Booklist
Spectacular, colorful, high-quality photos are the highlight of the Our Planet Earth series. Each installment introduces an ecosystem--including physical characteristics, representative plants and animals, and the dangers of human impact--through a few sentences of accessible text in an early-reader format. Numerous infographics with ecosystem examples from around the world, charts, and labeled photos reinforce comprehension and interest. Caves looks at three kinds of caves (solution, lava tube, and glacier), how each is formed, and how some animals have adapted to live in these mostly dark environments. Prairies shares how adaptations help grasses survive hot, windy summers and long, cold winters and how natural disturbances, such as droughts, fires, and grazing, actually keep prairies healthy. Rain Forests presents both tropical and temperate rain forests and what plant and animal life is like in these forests' different layers. Rivers emphasizes the formation and shifting nature of these bodies of water as well as how currents contribute to these changes. The volumes each conclude with another infographic, spotlighting how people affect each ecosystem and ways they can protect them. Back matter includes a glossary, related books, and a publisher portal to curated web content. This series satisfies both curricular needs and browsing readers.
