A Giant Tree in the Rainforest
ISBN 1 84138 170 5
Keyword Ecology
A Pond in the Meadow
ISBN 1 84138 171 3
Keyword Ecology
A Rock Pool on the Seashore
ISBN 1 84138 172 1
Keyword Ecology
The minibeasts reviewed elsewhere come to us in our gardens and houses; but beyond the garden there are innumerable other habitats for the budding naturalist to explore, and some of these are the subject of these four volumes in another attractive and informative Belitha Press series. Three of them (the seashore rock pool, the meadow pond and the forest clearing) are a walk or short drive away from my home: the rain forest clearing would require a long air journey. So three out of the four habitats covered here are accessible (even familiar) on an almost everyday basis to many children throughout Europe and North America, and in that they have particular value. Aimed at the seven‐ to nine‐year‐old age range they have slightly denser and smaller text in more detail, but all carefully suited to the target age group.
Again, the volumes introduce scientific concepts, especially of ecology, through reviewing and explaining all aspects of their subject from the habitat itself to the creatures who live in it (although in the case of my local woodlands, without the brown bear ‐ much, I suspect, to the disappointment of my grandsons and their friends). They are profusely and clearly illustrated, by colour photographs and some more diagrammatic paintings. As usual, also, they are completed by a glossary and index. Each title covers its subject comprehensively and in some considerable detail, and always in ways which will both attract and inform their readers. They are books which will fascinate and delight, as well as instruct and educate, their intended audience, besides answering awkward factual questions on behalf of the harassed parent, grandparent, teacher or librarian.
