Wetlands

Children's Literature - Jean Boreen

This text is part of a series that takes a look at different geographic features around our world. In this particular entry, the reader learns about Wetlands, areas found on all continents except Antarctica where we find marches, bogs, fens, and swamps; in other words, areas of soil covered with water. This easy to follow book has a six chapter set-up followed by sections called, in order, "True Statistics," Resources (a current grouping of books and websites and places to visit that address the topic with creativity and well-researched information), Important Words, an Index, and About the Author. The chapters focus on where we find wetlands, the animals that live in wetlands and how they build a wetland, the importance of the plants found in wetland areas, why wetlands are important, and finally, the future of both the wetlands and our world if we don't do a better job protecting wetland areas. Excellent photos and graphics throughout further explain or share everything from the fact that the land in the Okefenokee Swamp—found in Georgia and Florida—is actually floating islands of peat to the surprising information that a young crocodile can use his tails to launch himself out of the water to grab prey. This is a great book in a strong series "A True Book" for younger students looking for information about geographic regions on Earth. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D.