"Planet Earth: An Illustrated History," by the editors of TIME, takes readers on a global journey of discovery. Marketed as a coffee table work for adults, this book can be enjoyed by young and old alike.

Just because a book is marketed as a "children's" book doesn't mean an adult won't thoroughly enjoy it as well. Conversely, there are some books marketed toward adults that children will be drawn to and be able to gain a great deal from.

Today's reviewed books fit that bill precisely; something for young and old alike. Each reviewed book focuses on an aspect of our world – its people, our planet, and the wonders that make up who we are and where we live.

Join together as a family of adults and children exploring the world together. It's an excellent pursuit that everyone will benefit from. The more we understand our planet and each other, the better off the whole world will be.

The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"How People Live"</B> by Dr. Deena Freeman, photographs – various credits, DK Publishing, 304 pages; read aloud: ages 7 to 8 and older; read yourself: ages 9 to 10 and older.Examining daily lives, customs, food, recreation, languages, and religions of people around the world, this extraordinary offering provides an intimate look at the fundamental similarities of humans, regardless of where they live.Engaging personal stories and gorgeous color photographs provide readers and listeners with the diversity of cultures around the globe.Rich on every level, "How People Live" is educational, fascinating, and a must-read for young and old alike.

<B>Library:</B> Prospect Community Library, 357 Main St., Prospect<B>Library Director:</B> Jeanne Sarnese<B>Children's Librarian:</B> Jill Hambley<B>Choices this week: "Bonjour Butterfly"</B> by Jane O'Connor; <B>"Asleep in a Heap"</B> by Elizabeth Winthrop; <B>"Bear Feels Sick"</B> by Karma Wilson

The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Planet Earth: An Illustrated History"</B> by the editors of TIME, 2008, 250 pages, $29.95 hardcover; read aloud: all ages; read yourself: age 11 to 12 and older.The editors of TIME have teamed with the world's most acclaimed nature photographers to take readers and listeners of all ages on an epic journey of discovery of the mysterious, majestic place we call home: Planet Earth.Through accessible, informative text and stunning photographs, "Planet Earth" offers an extraordinary introduction to the natural sciences on a global scale."Planet Earth" explores our atmosphere and its phenomena; the land and its animal and plant inhabitants – how they live, play, reproduce, communicate, parent and defend; all the waters on the earth's surface; the frozen places of our planet; the subterranean planet.Marketed as a coffee table book for adults, this recommendation crosses the line into an offering that can be enjoyed by young and old alike.Whether it's an older child or adult who wishes to read every page, or younger children who are fascinated with the photographs and enjoy hearing a synopsis of what they see, it's impossible for either to walk away from this book without being enriched with a greater understanding of our planet – a true place of countless wonders."<B>The Ultimate Interactive Atlas of the World"</B> by Elaine Jackson, maps and photos – various credits, Scholastic, 2008, 50 pages, $17.99 hardcover; read aloud: ages 7 to 8 and older; read yourself: ages 8 to 9 and older.Get ready for an exciting globe trotting adventure with more than 20 pull-tabs, pop-ups, flaps and sliders, all coupled with fascinating detailed information and accurate maps of the world.Learn how maps are made, how time zones work, and how the earth was shaped over time. Explore the different continents of the world and further detail key aspects of individual countries.An excellent book that broadens your understanding of the world, readers young and old will benefit from this fascinating interactive book.