The Kingfisher Nature Encyclopedia

Gr 4—7—Published with only minor changes, such as an updated short list of recommended websites, this reprint (Kingfisher, 2004) is still a fine choice for nurturing an interest in the natural world. Organized into three sections—the first on our planet's origin and the evolution of life, the second surveying the five biotic kingdoms, the third taking closer looks at 14 biomes (including "Towns and Cities")—each spread offers a topical discussion that ranges in scope from "Seasons and Weather" or "How Fungi Feed" to "Protozoans" and "Tropical Forests." Color photos on every page add visual interest while playing supporting roles to information presented in captions and columns of lucid, not heavily technical narrative text. Despite the pleasantly extensive index, this is a first-rate overview of its topic rather than a resource for quick reference or assignment-driven research.—John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library