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Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share
A simple story of our planet's natural resources with jewel-like paintings by Caldecott Honor author Molly Bang. 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. Full color picture book.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 10, 2026
A universal plea for the return of the commons.
December 5, 2012
Common Ground is an informational book about the Earth's natural resources. The story begins with an insightful tale of a little village that had a common ground for everyone in the village to let their sheep graze throughout the day. However, as time went on, people began hogging all the common ground for their whole herd of sheep, therefore using up all the grazing grass. People began moving elsewhere to have their own grass. The story goes on to talk about how the whole world is our common ground. We all share water, air, oil, etc. However, if we all use these resources to our own advantage, they will eventually all get used up. Bang ends the story by saying that this time though, we will not have anywhere to move to to get more of these resources like the early villagers were able to do.
I do not feel this was an appropriate book for children. Not only is the story hard to follow, but it is also very advanced, and a bit depressing. Not that children would be able to understand what Bang is saying at the end, or even throughout, but they don't care at this age. The earliest I thing this book should be introduced would be about fifth or sixth grade.
The illustrations in this story are ugly. They are sloppy paintings that focus around a central focal point and everything goes around it, even if it means it shows up upside down. The pictures give little insight as to what is going on in the story at that time.
I do not feel this was an appropriate book for children. Not only is the story hard to follow, but it is also very advanced, and a bit depressing. Not that children would be able to understand what Bang is saying at the end, or even throughout, but they don't care at this age. The earliest I thing this book should be introduced would be about fifth or sixth grade.
The illustrations in this story are ugly. They are sloppy paintings that focus around a central focal point and everything goes around it, even if it means it shows up upside down. The pictures give little insight as to what is going on in the story at that time.
February 13, 2017
This book is about over-using our natural resources without planning for the future. I like the message, but I'm not sure that kids of picture-book age would get it given the way she words it here. I suppose it could be used in a classroom accompanied by discussion. I would be interested to hear from any teachers who have read or used it. Not having children myself, it's kind of hard for me to judge what kids are apt to comprehend.
January 16, 2020
Amazing book to read to children on conservation, especially in schools that are going green.
February 21, 2015
Personal Reaction: I really love the connection the author makes between the "common ground" in the village and the environment. It introduces a moral aspect to a scientific/environmental issue prevalent today's world, which is important to achieve the author's overall purpose of conservation.
Purposes
-read aloud for enrichment: This book could be used for an introduction to understanding the "common ground" of humanity and how we are all more similar than different even with regard to gender, race, etc. Students could be prompted to make a list of similarities between them and an assigned partner. This would allow them to truly realize one of Bang's messages from the book.
-read aloud for curricular purposes: I would use this book in science class. The cross between the moralistic understanding that we all share the earth when being introduced to the negative impacts the earth is constantly being exposed to would help the role students have in conserving their planet. I would assign students to research groups that would examine the various negative impacts (cutting down trees, overfishing, and fossil fuels) and have them come up with ways in which they can limit their own personal "carbon footprint."
Age level
-I would target this book to 3rd-5th grade. The concepts and research component can be challenging for younger grades. The amount I would have students examine of each component would be dependent upon the grade level.
Purposes
-read aloud for enrichment: This book could be used for an introduction to understanding the "common ground" of humanity and how we are all more similar than different even with regard to gender, race, etc. Students could be prompted to make a list of similarities between them and an assigned partner. This would allow them to truly realize one of Bang's messages from the book.
-read aloud for curricular purposes: I would use this book in science class. The cross between the moralistic understanding that we all share the earth when being introduced to the negative impacts the earth is constantly being exposed to would help the role students have in conserving their planet. I would assign students to research groups that would examine the various negative impacts (cutting down trees, overfishing, and fossil fuels) and have them come up with ways in which they can limit their own personal "carbon footprint."
Age level
-I would target this book to 3rd-5th grade. The concepts and research component can be challenging for younger grades. The amount I would have students examine of each component would be dependent upon the grade level.
December 3, 2018
Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share. Bang Mary. New York: Scholastic, 1997. Giverny Book Award, 1998, WON AWARD. The genre is Nonfiction, Science and Nature. The Age group is Pre-K to Grade 4. The theme’s book is Common Land, and the Plot starts with a parable story of a village who shared a common land but it was overused so the people had to make a plan to make better use of it while some others left the town. The story compares then the village with the world and the people who are able to harness the natural resources. My grade is 5 of 5 because it breaks down a global issue into a small neighborhood problem where the readers can easily identify. The propose of the book is to make the students aware about the consequences of finite uses of water, earth, and air resources. The language of the book is clear and well addressed to lead the students into an easy comprehension. The pictures are aligned with the text, the lines are horizontal and seems to be suggested the content rather than specify with a carefully drawn. Although, there is an absence of empty space, it does not produce a claustrophobic feeling. I think the book is a great resource to introduce the student with environmental issues. I would like to read the book to the students, then start a group conversation about what do they understood about it, and then make them to write down or draw what they think they can improve in their neighborhood, house, or school to preserve our common land.
