November 1, 2016
Gr 2-4-Clear sentences introduce biome facts while contrasting text boxes supply additional information about the accompanying photographs. Each title includes a world map identifying biome locations. Although the books mention biome variations, most concentrate on one type. For example, Grassland centers on the North American prairie, and Tundra concentrates on the Arctic. Minor errors detract from the overall effectiveness; for instance, in Deserts, text describes how a snake "lunges at a lizard," but the accompanying photo shows a docile snake and no lizard. Boothroyd's descriptions of plant and animal relationships in an ecosystem are more effective than Silverman's explanations.
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July 1, 2017
Each volume includes an introductory chapter on the respective biome followed by a brief overview of some animals and plants within it and explanation of how all inhabitants work together to survive. Maps and stock photos provide clarity, but the placement of photo labels is sometimes distracting. Details on human impact and examples of "Biome Extremes" are appended. There are four other fall 2016 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind.
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