Deserts

School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-- British imports that do a fine job of introducing two ecosystems. The authors examine the conditions that create each of them; showcase the plants, insects, wildlife, and people that inhabit them; and present the need for conservation to allow the environments to survive. The writing is clear, yet crammed with interesting and unusual facts. The descriptions of various interdependencies are fascinating and make these great resources for reports. Large, attractive, full-color photographs are found throughout each book. There are some charts and maps, also in color, but diagrams of more difficult concepts are lacking. While there are no glossaries, difficult or unusual words are printed in bold type and explained at the end of each chapter. Not at all preachy, the books deal with conservation issues openly and fairly, examining both sides of the question. Solid additions for most collections. --Dot Minzer, North Barrington School, Barrington, IL