December 18, 2013
This is an informational book about the Earth's natural resources. It starts out with a story about a village that had a common ground. The common ground was for everyone's sheep to graze on. Well all of the grass got used up and people started to move other places. It talks about how the Earth is our common ground and we share it's natural resources, like water, oil, air, minerals, etc. The book talks about how if we aren't careful we will use them all up, but unlike the people in the story we have no where else to move to.
This book is very advanced, I think. I would use it fifth grade at the earliest and I would split it up. I wouldn't read the entire book at once because that might be overload. I think this would be a good book to use for a research assignment on the Earth and it's resources.
I didn't particularly like the pictures in this book. I don't feel that they added much to the information that was provided. I heard that there is a second edition of this book though, so maybe the illustrations in that one are better.
This book is very advanced, I think. I would use it fifth grade at the earliest and I would split it up. I wouldn't read the entire book at once because that might be overload. I think this would be a good book to use for a research assignment on the Earth and it's resources.
I didn't particularly like the pictures in this book. I don't feel that they added much to the information that was provided. I heard that there is a second edition of this book though, so maybe the illustrations in that one are better.
March 23, 2017
Molly Bang's Common ground is a great story to use when discussing the resources that the plant has and the ways that we affect it. It is written in such a way that children will easily understand the questions she poses in respect to the issues that are created when we over use the limited things we have for short term gratification. Resourcing in itself is the issue that is made clear but there isn't a plainly stated solution. This is because Bang tasks the reader with coming up with a solution for the problems our Earth faces.
The illustrations in this story are similar to children's drawings in the fact that they have lots of color and blurred lines in border. Although they have a very simple appearance, they seem like images children would be drawn to. Overall I enjoyed this story and I feel that it would be best used to do a problem posing type of lesson.
The illustrations in this story are similar to children's drawings in the fact that they have lots of color and blurred lines in border. Although they have a very simple appearance, they seem like images children would be drawn to. Overall I enjoyed this story and I feel that it would be best used to do a problem posing type of lesson.
March 31, 2012
This is an excellent opening to units about the earth's resources and how we use them. Its simplistic approach to explaining how our common resources can be endangered by too much use, will spark discussion. We start with the example of a field of grass that villagers share for sheep grazing. But some villagers have many sheep who eat too much grass, while some have none and are not able to enjoy the greenery after it's been over-grazed. We extend the concept to our seas, forests, and other natural resources. The illustrations are kind of earthy-graphic, illustrating the points in an arty way.
March 5, 2014
A simple story, but one that carries a huge impact. When we all use our resources to our own short-term advantage without realizing what it will do to the whole, there is the distinct possibility of depleting those resources beyond repair. A wonderful book to teach the kids about ecology and nature and give them some food for thought about the preciousness and uniqueness of our planet.
Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share, with its boldly drawn, simple illustrations drives an important point home. We should love and care for our Earth with respect and dignity, or the results could be devastating to all.
Common Ground: The Water, Earth, and Air We Share, with its boldly drawn, simple illustrations drives an important point home. We should love and care for our Earth with respect and dignity, or the results could be devastating to all.
September 11, 2013
Bang begins the book with a parable about a village common where the villagers graze sheep and eventually over-graze the land. From there, she launches into a look at our current world, where we are so focused on benefiting from natural resources that we fail to consider the future. Accompanied by colorful illustrations, this book looks to engage children in larger social questions. This book is excellent for any parent or teacher who is looking to teach children about environmental justice and how to think about the future. Bangs has twice received the Caldecott Honor.
April 24, 2008
Great children's book about an individual's daily impact on the world. Illustrations appear simple at first, but one can see great detail upon second glance. Great message about working together to protect our natural resources. Overall, I really liked it; but the final message can be a bit scary for young children.
July 28, 2009
A pointedly written book for children on community and social justice. It is about the old village model with the town square where citizens shared space to graze their animals. But when greed becomes a factor, the town square (or common ground), is lost. Its a strong message and lesson...one extremely important in today's society where we are forgetting about common ground.
February 2, 2018
While the general message of this book is good, there is definitely a socialist agenda at work. The book ends by saying that we will use up all our resources and we have no place to go. That’s a tad bit terrifying for a second or third grade mind to process. Instead of teaching our children, let’s just scare the hell out of them. Definitely WON’T be giving this to my grandchildren.
April 26, 2013
A shallow lecture about mass consumption and the dangers it brings. Bland illustrations do nothing to make this interesting.
Dont get me wrong, I am a bleeding heart liberal through and through but I will still call out books that are worthless even if they espouse liberal causes.
Dont get me wrong, I am a bleeding heart liberal through and through but I will still call out books that are worthless even if they espouse liberal causes.
June 29, 2015
My boy really liked this story, even though he's still a little young to understand the depth of it he got the simple village sorry at the beginning. I could see using this to teach basic children's economics of public goods and the need to cooperate. And history of good and bad examples of this.
