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The Boy who Spoke to the Earth
When a young boy asks the Earth where he can find happiness, the Earth agrees to show him the way. Join the Earth and the boy in this epic tale as you experience your own journey to happiness. You may learn together what it means to stand still for just a moment and find joy every step of the way.
42 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2015
About the author
Chris Burkard
15 books40 followersChris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.
Layered by outdoor, travel, adventure, surf, and lifestyle subjects, Burkard is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, powerful landscapes. Through social media chris strives to share his vision of wild places with millions of people, and to inspire them to explore for themselves.
His visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on global, prominent campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, speak on the TED stage, design product lines, educate, and publish a growing collection of books. Along with his team, Burkard is based out of his production studio and art gallery in the Central Coast of California.
At the age of 31, Burkard has established himself as a global presence and influencer. He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons Jeremiah and Forrest in his hometown of Pismo Beach, California
from https://www.chrisburkard.com/Pages/About
Layered by outdoor, travel, adventure, surf, and lifestyle subjects, Burkard is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, powerful landscapes. Through social media chris strives to share his vision of wild places with millions of people, and to inspire them to explore for themselves.
His visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on global, prominent campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, speak on the TED stage, design product lines, educate, and publish a growing collection of books. Along with his team, Burkard is based out of his production studio and art gallery in the Central Coast of California.
At the age of 31, Burkard has established himself as a global presence and influencer. He is happiest with his wife Breanne raising their two sons Jeremiah and Forrest in his hometown of Pismo Beach, California
from https://www.chrisburkard.com/Pages/About
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 12, 2023
A boy asks the Earth how to find happiness, and the Earth takes him on a tour of the great outdoors, but still the boy can’t seem to find happiness. The story’s moral is thought-provoking enough for the grownups who read this to their children or students, and the awe-inspiring illustrations by David McClellan will fill readers’ hearts with joy.
I discovered The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth on a list of the 36 children’s books best for adults to read, and how glad I am that I did! This picture book will stay with me for a long, long time. Incidentally, the second-best way to enjoy this book is to watch and listen as the author himself, Chris Burkard, reads it. The best way? As a bedtime story read to a perceptive child.
I discovered The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth on a list of the 36 children’s books best for adults to read, and how glad I am that I did! This picture book will stay with me for a long, long time. Incidentally, the second-best way to enjoy this book is to watch and listen as the author himself, Chris Burkard, reads it. The best way? As a bedtime story read to a perceptive child.
March 13, 2016
Last year (2015) I helped to crowd fund this amazing project. It was my first ever crowd funding attempt and I could not be more in awe of the books; Chris Bukkard and David McClellan have created a seriously amazing picture book with some of the best illustrations and colour use I have ever seen.
I highly encourage everyone to track down a copy of this book, as not only is the story beautiful but the illustrations are mind blowing. Seriously. Track. It. Down.
I highly encourage everyone to track down a copy of this book, as not only is the story beautiful but the illustrations are mind blowing. Seriously. Track. It. Down.
January 18, 2016
I was first attracted to this book because I know the illustrator. In fact, he illustrates my books too and I'm a huge fan!
But I quickly fell for the story! When the boy stops to really look at the earth--it's breathtaking. The art will slay you. The message will inspire you. I've read it four times and even read it with my eleven year old son.
I highly recommend this for all humans!
But I quickly fell for the story! When the boy stops to really look at the earth--it's breathtaking. The art will slay you. The message will inspire you. I've read it four times and even read it with my eleven year old son.
I highly recommend this for all humans!
June 22, 2019
Chris Burkard is an award-winning photographer whose first picturebook, “The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth,” is a simple telling of a boy who learns to be still and listen to the beauty of the earth—thereby finally finding the elusive happiness he is seeking. The boy asks the earth, “WHERE CAN I FIND HAPPINESS?” The earth sends him to the ocean, to the cliffs, to the forest, to the desert, to the mountains and to the top of the world . . . and the boy sees no happiness. When he cries to the earth that he followed all directions and he didn’t find happiness, the earth answers, “MY BOY, DID YOU LOOK WITHOUT SEEING?” then sends him back through his journey and asks him to see and to be still . . . and finally, the boy sees!
David McClellan’s first illustrated picturebook is full of gorgeous landscapes created with digital painting. McClellan’s illustrations complement perfectly Burkard’s text. At the beginning of the text, when the boy travels to each location, we see just a small portion of each view which fades into white at all borders feeling very dreamlike and unreal. However, when the boy SEES, each opening is a double-spread full bleed with no text showing the reader the complete splendor of each location causing the reader to pause, just like the boy, to take it all in. The font is conversational and soft even though it is in all capitals. Each time the boy is instructed to go to a new location, the font travels up encouraging the boy to continue upward on his journey. Then, when the text stops, we understand that the text is now in the full beauty of each illustrated spread. The landscape design is perfect for painting panoramic scenes. The text is easily accessible for very young readers, and all ages will thrill to the life-like landscape illustrations.
