual global observance urges all nations to do their part to combat climate change and to embrace ways in which humans can live in harmony with nature. The picture book I’m reviewing today is a joyful celebration of nature–animals, plants, ecosystems, and musical marvels made from the clay of the Earth.
In Sing Up the Earth!, a young girl named Meadow spends time working with her grandpa in an old stone barn making instruments out of clay–flutes, whistles, horns, drums, and ocarinas. One of Grandpa’s most prized possessions is an ocarina shaped like a hawk that he’s had since he was a little boy. An ocarina is a type of flute that has an inner tunnel that shapes the breath and creates the sound. The hawk ocarina makes a very unique sound that Grandpa hasn’t been able to duplicate. After Meadow crafts her very own turtle-shaped ocarina, she and Grandpa take it to the pond and serenade the wild animals just as Grandpa did when he was a boy.
When a storm hits later on and destroys the old stone barn and all the instruments within, neighbors come to help Grandpa and Meadow rebuild. But not one piece of the hawk ocarina is found. Then, one day, Meadow makes a happy discovery that leads to something even more special.
Sing Up the Earth! is a super sweet story narrated by Meadow. Her cherished relationship with her grandpa shines brightly throughout, as does their love for nature and the Earth. Through gentle text and detailed illustrations, readers will meet a variety of animals, from foxes, coyotes, and bobcats to frogs, turtles, and birds, across lavish landscapes of fields and flowers, mountains and trees. Kids will find the various clay instruments appealing as well. Additionally, an author’s note at the end of the book conveys more information about the fascinating ancient art of making instruments out of clay.
This is a truly lovely book with lots of layers to explore.
Turtles belong to one of the oldest reptile groups in the world, which includes tortoises and terrapins, dating back to over 200 million years ago. That means turtles were around when dinosaurs walked the Earth!
Lauri Fortino's Frog On A (B)Log 