Deserts (Biomes of the Earth) [Hardcover]

Michael Allaby (Author), Richard Garratt (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-10–Both of these clearly written titles discuss the geography, geology, ecology, economic uses, and future of these ecosystems. The first title details the wide range of desert types from the hot and sandy to the cold and foggy coastal variety. Tundra includes both the polar regions and the peaks of the Earth's highest mountains. In addition to the topics mentioned, the glacial biological and human history of these ecosystems are covered. The texts, though somewhat dry, are well organized. The authors go well beyond the standard descriptions of these biomes, providing significant information to enable readers to understand both the beauty and value of these areas. Numerous sidebars; captioned maps, diagrams, and scattered charts; and high-quality color photographs of plant and animal life are included. The bibliographies of print and electronic sources are helpful, although some of the works listed in Tundra are dated. Comprehensive and valuable for research.–Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, Trinity-Pawling School, Pawling, NY
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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Hardcover: 254 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications (April 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0816053200
• ISBN-13: 978-0816053209
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,173,088 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for all ages!, February 11, 2001

By 

William Flickinger (Richmond, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deserts (Ecosystems (Facts on File)) (Library Binding)

This is a very well designed book that covers the the desert habitat. It presents its information in a way that can appeal to both younger children and to college students and beyond. It is not merely a book that informs the reader of the desert itself, but it also covers all that occurs in the desert. There are also random diagrams that help explain certain aspects of the desert or its denizens (ie. diagram of how a sidewinder moves). All in all I recommend that this book is at least examined before writing any school paper on the desert. Libraries should definitely look into purchasing this book for their collection.

5.0 out of 5 stars The desert in fact is an ecosystem where thousands of plants and animals live, June 8, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deserts (Ecosystems (Facts on File)) (Hardcover)

Deserts - viewed as most as an inhospitable wasteland to be avoided. Its appearance is deceiving however, as the desert in fact is an ecosystem where thousands of plants and animals live, survive, and thrive. "Deserts", part of a series on ecosystems, is in a revised edition covering everything about the desert - its plant life, its wildlife, and its value to the world as a whole (an eye-opening note to the previously ignorant). "Deserts" is a must for any educational shelf dedicated to teaching their readers about the environment or for anyone who's misunderstanding the purpose of the dry, arid plains of sand.