(4) K-3 Ecosystem series. Patkau leads readers to the conclusion that the world needs these ecosystems by explaining how each affects nature worldwide ("Without jungle plants, the earth's air temperature would rise even higher"). Colorful if synthetic-looking digital illustrations closely mirror text that is well organized and workmanlike but could use smoother transitions. Helpful diagrams throughout and appended information on inhabitants aid understanding. Glos. Review covers these Ecosystem titles: Who Needs a Jungle?, Who Needs a Swamp?, and Who Needs an Iceberg?.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Ecosystem series. Patkau leads readers to the conclusion that the world needs these ecosystems by explaining how each affects nature worldwide ("Without jungle plants, the earth's air temperature would rise even higher"). Colorful if synthetic-looking digital illustrations closely mirror text that is well organized and workmanlike but could use smoother transitions. Helpful diagrams throughout and appended information on inhabitants aid understanding. Glos. Review covers these Ecosystem titles: Who Needs a Jungle?, Who Needs a Swamp?, and Who Needs an Iceberg?.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Ecosystem series. Patkau leads readers to the conclusion that the world needs these ecosystems by explaining how each affects nature worldwide ("Without jungle plants, the earth's air temperature would rise even higher"). Colorful if synthetic-looking digital illustrations closely mirror text that is well organized and workmanlike but could use smoother transitions. Helpful diagrams throughout and appended information on inhabitants aid understanding. Glos. Review covers these Ecosystem titles: Who Needs a Jungle?, Who Needs a Swamp?, and Who Needs an Iceberg?.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Our Wild World Ecosystem series. With accessible first-person writing, Lynch describes the Arctic ecosystem, discussing both the high and low Arctic. The usual suspects--polar bear, snowy owl--are all here, but this book goes a bit further, showing the reader lesser-known inhabitants such as orange jewel lichen, purple saxifrage, dovekies, and gyrfalcons. Stunning photographs include close-ups and more expansive views. Sidebars provide "ECO-Facts." Websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Our Wild World Ecosystem series. Six chapters cover the history, geography, climate, ecology, terrain, flora, and fauna of the grasslands and the mountains. Stunning close-up photographs highlight both the changing scenery and the lives of resident animals in these two dramatically different ecosystems. The books' clear, thoughtful design makes the information easy to follow, and sidebars provide "ECO-Fact" tidbits. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Our Wild World Ecosystem titles: Prairie Grasslands and Rocky Mountains.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 4-6 Our Wild World Ecosystem series. Six chapters cover the history, geography, climate, ecology, terrain, flora, and fauna of the grasslands and the mountains. Stunning close-up photographs highlight both the changing scenery and the lives of resident animals in these two dramatically different ecosystems. The books' clear, thoughtful design makes the information easy to follow, and sidebars provide "ECO-Fact" tidbits. Websites. Ind. Review covers these Our Wild World Ecosystem titles: Prairie Grasslands and Rocky Mountains.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo