Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (CitizenKid) - Hardcover

Strauss, Rochelle

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1553376692 ISBN 13: 9781553376699

Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2004

Synopsis

If every known species on Earth were a leaf on a tree, that tree would have 1 750 000 leaves. Since humans count for just one leaf on the tree, we have a lot to learn about the millions of other forms of life with which we share the world. A dazzlingly illustrated and child-friendly introduction to biodiversity, Tree of Life shows how living things are classified into five kingdoms -- and how each has much to tell us about all aspects of life on our planet. Tree of Life is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

About this title

About the Author

Rochelle Strauss is an environmental education consultant in Toronto. She has designed and developed education programs, as well as consulted on numerous environmental projects, including a biodiversity museum in Panama and a national park in Canada.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7–A handsome presentation in a slender, oversized format, generously illustrated with impressive, informative acrylics. Strauss's clearly written text first introduces the concept of a family tree for all living things, then goes on to name the five kingdoms of scientific classification (those programmed for "Protists" will have to adapt to "Protoctista" here). On two-page spreads, the author describes the life-forms included in each species, with specific examples shown in the softly colorful illustrations accompanied by informative captions. The Animal Kingdom comprises the longest segment as it is broken down into invertebrates and vertebrates, with the latter divided still further into fish, birds, and so on. Two closing units discuss habitat loss and its effect on biodiversity, and how one can protect the environment. A final entry aimed at "Parents, Teachers and Guardians" explains the history of scientific classification, discusses the importance of biodiversity to this planet, and provides some suggestions for fostering a biodiversity ethic in young people. This book might be paired with Steve Jenkins's equally attractive Life on Earth (Houghton, 2002) to demonstrate just how biodiversity became such a rich, multilayered conglomeration. Striking, lucid, and deceptively simple.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
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Edition details

• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1553376692
• ISBN 13: 9781553376699
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Thompson Margot