Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth

The first thing that struck me when I received my book was the quality of construction. It's a beautiful hardback with dust cover and sensational illustrations. Not your typical book. It will survive many readings (which it will surely get), and will be passed to future generations. The story is marvelous. Its a great book to read together with your children, and is interesting for both young and adult. Its great to have a book for kids with messages I am comfortable imparting. The worst part about this book is that it ends. I can't wait for the next one!

As a former English teacher and current staff developer, I am always excited when a new writer ventures into the difficult world of juvenille literature. Was I in for a treat. This was not just another new wannabe publishing her first novel. This is the real deal. What a joy to read! I am the proud mother of a three year old Gaia Girl. She rescues worms from the sidewalk as soon as the rain ends, puts fallen flower petals back in the pots with their "mommies", and knows when the tree in our backyard is happy or sad by the conversations she and the tree have. More than once she's sobbed as I mowed over dandelions in our yard. Her heartfelt love of all things living is sincere. As I read the book, I experienced an odd mixture of emotions. I could imagine Elizabeth as she was a toddler and my daughter as a teenager. I'm watching a deep love much like Elizabeth's grow in my daughter and Lee Wells captured it perfectly. Her clever style of mixing fabulous fiction with an important message about protecting our Earth both entertains us and makes us think. I've already passed my copy on to a teenage friend who enjoyed it so much she can't part with it to return it. Guess I know who I'll be buying Book Two for!

As an organic vegetable farmer I read a very much enjoyed Lee Welles' book Gaia Girls: Enter the Earth. It was great to read a book that was so entertaining and yet had such an important message about factory versus family farms encoded in a way that is understandable to young readers, but not preachy or boring. I found myself sneaking in a chapter here and there throughout the day, even during my busy planting season- a must read for any environmentally conscious family! This book is a great tool to teach kids about the value of family farms and the true cost of factory farming.

Enter the Earth is the first book in a series that looks to be quite entertaining. I bought it for my kids and ended up reading it first! It has elements that can appeal to all readers: some fantasy, some family interaction, some environmental message that's not preachy, some action adventure. Can't wait for book two......!!!

This is a wonderful story that captures your senses and takes you along on the adventure. Lee writes with such creativity and passion and it shows in every chapter! I highly recommend this read for both young and old. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2!