Kf Illustrated Nature Encyclopedia

This companion volume to "The Kingfisher Illustrated Animal encyclopaedia" is a guide to the living world and its inhabitants - both flora and fauna. There is a wide diversity of life and earth, from microscopic, single-celled organisms to giant redwoods and blue whales. This reference explores every major plant and animal group, illustrating the range of living things that is found in every corner of the planet. The encyclopaedia is arranged in three parts. The introductory section, "A Planet Apart", guides the reader through the formation of the planet, the beginning of life and evolution, to animal and plant life today. The second section, "The Living World", introduces the kingdoms of life on the planet, from microlife, through plants to animals. The third and main section of the book, "Wildlife Habitats", takes a detailed look at the world's habitats, with features that highlight topics such as "plant galls" and animal nomads". There are also special features that focus on animals or plants that are of particular interest, such as the black woodpecker or the bristlecone pine. Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Grade 5-9-Three major sections discuss the formation of the Earth, the biosphere, and climate change; focus on life from microscopic plants through the shapes, senses, and categories of animals, including habitats; and consider biomes. Highly detailed color photography, including many full-page, spectacular spreads, illuminates the concepts and discussions. Clear, colorful diagrams explain the unseen processes of nature, as reflected in the digestive system of the carnivorous climbing pitcher plant or the communication of fireflies. Most noticeably different from Burnie's The Kingfisher IllustratedAnimal Encyclopedia (2000) is the way in which information is presented; in Nature the treatment is more encyclopedic; in Animal, concise summaries are more typical. The volume concludes with an extensive index, a limited glossary of approximately 120 words, and a reference to 10 authoritative Web sites. Navigation of these sites will be easiest for students who have had solid instruction in search methods. The DK Nature Encyclopedia (1998) covers the same material, but for a slightly younger audience.-Tina Hudak, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Riverdale Park, MD Copyright å¨ Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Review Children's Literature A good source of information for reports and projects, although students may get caught up in reading this attractive book whether or not they are working on a school assignment. School Library Journal Highly detailed color photography, including many full-page, spectacular spreads, illuminates the concepts and discussions. Clear, colorful diagrams explain the unseen processes of nature, as reflected in the digestive system of the carnivorous climbing pitcher plant or the communication of fireflies. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.