Life in a Rainforest

Children's Literature

As part of the "Ecosystems" series, this book educates the reader on the amazing and yet fragile world of the rain forest. With over thirty million specie representatives, the rain forest is the most diverse ecosystem in the world. There are three major areas hosting this remarkable ecosystem: South America, Southeast Asia, and Central and Western Africa. The constant warmth and moisture of these areas (all near the earth's equator) allows life there to be completely self-reliant. Considered a "closed system", the rain forest maintains its own health by a constant flow of give and take. Plants give to animals and in return, animals give back to plants. The four layers of the rain forest, emergent, canopy, understory, and forest floor, make up this amazing and complex world of symbiosis. For all its grandeur, the rain forest is at risk as over half of it has been destroyed by human negligence. Deforestation is occurring at an alarming rate and increased urbanization is threatening the life of indigenous people, plants, and animals. Readers will learn more about all the above in this detailed text. It includes photographs on almost every page as well as glossary, index, and resource sections. It is a suitable resource for strong readers and avid environmentalists. 2003, KidHaven Press, Ages 9 to 14.
—Andrea Sears Andrews