Boobies, Iguanas & Other Critters: Nature's Story in the Galapagos (Biosphere Reserve Series)
Grade 5-7-The first in a series about biosphere reserves (places designated by UNESCO as representative ecosystems that should be preserved and protected), this book is more scientific than other comparable offerings on the Galapagos. The wildlife, geology, and natural history of the islands are clearly explained, with technical terms defined in the text. Darwin's theory of evolution is described in age-appropriate language. The last chapter discusses writing a science report. The full-color photographs are clear and informative but generally quite small; the placement of text and illustrations is not always easy to follow; and blue and gray backgrounds on some pages make the text somewhat difficult to read. There is an extensive bibliography, although most of the titles are more than five years old. Millicent Selsam's Land of the Giant Tortoise (Four Winds, 1977; o.p.) is still pertinent, and Ann McGovern's Swimming with Sea Lions (Scholastic, 1992) and Phyllis Root and Maxine McCormick's Galapagos Islands (Crestwood, 1989) have far more impressive illustrations, but Litteral's volume is a worthwhile purchase because of its scientific slant and up-to-date information.Kathleen McCabe, East Meadow Public Library, NYCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.