Strange New Species: Astonishing Discoveries of Life on Earth [Hardcover]

Elin Kelsey (Author), Marc van Roosmalen (Foreword)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Adventure and discovery await in the depths of the oceans, on the Earth’s varied surfaces, in the vast expanse of sky, and beyond. Advanced technologies have enabled scientists to study new species in parts of the world that were once impossible to visit. Researchers estimate that between five and 100 million new species still await discovery. Strange New Species takes young readers into the field with intrepid researchers as they use everything from submarines to spaghetti strainers to find wondrous new life forms. Highlights include the black-headed Sagui dwarf monkey; deep-sea tubeworms, clams, and shrimp that flourish in 800ºF heat; and previously unseen microbes that survive in the oxygen-deprived mud of Mono Lake, California. Elin Kelsey’s vivid text and the book’s stunning photographs make this fascinating frontier of science both exciting and enlightening.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8–You may think there is nothing new under the sun, but Kelsey shows readers that theres a lot that is new–and theres plenty more out there, not yet seen and/or classified by scientists. Beginning with a captivating foreword that describes the discovery of a finger-long monkey absolutely new to science, the text then presents the Linnaean system and the role of DNA in scientific classification. Kelsey then sails through a variety of habitats, from the expanse of tropical rainforests to the tiny ecosystem of the human mouth and its teeming populations of microbial life. From dime-sized lizards to gulper fish, from orcas that prey on seals to others that eat only fish, the lively narrative provides glimpses of what is going on in the classification side of science. Boxes introduce scientists currently at work in the field and the lab, while Hot Debate sections present topics from endangered plants to mosquitoes that call the London Underground home. Color photos and glossy pages catch the eye, and the brief text areas are inviting to less-than-excellent readers. While not an in-depth work, this title could certainly be consulted by report writers, and its full of tidbits to entice browsers into further investigations, and perhaps lure them into scientific careers of their own.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. This large-format book showcases new species, particularly animal species, and the scientists who have discovered them. Following with a basic introduction to plant and animal classification, the Linnaean system, and the relatively new tool of genetic analysis, the book then profiles scientists (mainly American and Canadian) in the wild and spotlights some of the new species they have collected and studied. The discussion ends with information on cloning, genetically modified food, and the future of life. A typical double-page spread presents a subject through a few paragraphs of text and several color photographs, captions, and sidebars. With many excellent photos, this introductory book on new species will be an intriguing addition to classroom units on classification or biology. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Maple Tree Press (September 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1897066317
• ISBN-13: 978-1897066317
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #430,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!!!, January 31, 2006

By 

S. J. Long (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Strange New Species: Astonishing Discoveries of Life on Earth (Hardcover)

STRANGE NEW SPECIES is a wonderful and fascinating book. If you or anyone you know has the slightest curiosity about our natural world, then order this book immediately.

Gifted science writer Elin Kelsey's informed and enthusiastic voice comes through throughout and brings to life the world of science and the lives of the field researchers who study it. It's both lively and fact-filled, and writer Kelsey's curious and joyous voice make it impossible to put down.

Regardless of your age or background, you'll find the subject matter fascinating, the writing lucid and engaging, and the lay-out and design the perfect blend to ensure that its intriguing concept never falters.

We are truly fortunate that author Kelsey has turned her considerable talents to the world of science. What a gift and fine addition to the world of science writing for young people and for us all! Bravo!!!