Synopsis
Describes the climate, seasons, plants, animals, and soil of the boreal forest, a biome or land zone, which stretches across the northern parts of North America, Europe, and ...
Children's Literature
With photographs suitable for a nature calendar and illustrations of a naturalist's sketchbook, this is truly a delightful and informative book. Having read this book, one feels as if they have emerged from a guided nature walk through the northernmost forest region of North America. The text is similar to journal entries as each turn of the page reveals a new sight, be it flora or fauna! From resin oozing from the bark of a conifer, to caribou searching for lichens, to a raging forest fire, we are provided with informative text to accompany each beautiful photograph. Each page is an attractive composition of brushed green background, colorful photographs and text. Scattered throughout the work are illustrations presented in note form that include a descriptive sentence to explain the photographs. While some of the text may be considered beneath the intended audience of a nine to twelve-year-old, it is not a detriment to the content of this well-designed book. Included in the back are additional sources for information about the Boreal Forest—even a brief annotated Internet bibliography. 2001, Carolrhoda Books Inc., $23.93. Ages 9 to 12. Reviewer: Elizabeth Young