Desert

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6Two serviceable series titles that introduce unique regions of the world and identify the flora and fauna that inhabit them. Full-color photographs and diagrams appear on almost every page; while attractive and for the most part interesting, they do not always correspond to the text. In Grasslands, a picture of zebra and wildebeests accompanies the discussion of American bison. Sidebars set off by buff backgrounds are informative but not always relevant to the section in which they appear. Ricciuti devotes a chapter in each book to the future of the biomes, documenting the environmental threats and addressing the complex issues involved in conservation efforts. Useful, if not terribly exciting, additions.Eva Elisabeth Von Ancken, Trinity Pawling School, NY