Vanishing Forests

School Library Journal

Gr 5-9-- This reasonably good overview describes the forests' structure and ecology, their importance to the planet, and the reasons for and consequences of their rapid destruction. ``Earth Experiences'' activities that demonstrate aspects of forest life are included. Suggestions for action are a useful feature. Although generally well arranged and well written, there are flaws. Including jaguar and gorilla in the same sentence gives the impression they live together. Incorrect descriptions appear, such as an epiphyte's being ``rooted in the ground,'' archaeopteryx as having wingspans ``bigger than any seen today,'' and defining redwoods as ``a type of sequoia.'' Both full-color and black-and-white photographs are plentiful and beautifully illustrate the text. Nations's Tropical Rainforests (Watts, 1988) and Mutel's Tropical Rain Forests (Lerner, 1991) are of fine quality and still current. --Meryl Silverstein, American Museum of Natural History, New York City