Earth - Hardcover

Grade 7-12-Two books that feature colorful, well-reproduced, informative photographs and brief, introductory texts. The information is organized in easy-to-scan double-page spreads that jump from one topic to the next. Often imitated but never quite matched, this format effectively introduces the most attractive aspects of the subjects, but does not provide the kind of in-depth coverage that students will need for reports. Life begins with chemical building blocks; moves quickly to various functions (photosynthesis, respiration, circulation, movement, senses, defense, and reproduction); covers social and inter-species interactions; and speculates on how life began and the prospects for extraterrestrial life. Earth opens with ideas on the composition and formation of the planet; discusses properties of water and minerals (including the basic types of rock); covers oceanography, seismology, and the forces that build and destroy mountains; and ends with a mention of paleontology. The brief texts, which are quite densely written, are well fleshed out by the illustrations and their captions. With their strong visual appeal, these titles will help readers identify areas of interest to research further.
Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal