Las Selvas

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Gr 2-4-These titles are rich in illustrations, ranging from photographs to maps and drawings. The design is attractive and the clearly presented information does not bombard readers with too many details. In each volume, carefully organized chapters explore the wildlife, plant life, and/or people who inhabit the featured environments. Two chapters in each volume explore the issues of pollution and conservation. The final chapter offers a fictional story based on an aboriginal myth accompanied by fanciful artwork. Boxed inserts offer "Did you know?" facts. Useful introductions to the study of ecology. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature

The tropical jungles of Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia abound with diverse forms of life. Different levels of the forests provide homes for frogs, monkeys, sloths, lizards, bats, birds and insects. Human tribes also dwell in the vast expanse of trees. Unfortunately, the jungles are being destroyed for logging and agricultural purposes at such an alarming rate that scientists estimate by the year 2050, all the tropical forests could all have disappeared. This nonfiction book provides a wealth of information in an easy to read format. In addition to the text and lengthy captions accompanying colorful photographs, many pages contain inset boxes with additional tidbits of information. Boldfaced vocabulary words are defined in a glossary and an alphabetical index will help locate specific information. A bonus section following the main body of the book relates a Congolese legend and explains why the people of the Congo tolerate mischievous monkeys entering their homes. This book could provide a solid basis for several classroom geography, science or world studies lessons and would also make an excellent classroom or library resource for students seeking information about the world's jungles. A true or false quiz in the back will help reinforce the knowledge contained in the book. Spanish text. 2000, Two-Can Publishing, $4.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Ramirose Ilene Attebury AGES: 7 8 9 10 11 12