Kathryn Hennessy

Even in this day of internet-(almost) everywhere, books like this are valuable. The page-by-page organization reveals so much about our world that bouncing around on the Web would not. Children and autodidacts (like me) can readily zoom in on the notes about the most interesting-looking samples, discover that there's not enough information there, and then go to the internet to learn more.

It definitely does not stand alone, however, as each entry is so very brief. Books like [b:Actual show more Size|774012|Actual Size|Steve Jenkins|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1514399046l/774012._SX50_.jpg|3289811] are necessary, for example, because even though a size note is given for each critter, adjacent examples are not at all to scale. Also, the blurbs are random: some mention only color, some only habitat, some only prevalence, etc.

I really appreciate the 'debate' boxes that emphasize the concept of 'science as a verb,' so to speak. Too often scientific information has been presented as established fact; this book reminds the reader that scientists are constantly working towards better understandings. For example, I learned from this that pandas are, after all, sufficiently akin to black, brown, and polar bears to be called 'panda bears.' (Of course, the incorrectness of 'koala bears' stands.)

I learned lots of interesting stuff. For example, did you know that Mangos and Cashews are of the same family, and that they are of the same order as Maples and Citrus? And check out the markings on the Blue-Ringed Octopus!

Even though I did not read every word (who could?!) I did spend a full moment, at least, on every page, and so I am counting it as 'read.' show less

One has to hand it to DK publications. They know how to put books together with remarkable photography and beautiful layouts. In addition, with this book, the structure and content is really well put together. Of course, it's impossible to cover all species in detail but they have made a valiant attempt to give a comprehensive picture of most living things (or, at least, the Phyla to which they belong). And, I learned that the Dicotyledons of the plant kingdom are now know as the show more Eudicotyledons. With all that concentrated firepower with their photography...why oh why have they opted to present a stuffed and dried Platypus with its ruffled fur, sad eye and dried out bill. Actually, If you really want to know something in detail....say about the lichens, then you are not going to find it. It is too superficial (despite the wonderful photos). But I found the tree of life at the start to be really helpful....even if "trees of life" seem to be going out of fashion. Especially helpful with the relationships between the very early form of life such as Archea, Bacteria, Protocists...though I note the omission of any role for virus and bacteriophage and the Archezoa. Though Classification of living organisms seems to be a constantly moving feast. I probably would not have bought the book if I had to pay the full price but I was able to pick it ups for a song at a charity sale...so really hard to pass up. I confess, I really like to book. Five stars from me. show less

I wish I had this book growing up. Full color images, lots of interesting information in bite size portions. It covers information beyond basic plants and animals such as detailed invertebrates, mycelium, and entomology.

This was a preview from the SPL . . . definitely on Z's wish list for home purchase.