Rainforests

Gr 1--3--This early elementary introduction to the rainforest contains a minimum of basic information--just enough for the beginning reader who is unfamiliar with the topic. Silen explains that rainforests are wet places, some receiving rain almost every day of the year. Tropical rainforests have four layers of vegetation, along with a variety of plants and animals in each layer. Close-up photos include the passion flower; the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world; the poison dart frog; and the clouded leopard. A table of contents lists the topics of each of the two- to four-page chapters. Each colored bar on which the chapter title is listed corresponds with the background color on which the chapter text is printed; magenta, mustard yellow, and forest green. Each page features at least one captioned photo of a rainforest animal or a scene. The text concludes with a six-question multiple choice quiz and a six-word photo glossary. Though the text is brief, mention is made of deforestation and replanting. Appropriate terms are used and defined in the text or in a box, and pronunciations are included in the text. Only equator is not defined. The font size is inviting; one world map is small. The color used to indicate the locations of temperate rainforests is not a good contrast to the page, thus making those areas hard to locate. VERDICT A good choice for early readers, especially those who like nonfiction.--Eldon Younce, Anthony P.L., KS