Review
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Simple text introduces these two biomes and explores
the life within them, with the notions of interdependence and
ecological balance foremost. Colorful photographs depict the
native s and animals of these complex environments; other
photos show kids in action helping to preserve the environments.
The clean design is supported by some additional sidebar
information. --Horn Book Guide, May 2007
Looking for a way to get kids interested in the characteristics
of different biomes? This series of books draws children in with
inviting covers that give readers a quick view of each different
biome. Throughout this series, students explore each landscape
from a variety of different viewpoints. Each book has six
chapters, and readers gather valuable information for report
writing. High-quality photos can be used to develop food webs or
as the basis for discussions. In each book, there is a chapter
that profiles a real scientist and field notes that give readers
additional, high-interest factoids. The vocabulary showcased in
these books is far from ordinary and provides clear definitions
and examples that show the meaning in context. From the animals
and s that inhabit the biome to the additional websites,
these books are perfect for elementary level students. Deciduous
Forest takes readers from the tops of trees to the forest floor
in vibrant color photographs. From animals to insects, the reader
is treated to a colorful look at the creatures that live there.
Children are also shown ways to help preserve the biome as they
meet an ecologist studying the trees in Yellowstone National
Park. --NSTA Recommends, January 2007
With controlled vocabulary and short, simple sentences, this
Explore the Biomes series is intended to engage the interest of
middle readers with below-expectation reading levels and help
them access information about varied ecological communities
called biomes. Each book contains five or six short chapters
defining the biome, introducing native s and animals,
exploring the role of humans in that ecology, and then offering a
field guide (quick facts) and a profile of a scientist who works
in one of the biomes being studied. Following this formula, the
authors have managed to make the brief text as lively as
possible; color photos are generally well selected and of much
greater interest than is usual in a series from this publisher.
Readers will be able to identify deciduous forest areas on a
world and learn about forest s like oaks, raspberries,
and milkweed. Another chapter introduces forest animals; for
example, foxes, spotted flycatchers, copperheads, and centipedes.
Stressing the importance of forests for products, oxygen, and
animal habitats, the chapter on human interaction explains
dangers from logging and loss of forest species. Especially
striking are photos of a deciduous forest in autumn and the
close-up of an orange-ed robin with a red berry in its
beak. Readers will meet ecologist William Ripple, who studies the
ecological relationship of aspen trees, elk, and wolves. These
visually attractive books present biome overviews that should be
colorful and appealing enough to inspire further research. Each
title contains a glossary, a short bibliography, and an index.
--Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, January 2007
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About the Author
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Linda Tagliaferro is a Capstone Author
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