Forest Biomes

The six books in the “Earth’s Natural Biomes” series cover most of the major biomes of Earth. Each book is packed with pictures and sidebars with facts and further information. It is interesting that the pictures do include the large animals that children will know and also many insects and small photogenic creatures that they may not. When relevant, there are vista shots; when not available in the habitat, there are great pictures of the appropriate environment. Perhaps the essence of the series is that, in order to care for nature, young people must learn about it.

Fact Focus: Biome or Habitat?
Biomes are regions of the world that have a similar climate, plants, and animals, such as deserts, forests, rivers, oceans, tundra, and grassland. A habitat is the specific place in a biome where a plant or animal lives.

With some variation, each of the books first defines the particular biome along with the plants and animals that inhabit that biome and the different types of that biome that exist. Each of these topics is presented in a two-page spread with large photographs and short, informative text bubbles. A world map shows the major areas where the biomes exist, and other maps show the location of examples given in the text. There are sections on the food chain, people in the area and resources. The information is rounded out with a look at the threats and future of the biome. Each book ends with a glossary, places to look for more information and an index.

Most children will have some experience with forests even if it is only a local park. The majority of the examples in Forest Biomes are from forests in other areas of the world – lush rainforests and also temperate, deciduous and boreal forests. The life in each of these types of forest is shown and then the life cycle and food chain. Perhaps it is just that the green of forests is so appealing that this book is comforting and attractive. Although Louise and Richard Spilsbury have chosen impressive creatures, such as moose and tiger, they have also included smaller ones, like chameleons, ants and cicada.

The approach taken is really satisfying: use an example of each point that is being made. Some examples are in the pictures and main text; others in a sidebar or text bubble. Breaking the facts into these small pieces makes it easier for the reader to approach the information and to absorb it. The combination of familiarity and new elements makes Forest Biomes a fine introduction to forest biomes. Readers can learn and enjoy at the same time.

The “Earth’s Natural Biomes” series is a wonderful introduction to the wide variety of habitats on Earth. Louise and Richard Spilsbury have chosen a diverse range of plants and animals to entice readers into the environments. The books in the series would be a beneficial addition to a classroom or school library as they can expand on the information found in textbooks. They will also be useful to individuals who want to see pictures of nature while they also absorb a few facts.