David McClellan’s first illustrated picturebook is full of gorgeous landscapes created with digital painting. McClellan’s illustrations complement perfectly Burkard’s text. At the beginning of the text, when the boy travels to each location, we see just a small portion of each view which fades into white at all borders feeling very dreamlike and unreal. However, when the boy SEES, each opening is a double-spread full bleed with no text showing the reader the complete splendor of each location causing the reader to pause, just like the boy, to take it all in. The font is conversational and soft even though it is in all capitals. Each time the boy is instructed to go to a new location, the font travels up encouraging the boy to continue upward on his journey. Then, when the text stops, we understand that the text is now in the full beauty of each illustrated spread. The landscape design is perfect for painting panoramic scenes. The text is easily accessible for very young readers, and all ages will thrill to the life-like landscape illustrations.
April 7, 2021
One of many books I look forward to interpreting for the local metroparks, I was immediately drawn into photographer Chris Burkard's "The Boy Who Spoke to the Earth" based on the mesmerizing cover art! A tale about appreciating happiness and beauty wherever you roam, this children's book is one of many recent picture books that show just how far juvenile material has come.
If you wish to include this book in a story time session, or as a tie over between class assignments or bedtime, I beg you not to rush through it but to savor it. The illustrations, like the moral of the story itself, are to be treasured by minds young and old. I would also recommend taking a moment, afterwards, to think about the ending and discuss with whomever you are sharing the book with.
As we approach Earth Day, take a moment to remember why this planet is so stunning. How, in the vastness of space and time, we get to be part of this creation. And, when you are ready, take a look around you and simply say: "Thank you!".
I hope many of you take a chance to enjoy this book, share with loved ones and strangers alike, and make it a point of your daily routine to note where true happiness is found.
If you wish to include this book in a story time session, or as a tie over between class assignments or bedtime, I beg you not to rush through it but to savor it. The illustrations, like the moral of the story itself, are to be treasured by minds young and old. I would also recommend taking a moment, afterwards, to think about the ending and discuss with whomever you are sharing the book with.
As we approach Earth Day, take a moment to remember why this planet is so stunning. How, in the vastness of space and time, we get to be part of this creation. And, when you are ready, take a look around you and simply say: "Thank you!".
I hope many of you take a chance to enjoy this book, share with loved ones and strangers alike, and make it a point of your daily routine to note where true happiness is found.
April 26, 2026
My husband and I found this book during a trip to Southern Utah at a ranger station, and I had to get it. We both agreed it would be the perfect book to read to our future kids someday, to teach them about the beauty of nature and appreciation for the world around them.
But honestly? This book became a lesson for me.
I remember feeling annoyed with the heat, dirt, and sand, telling my husband that this landscape wasn’t my vibe and that I was “only seeing rocks and dead stuff.” After reading this book in that ranger station on our way to Bears Ears Monument, my whole perception shifted. I followed the earth’s “advice” from the story: to stand still, be present, and truly look around me. I finished the trip with completely different eyes.
One more reason why I love the magic and simplicity of children’s books! This book changed the way I experienced a real moment in life, and that’s very special. The illustrations are also incredibly beautiful and touching. 🥹🏜️🏔️🌿🍃
But honestly? This book became a lesson for me.
I remember feeling annoyed with the heat, dirt, and sand, telling my husband that this landscape wasn’t my vibe and that I was “only seeing rocks and dead stuff.” After reading this book in that ranger station on our way to Bears Ears Monument, my whole perception shifted. I followed the earth’s “advice” from the story: to stand still, be present, and truly look around me. I finished the trip with completely different eyes.
One more reason why I love the magic and simplicity of children’s books! This book changed the way I experienced a real moment in life, and that’s very special. The illustrations are also incredibly beautiful and touching. 🥹🏜️🏔️🌿🍃
August 20, 2024
I will always be a Chris Burkard fan. I love the narrative of focusing on where you come from and the beauty and joy in the journey, and Burkard beautifully portrayed this in his book. We love this world and it's natural wonders, and I loved talking with my children about all the different environments presented in the book. We talked about the types of places we find the most beautiful and the things we're grateful for in nature.
September 9, 2017
This is a wonderful book about a boy looking for happiness. He walks to the ocean, the cliffs, the forest, the desert, the mountains, and even to the top of the world, but doesn't find happiness until he looks and REALLY sees and experiences and realizes that happiness is all around him! BEAUTIFUL! I love the message of the book and the incredible drawings.
April 28, 2018
Been processing books for my kid's elementary school library. This brand new, autographed copy (thank you whoever donated this) practically jumped into my hands. Suitable for just about every age. Sweet, comforting, expansive, beautiful illustrations. Not just about nature, but a metaphor for life as well.
