Earth Matters: An Encyclopedia of Ecology

Earth Matters: An Encyclopedia of Ecology

A natural history encyclopedia with a strong environmental awareness message reveals how the planet functions as a living, breathing organism; uses the latest satellite images and computer-generated projections to show its beauty and fragility; and provides examples of how individuals can take action to alter the negative effects of global warming. 50,000 first printing. Grade 5 Up—This environmentally friendly book is sure to appeal to students who will be drawn to the look and feel of the package in addition to the spectacular color photographs. The text is divided into sections corresponding to the Earth's regions: polar, temperate forests, deserts, grasslands, tropical forests, mountains, freshwater, and oceans. Maps locate the areas, and a scale guide based on average adult and child heights helps readers judge the size of the animals inhabiting the region under review. Page layouts vary, and there is a plethora of information presented in catchy, attention-grabbing ways. Web site references are offered on many pages, as are ideas for making a difference and helping to save the planet. The introduction offers the "big bang" theory as the explanation for Earth's creation. The author tells of his plan to sail a boat made entirely out of recycled plastic bottles from the United States to Australia to bring attention to the mass (the size of Texas) of plastic pieces floating in the Pacific. Facts like this are sure to bring lots of "wows" from readers. A first-rate addition to all collections.— Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Probably best used for browsing or in a family collection, this title is certainly not an “encyclopedia” of ecology as we usually think of an encyclopedia. It is, however, an attractive, fact-filled volume that may inspire young people to learn more about their earth. Following a 40-page introduction that touches on the the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, water consumption, and other topics, the book covers eight biomes. Polar regions, temperate forests, deserts, grasslands, tropical forests, mountains, freshwater, and oceans are described in 20–30 pages that presents facts about the ecosystem, specific organisms, modern problems (logging, warming tundra, controversial crops), and what young people can do to make a difference. Information is presented on exciting two-page spreads with maps, photographs, charts, and intriguing commentary, much like exhibits at a modern nature center. Every “Making a Difference” section has some doable suggestions (use a reusable water bottle) along with a few impractical or contradictory ones (“Walk to school whatever the weather” and “Take a mountain vacation,” but “Vacation without flying”). With no sources provided, it’s hard to know where some of the facts come from. (How was it figured that 18 gallons of water are needed to produce one apple?) The index is adequate, but it does not include plastic and several other items that are mentioned in the text. Upper-elementary through middle-school students and their teachers will find plenty of attractive pages here for browsing but will need to go elsewhere for much substance. Grades 3-8. --Susan Gooden "A first-rate addition to all collections." -- School Library Journal, August 1, 2008 "This 'family encyclopedia of ecology' is filled with gorgeous photographs..." -- New York Times Book Review, May 11, 2008 "[T]he book's message is conveyed loud and clear...perfect for kids and adults." --American Way magazine, July 15, 2008 "A first-rate addition to all collections." "...handsomely designed..."