Rochelle Strauss

The single clearest explanation of the concept of biodiversity, and the "tree of life," that I have ever seen, Rochelle Strauss and Margo Thompson's picture-book introduces readers to the five kingdoms that scientists use to classify life on our planet: Monera, Fungi, Protoctista (Protista), Plants, and Animals. This last is then divided into invertebrates and vertebrates, with the latter further divided into fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Each of these groupings is given its show more own two-page spread, with a discussion of those qualities that allow scientists to classify them together, as well as specific examples that highlight their diversity. The interconnectedness of all life is highlighted throughout, and particularly emphasized at the rear, in a section devoted to changes to the tree of life, and challenges facing the natural world.

Densely packed with information, Tree of Life is a picture-book that is really intended for an older audience - upper elementary and middle school students, I would think - and is as engaging as it is educational. I found that I learned quite a bit - I never knew that horseshoe crabs were considered arachnids, for instance, rather than crustaceans! - and appreciated the colorful artwork, with its appealing "crackled" quality. Scientifically-minded young readers, or children interested in the natural world, will find a treasure-trove of information here, and this book is highly recommended to them! show less

An informative book about the global ocean, its importance, the danger it is in because of human activities, and what we can do to help rectify the issue at least to some extent.

We learn the names of the oceans in school but hardly anyone focusses on the fact that all the oceans are connected to each other. This is what is called “the global ocean”. The oceanic currents across these massive water bodies influence climate and have a huge role to play if we have to stop global warming. show more

This book covers all the essentials to this purpose. It covers the expected topics such as plastic pollution as well as possibly new topics to children such as acidification. It also provides a lot of real life examples to elaborate on the topic. Notable mentions include the infamous “Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ and the rubber ducks that have travelled all across the world by now. The book ends with several practical action points that children and adults can take to reduce their carbon footprint and thereby give the oceans a chance to revive.

Every page has wonderful illustrations, and wherever there are humans, there is diverse representation.

I think this would be ideal for older children as there is a lot of text per page and the content isn’t too easy for younger minds. For the 10 age group, this book is a must.

Definitely recommended to schools, libraries and even those homes that are trying to increase awareness and make a change in their daily habits to save the planet.

4.25 stars.

My thanks to Kids Can Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Global Ocean”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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This book, "One Well," takes a variety of topics - like the water cycle, water availability, and pollution - and incorporates them all into one large metaphor: one well. Overall, this book doesn't appear to be a typical science centered book, but I think the story like nature of the book allows students the opportunity to build an emotional connection to the subject matter along with finding a greater understanding of the subject matter. Along with that, the multitude of uses makes this book show more able to be used across multiple subject areas. You could use it when teaching on pollution, what it means to be a global citizen, and water usage, just to name a few. Because of it's breadth of applications and readability, I think that "One Well" would be a well rounded book to use in the classroom, particularly for upper elementary aged students. show less

*I* found this not as 'enjoyable' as I would have liked. It's clear, not too long, attractively illustrated and designed, and uses good example to exemplify each point made. Most importantly, it makes clear that science is a tool, a method - and that therefore we mustn't be disturbed when we learn, for example, that life is currently divided into 5 kingdoms, when many of us were taught elsewise (I was taught three).

When I was a kid I would have loved to own this and spend time reading every show more little paragraph, my favorites over and over as I found myself in the mood to lose myself in each creature's world. show less