Forest Explorer: A Life-sized Field Guide
Kindergarten-Grade 4--With this beautiful and engrossing photographic guide, Bishop creates another exciting study of natural history that will make children sit up, take notice, and wonder. Focusing on deciduous forests, the book consists of brief chapters that showcase life in the understory, the treetops, and at the edge of the woods. Other sections cover "Waking in Spring," nocturnal creatures, "The Fall," and "Winter Survivors." Each chapter opens with a stunning photographic spread that is crammed with pictures of animals, plants, and insects--all life-sized except when they are highlighted by a magnifying glass. Each scene is followed by a two-page description of the denizens of that location. Only a snippet of information about each animal is provided. A list of hints for forest exploration, a segment that points out things to observe in a tri-monthly rotation, and a wonderful picture index are appended. Though not useful for fieldwork or research, this title's eye-catching visuals and oversized format are great for firing enthusiasm and encouraging browsing. Extend the reading experience with Jim Arnosky's "Crinkleroot" series (S & S) and "All About" series (Scholastic), and Robert Sabuda's "The Young Naturalist's Pop-Up Handbooks" (Hyperion).--Dona Ratterree, New York City Public SchoolsCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.