Tundra

Children's Literature

This entry in the "First Reports" series describes the climate, land formations, plant life and animals of the frozen arctic land known as tundra. Information briefly states what tundra is, where it's found (unfortunately there is no map), and what plants and animals live there. Photographs show numerous views of tundra, including such landforms as pingos (low hills caused by permafrost) and polygons (caused by melting and freezing mud), and aspects such as permafrost, treelines and bogs. Excellent photographs of stunted plant growth and large and small animals, all accurately and specifically captioned, give young readers more to pursue after reading this overview. Final sections show how a frozen mammoth was freed from the Russian tundra and detail the threats posed by acid rain and air pollution, which may harm the delicate food chain of tundras. This useful and clearly written text provides a good introduction to the subject for young readers and is supported with a short "Did You Know?" section, "Facts at a Glance," book and web site references, an index and "Places to Write to for More Information." 2001, Compass Point Books, $21.26. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Susan Hepler

School Library Journal

Gr 2-5-These slim volumes introduce particular biomes. The first book presents an overview of the different kinds of wetlands and describes the many animals that inhabit them. Particular attention is given to the Everglades, and the author conveys a positive, hopeful picture for its future and that of other wetlands. This title complements Darlene Stille's Wetlands (Children's, 2000). In Tundra, the difference between "arctic" and "alpine" tundra is explained much better than in similar books for this audience. The straightforward text includes some interesting asides, such as the finding of a 23,000-year-old woolly mammoth in the permafrost of Russia's tundra. The photography in both books is good but often does not reflect the text, e.g., the picture of a snowshoe hare is on the same page as a discussion of how long it takes rainfall to evaporate on the tundra. Serviceable titles where need dictates.-Mollie Bynum, formerly at Chester Valley Elementary School, Anchorage, AK Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.