Synopsis
Discusses life on the land, including its origins, variety, and different environments, or biomes.
Patricia J. Morrow - VOYA
Part of a six-volume set that focuses on evolution and diversity of life on Earth, On the Land surveys how the earth has been host to various life forms-those fossilized and those still evolving. The diversity of land formation and biomes and the mass extinction of species set the stage to begin looking at the earliest and simplest life forms, snails and worms, and to move through animals without backbones, amphibians and reptiles, mammals, and birds. The two-page spread format again allows for a fundamental introduction and illustrations of the life forms or concepts presented. These books are written in a conversational style and survey complex subjects in a direct way. A time line of the events in the volume is given along with a time line of geological periods, and a glossary explains words pertinent to the topic. Many Web sites are described for further exploration. Other titles in the series are Before Life, The First Humans, In the Air, First Life, and In the Sea. The books are attractive and would be useful both in the classroom and for home schooling. The major shortcoming is the lack of an integrated index, but each volume stands alone. (Life on Earth). VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2004, Facts on File, 112p.; Glossary. Index. Illus., PLB. Ages 11 to 15.
Editorials
VOYA
Part of a six-volume set that focuses on evolution and diversity of life on Earth, On the Land surveys how the earth has been host to various life forms-those fossilized and those still evolving. The diversity of land formation and biomes and the mass extinction of species set the stage to begin looking at the earliest and simplest life forms, snails and worms, and to move through animals without backbones, amphibians and reptiles, mammals, and birds. The two-page spread format again allows for a fundamental introduction and illustrations of the life forms or concepts presented. These books are written in a conversational style and survey complex subjects in a direct way. A time line of the events in the volume is given along with a time line of geological periods, and a glossary explains words pertinent to the topic. Many Web sites are described for further exploration. Other titles in the series are Before Life, The First Humans, In the Air, First Life, and In the Sea. The books are attractive and would be useful both in the classroom and for home schooling. The major shortcoming is the lack of an integrated index, but each volume stands alone. (Life on Earth). VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P M J (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2004, Facts on File, 112p.; Glossary. Index. Illus., PLB. Ages 11 to 15.—Patricia J. Morrow