Explore the Deciduous Forest

Description

Review 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 plants 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 2007Looking 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 plants 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 2007With 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 plants 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 map and learn about forest plants 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-breasted 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 Read more About the Author Linda Tagliaferro is a Capstone Author Read more