April 12, 2021
Beautiful illustrations offer readers a way to walk along with this boy as he seeks happiness from the earth. The earth is personified, converses with the child and sends him to locations all over to find happiness. Unfortunately, he misses it the first time so earth tells him to retrace his steps and stand still to look.
Terrific to emphasize beauty and peace all around us.
Terrific to emphasize beauty and peace all around us.
July 25, 2022
GORGEOUS book, from beginning to end. For Burkard's first children's book, it checked off all the boxes necessary while also being thought-provoking for adults. McClellan's illustrations are breathtaking. I can't wait read this book to my students and use it for my mindfulness lessons. I'm so glad to have found it at the Haleakalā National Park gift shop last month!!!
August 8, 2017
What a sweet story about taking time to notice the world around you! The boy goes from setting to setting, never getting his question answered, until he revisits each place in turn and discovers he needed to slow down and just listen to get his answer.
November 9, 2023
My 4 year old loves this book. They read it at her preschool and when I got it from the library (without knowing she'd read it) she was so excited! It's a super sweet book and GORGEOUS illustrations.
September 5, 2017
definitely a lifelong favourite
March 6, 2018
Short and simple, yet profound! Illustrations are beautiful!
May 8, 2018
I own this book (received it as a gift) and let's just say the gift-giver knows me well!! The pictures are gorgeous, and the message is very national parksy. Love it!
August 7, 2019
A peaceful, mindful journey through the natural world as a young boy learns what it means to really see the beauty that surrounds him.
April 30, 2020
Just beautiful 🦋💫
August 6, 2020
Great pictures. How to find happiness.
March 1, 2021
Amazing book on adventure and staying present in the beauty of the world. Love the words, the pictures, and the message.
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September 25, 2022I seriously love this book, so hard. I think it’s perfect
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January 28, 2025read in 5 minutes at the gynecologist’s office
“‘My boy.
Do you look without seeing?’
asked the Earth.”
“‘My boy.
Do you look without seeing?’
asked the Earth.”
August 10, 2025
a simple and beautiful story with a strong message
January 15, 2026
Incredible story that encourages the reader to seek happiness in everything around them! The illustrations associated with the reading are incredible and help realize the beauty that surround us!
May 19, 2026
I read it to my Grandma and we both liked it.
May 25, 2026
A great story! Well written and beautiful illustrations! Highly recommend!
March 3, 2017
The storyline is not quite me. Don't get me wrong, I love nature, but I was getting kind of bored with how it was presented. Luckily, the illustrations made it great. In fact, as the boy looked for happiness I kept wondering why he didn't realize how beautiful all the scenery was. Then you get to the end of the book when the boy finally pays attention to nature around him. The illustrations increase from a small path to the entire page and they are amazing! That is when the book went from good to incredible. It reminded me of Where The Wild Things Are and how the illustrations increase and decrease as the story is told.
My only complaint is that I wish the storyline could change a bit so it gets the same message across without hitting you over the head with it. Like a parable. It is more fun when you discover the message yourself instead of having if forced upon you. That is the only reason this didn’t make my favorite shelf.
My only complaint is that I wish the storyline could change a bit so it gets the same message across without hitting you over the head with it. Like a parable. It is more fun when you discover the message yourself instead of having if forced upon you. That is the only reason this didn’t make my favorite shelf.
November 17, 2022
This book is a beautiful harmony of a touching story and amazing illustrations! The readers will experience so many miraculous moments. We all already have the happiness!
August 10, 2015
The illustrations are beautiful. I love how the early illustrations are like looking at the ground and the later illustrations are huge, taking up both pages.
The story is nice about finding happiness by taking a moment to truly look around.
I gave 5 stars, but one small annoyance is that the author uses "he" for the boy immediately after the earth speaks. This is both grammatically incorrect and causes a moment of confusion, so when I'm reading I convert the first pronoun of the sentence into "the boy". This happens on every journey step.
Example: "Then go to the cliffs, where the water is always flowing," said the Earth.
So he waded and he wandered until he left the waves behind.
The font is in all caps. I don't mind this, but some might find this annoying too.
The story is nice about finding happiness by taking a moment to truly look around.
I gave 5 stars, but one small annoyance is that the author uses "he" for the boy immediately after the earth speaks. This is both grammatically incorrect and causes a moment of confusion, so when I'm reading I convert the first pronoun of the sentence into "the boy". This happens on every journey step.
Example: "Then go to the cliffs, where the water is always flowing," said the Earth.
So he waded and he wandered until he left the waves behind.
The font is in all caps. I don't mind this, but some might find this annoying too.
December 30, 2019
I happened upon this book at a National Park in Southern California and grabbed it for my (at the time) 4 year old daughter. After 2 years it is still one of the most read books on our shelves. I love taking my time on the wordless pages being silent and giving room for my daughter to think. I often bring this book when I’m reading to a group as kids find it hard to look away from the pictures. This is a treasure in our personal library and will not be passed down even once my daughter gets tired of picture books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews