Giverny
Book Award^TM 1998

1998 Giverny Award Winner
Best Children's Science Picture Book

Book: Common Ground:
The Water, Earth, and Air We Share

Author & Illustrator: Molly Bang

© 1997, Molly Bang
ISBN: 0-590-10056-4
List price: $12.95 (US)
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press, an imprint of Scholastic, Inc., New York, NY 10012

http://www.amazon.com

Jacket illustration at left © 1997, Molly Bang -- used with permission.

Winning Book Synopsis:

A thought-provoking allegory--with vivid, jewel-like illustrations--based on biologist Garrett Hardin's classic biology article (Science, 1968), "The Tragedy of the Commons," this book raises important stewardship questions regarding the earth's flora, fauna, and natural resouces. It also deftly implies that the answer is embedded in the Tale of the Commons. Insightful illustrations use cut-away and distorted aerial perspectives to amplify the text, and to provoke readers to always consider "the bigger picture" when taking action.

Biographical Sketch of the Winning Author (and Illustrator):

Born in Princeton, New Jersey in 1943, Molly Bang, is committed to retelling and illustrating fables and folklore from many cultures. Her textual signature has been her whimsical humor and the element of mystery she adds to her stories. She has lived in Japan, India, and Mali--currently residing in Falmouth, MA. Some of her books also address science topics--including COMMON GROUND and CHATTANOOGA SLUDGE, which emphasizes the theme of recycling. She has received many honors and book awards, including two highly respected Caldecott Honor Book Awards (for TEN, NINE, EIGHT and THE GREY LADY AND THE STRAWBERRY SNATCHER). Her artwork demonstrates her mastery of a variety of methods, from watercolor to collage to 3-dimensional dioramas.