Forests

PreS-Gr 2—It can be easy to forget that sometimes readers just need a simple concept, presented without bells and whistles: this book does just that. Each two-page spread features a single sentence describing types of forests, their characteristics, and why they are important, while the facing page contains a lush and verdant full-page watercolor painting of the scene, complete with animals and other plant life. Captions identify the specific plants and animals depicted (e.g., Question Mark Butterfly, Red-Spotted Salamander). Additional information about each spread can be found in the afterword. The glossary contains more technical terms about forests than appear in the text. While the definitions are simply written and comprehensible, no pronunciation guide is available, leaving young readers to guess how one would say "deciduous" or "epiphyte." This a relatively minor quibble, however, as the text itself is quite clear and written for beginning readers, although it could easily lend itself to classroom reading. Also included is a map of where different types of forests can be found throughout the world. This is another strong series book for the Sills and would be a fine addition to elementary school and public libraries.—Heather Webb, Worthington Libraries, OH