DK Nature Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

DK Publishing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 31, 1998 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

From the smallest single-celled organisms to the greatest mammals of land and sea, The DK Nature Encyclopedia describes in outstanding detail the rich diversity of life on Earth. Magnificently illustrated, and featuring dramatic time-lapse photographs, this compelling guide gives a fascinating insight into how living things evolve, feed, reproduce, and defend themselves. Explores each major plant and animal group, including flowering plants, birds, reptiles, insects, fish, and mammals. Thematic sections cover topics as varied as reproduction and survival, photosynthesis and communication. Also includes classification charts and a glossary of science terms.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ever wonder what a tardigrade might have looked like? Or what tree wetas eat? Now you can find out, because this great nature encyclopedia answers these questions and a jillion more. Organized into sections ("The Natural World," "How Living Things Work," "Ecology," "Classification," "Plants," and "Animals"), the Nature Encyclopedia is a perfect reference for anyone curious about organisms, ecosystems, and the scientists who study them. It's full of amazing color photos and easy-to-understand illustrations and diagrams so you can feel confident when you say, "Look, there's a Periplaneta americana, otherwise known as an American cockroach! Say, did you know they evolved long before humans?" We love this encyclopedia, and its companion book, The DK Science Encyclopedia, which covers the nonliving world with excellent information on space, rocks, electricity, and more. (Ages 9 to 12) --Therese Littleton

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?This beautifully illustrated volume will be a welcome addition to most reference collections. In each two-page spread, a brief paragraph introduces a particular topic, while several short blocks of text and illustrations provide more detail. The spreads are appealing, with an eclectic mix of finely detailed color drawings, color photographs, anatomical diagrams, and maps. All of the illustrations are labeled and most species shown are identified by both common and scientific names. The book is divided into six sections. "The Natural World" describes the origins and evolution of life on Earth. "How Living Things Work" examines the basic characteristics shared by all living things?respiration, reproduction, life cycles, etc. "Ecology" surveys the major types of habitats around the world and discusses topics such as food chains and endangered species. A short section explains "How Living Things Are Classified," while the final chapters look at specific groups of plants (e.g., "Grasses and Sedges," "Parasitic and Epiphytic Plants"), and animals (e.g., "Starfish and Sea Urchins," "Birds of Prey," "Cats"). Profile boxes offer facts about and a small photo of a particular species. An appendix includes classification charts, a useful glossary, and a detailed index. Well organized, clearly written, and with an amazing scope, this encyclopedia makes a valuable guide to nature.?Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (August 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789434113
• ISBN-13: 978-0789434111
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #362,894 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Children's
  • #86 in Books > Children's Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars love of nature grows the more we know, January 1, 2002

By 

Corey Green Mclaughlin "cgreenlightandshadow" (Beverly, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: DK Nature Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I am delighted with this encyclopedia which I ordered as a present for my six year old. This handsome book has beautiful pictures and lots of information covering many aspects of nature. Attractive and accessible, it provides great rewards for the young reader whose love and respect of nature will grow as their knowledge expands. I expect it to be used in greater depth as my daughter grows older. For now, she loves to open it up and see what she finds - and becomes engaged immediately. I highly recommend it.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rekindling Our Respect for Nature!, March 15, 2002

By 

HBeano (Cambridge, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DK Nature Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

This book has succeeded in describing the great diversity of life on earth in such an interesting way with colorful photographs and new information that one can't help but stand in awe of our great planet.The chapters discuss : How living things work,ecology, classification, plants and animals. I was afraid that the animal section in this book would be a repetition of DK's Animal Encyclopedia, but thankfully it wasn't, I found new information everytime. For those who are not familiar with DK's encyclopedias one should know that the superior photography and layout of these books really captivate children's attention and fascination with this world.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book on nature for all ages, March 13, 2005

By 

Clayfish "a klee fish" (TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DK Nature Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

Primarily bought as a gift for my 5 yr old nephew, I spent a considerable amount of time pouring over this book. A neat thing about this book is the wealth of information coupled with attractive, colorful pictures opening up the world of nature.