*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 little paragraph, my favorites over and over as I found myself in the mood to lose myself in each creature's world. ( )

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 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! ( )

Thanks to my Goodreads friend Lisa for pointing out this excellent scientific picture book on biology and biodiversity. I agree with Lisa that this is a perfect book for introducing older children, and maybe even young teenagers to biodiversity and questions of ecology and biology, a great educational picture book that could be used both at home and in an Elementary and Middle School (Junior High) science classroom. I know that if we had had a book such as this when biology and biological classifications were being introduced in grade seven science, it would likely have been a much more comprehensible and enjoyable experience for me. I also found the illustrations wonderful; I just wish that more of the plants, animals etc. had been depicted (of course, this would likely have made the book far too large in scope and perhaps no longer a picture book).

The only minor problem I have with the book is with how the author has presented the numbers of extant plant and animal species. In my opinion, it would have been better to stipulate that the numbers of species listed are "known" species, for new species of plants and animals are constantly being discovered. Not only would this be more accurate, it would further drive home the point that if we destroy our planet, we are not only destroying those species which are known to us, we are also destroying those species which are, as yet, unknown to us, thus depriving ourselves of knowledge, enjoyment and potentially useful and beneficial plants, animals etc.

While I generally appreciate the fact that Rochelle Strauss has included activities a child (anyone) can engage in to protect the environment, to protect biodiversity, I was rather astounded by the fact that she did not include becoming more of a locavore (consuming mostly local produce) and eating a more organic, plant based diet as one of the possibilities. This would have not only greatly expanded the scope of the book, it would also have been a great starting-off point for discussions on how human activity and consumption often negatively affect the environment. ( )

This is an amazing book. The concept is that each "kingdom" of species is shown as a certain number of leaves on a tree to show its actual percentage on earth. The illustrations show the diversity within each kingdom and breakdown the various "branches" within that kingdom. The accompanying information gives an overview and some discussion questions to consider for each kingdom. The clincher is the final page in which we learn that human beings are the equivalent of one leaf on a tree: an insignificant percentage.