October 29, 2007
Beautiful book. Definite slant. Encourages us to treat the earth well for future generations.
August 9, 2009
It told you not to waste things.
September 17, 2010
Great book for classroom discussions about common ground of all sorts- from the classroom, to the community, to the world.
March 29, 2011
This is a good critical thinking/discussion picture book for the elementary grades. Perfect for Earth Day!
June 8, 2011
loved the perspective of the illustrations and loved the concept of teaching kids how the earth is shared.
May 11, 2012
Nice illustrations and a good introduction to the concept of using and conserving natural resources. However, it's extremely direct/strong in its message, almost a bit textbook or even preachy.
January 15, 2013
Loved this book. It is a great introduction to children about how to manage and conserve resources.
January 20, 2014
This book teaches the tragedy of the commons in a brief but heavy-handed way. I found it a real downer, but my three year old really liked it and wanted to read it again and again.
February 9, 2016
Great book about "going green". Talks to people of all ages about taking care of Mother Earth...Wonderfully illustrated as well.
April 18, 2016
Simple explanation of the importance of environmental protection and the fallacy of short term profits. Just in time for Earth Day displays.
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February 13, 2017AR
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
Richie’s Picks: COMMON GROUND: THE WATER, EARTH, AND AIR WE SHARE by Molly Bang, Scholastic/Blue Sky, 1997, 40p., ISBN: 978-0-590-10056-4
“Some of them were angry at the way the earth was abused
By the men who learned to forge her beauty into power
And they struggled to protect her from them
Only to be confused
By the magnitude of her fury in the final hours”
-- Jackson Browne “Before the Deluge” (1974)
“And because the common grass was free, people put as many sheep to graze there as they could. Soon there were too many sheep.
There was not enough grass for all of them.
This was not good for the commons, or for the sheep, or for the villagers. So people did one of two things.
Some people stayed in the village, but they made a plan together. They agreed to keep the commons lush and green, and to do a better job of sharing it.
Each person could only put one sheep on the commons. Everyone had to follow this rule.
Other people chose to move away. There was always someplace else to go.”
COMMON GROUND is my all-time, number-one ecology book for young people. Molly Bang uses the parable of the village commons to show how today’s citizens of the world need to make conscious decisions about the exploitation of finite resources: fish in the sea; trees in the forests; coal and petroleum deposits; and fresh water. In a succinct picture book text, she shows how decisions made today regarding these essential resources will significantly impact the quality of life in the present time as well as the condition of the planet that we will leave for future generations.
COMMON GROUND has been around for 23 years, and I still haven't found a book that does a better job of explaining so clearly what is at stake.
The author concludes by pointing out that, unlike the long-ago villagers who could just move on, “Now we don’t have anyplace else to go.”
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
“Some of them were angry at the way the earth was abused
By the men who learned to forge her beauty into power
And they struggled to protect her from them
Only to be confused
By the magnitude of her fury in the final hours”
-- Jackson Browne “Before the Deluge” (1974)
“And because the common grass was free, people put as many sheep to graze there as they could. Soon there were too many sheep.
There was not enough grass for all of them.
This was not good for the commons, or for the sheep, or for the villagers. So people did one of two things.
Some people stayed in the village, but they made a plan together. They agreed to keep the commons lush and green, and to do a better job of sharing it.
Each person could only put one sheep on the commons. Everyone had to follow this rule.
Other people chose to move away. There was always someplace else to go.”
COMMON GROUND is my all-time, number-one ecology book for young people. Molly Bang uses the parable of the village commons to show how today’s citizens of the world need to make conscious decisions about the exploitation of finite resources: fish in the sea; trees in the forests; coal and petroleum deposits; and fresh water. In a succinct picture book text, she shows how decisions made today regarding these essential resources will significantly impact the quality of life in the present time as well as the condition of the planet that we will leave for future generations.
COMMON GROUND has been around for 23 years, and I still haven't found a book that does a better job of explaining so clearly what is at stake.
The author concludes by pointing out that, unlike the long-ago villagers who could just move on, “Now we don’t have anyplace else to go.”
Richie Partington, MLIS
Richie's Picks http://richiespicks.pbworks.com
https://www.facebook.com/richiespicks/
richiepartington@gmail.com
April 10, 2020
Molly Bang's picture book , leads us to understand the potential for the tragedy of the 'commons', when we privatize and re-organize.
What struck me personally was the sentence right in the start of the book , that we need to use our commons keeping in mind "the seventh generation" .Along with the descriptions/Illustrations of how we treat our 'commons' today , there was a conscious "in the short run" tag to make us truly ponder and become self-aware .
Worth re-visiting again and again ..
What struck me personally was the sentence right in the start of the book , that we need to use our commons keeping in mind "the seventh generation" .Along with the descriptions/Illustrations of how we treat our 'commons' today , there was a conscious "in the short run" tag to make us truly ponder and become self-aware .
Worth re-visiting again and again ..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2019
My daughter liked this book and immediately caught on that people are destroying the earth. She’s not even 4 yet and she got the message clearly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews