Explore the Ocean (Explore the Biomes)
Looking for a way to get kids interested in the characteristics of different biomes? This series of books draws children in with inviting covers that give readers a quick view of each different biome. Throughout this series, students explore each landscape from a variety of different viewpoints. Each book has six chapters, and readers gather valuable information for report writing. High-quality photos can be used to develop food webs or as the basis for discussions. In each book, there is a chapter that profiles a real scientist and field notes that give readers additional, high-interest factoids. The vocabulary showcased in these books is far from ordinary and provides clear definitions and examples that show the meaning in context. From the animals and plants that inhabit the biome to the additional websites, these books are perfect for elementary level students. Many books on the ocean can teach facts, but this one is different. From the photographs that draw a child into this world under the water, to the creatures that live there, this book keeps readers wanting to know more. It helps us see the vastness of this biome and understand why it is so valuable to our future. It will encourage children to jump right in and explore this biome for its valuable assets, fascinating animals, and future development. --NSTA Recommends, January 2007With controlled vocabulary and short, simple sentences, this Explore the Biomes series is intended to engage the interest of middle readers with below-expectation reading levels and help them access information about varied ecological communities called biomes. Each book contains five or six short chapters defining the biome, introducing native plants and animals, exploring the role of humans in that ecology, and then offering a field guide (quick facts) and a profile of a scientist who works in one of the biomes being studied. Following this formula, the authors have managed to make the brief text as lively as possible; color photos are generally well selected and of much greater interest than is usual in a series from this publisher. Readers will be able to identify major oceans on a world map and learn about ocean plants like kelp and edible seaweed. Other chapters introduce animals of the shore, shallow water, and deep water; for example, blue crabs, sea otters, and viperfish. Stressing conservation, the chapter on human interaction explains the fragility of oceans and dangers from over fishing, pollution, and destruction of habitats. Especially striking are photos of seaweed farmers harvesting plants for sushi and the close-up of a huge-eyed orange shrimp. Readers will meet Dr. Sylvia Earle, an oceanographer who has designed a deep-sea submersible and writes children s books about ocean creatures. These visually attractive books present biome overviews that should be colorful and appealing enough to inspire further research. Each title contains a glossary, a short bibliography, and an index. --Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, January 2007############################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################### --Smart Writer's Journal, October 2006