Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (CitizenKid) [Hardcover]

Rochelle Strauss (Author), Margot Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: CitizenKid

If every known species on Earth were a leaf on a tree, that tree would have 1 750 000 leaves. Since humans count for just one leaf on the tree, we have a lot to learn about the millions of other forms of life with which we share the world. A dazzlingly illustrated and child-friendly introduction to biodiversity, Tree of Life shows how living things are classified into five kingdoms -- and how each has much to tell us about all aspects of life on our planet. Tree of Life is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7–A handsome presentation in a slender, oversized format, generously illustrated with impressive, informative acrylics. Strauss's clearly written text first introduces the concept of a family tree for all living things, then goes on to name the five kingdoms of scientific classification (those programmed for "Protists" will have to adapt to "Protoctista" here). On two-page spreads, the author describes the life-forms included in each species, with specific examples shown in the softly colorful illustrations accompanied by informative captions. The Animal Kingdom comprises the longest segment as it is broken down into invertebrates and vertebrates, with the latter divided still further into fish, birds, and so on. Two closing units discuss habitat loss and its effect on biodiversity, and how one can protect the environment. A final entry aimed at "Parents, Teachers and Guardians" explains the history of scientific classification, discusses the importance of biodiversity to this planet, and provides some suggestions for fostering a biodiversity ethic in young people. This book might be paired with Steve Jenkins's equally attractive Life on Earth (Houghton, 2002) to demonstrate just how biodiversity became such a rich, multilayered conglomeration. Striking, lucid, and deceptively simple.–Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-6. This useful, attractive, oversize volume uses its height well, employing a tree metaphor to show the earth's biodiversity and how all living things, from bacteria to the largest mammals, are related. Each spread covers one branch of the animal kingdom. To make the enormity of species understandable, Strauss equates individual species (e.g., 10,000 bacteria) with one leaf on the tree. Since only a couple of paragraphs are devoted to each species (a bit more information appears in captions), this is strictly an overview. But the eye-catching, painterly artwork, with various life-forms painted into the tree, invites children to look more closely than they might have otherwise. Concluding spreads consider the disappearance of some species and how readers can become stewards of the earth. A final two-page note, directed to parents and teachers, provides a more complex introduction to biodiversity. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1553376692
• ISBN-13: 978-1553376699
• Product Dimensions: 12.3 x 9.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #451,240 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Book, September 17, 2004

By 

La Belle "nature chick" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (CitizenKid) (Hardcover)

This book offers an excellent introduction to Biodiversity and natural history. Ideal for children ages 8-12, it will appeal to nature, animal and plant lovers of all ages! Images and text weave a wonderful story about life on Earth, while presenting issues and concepts in a thoughtful, approachable way. A real must for educators...every classroom and school library should have a copy!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tree of Life, March 28, 2006

By 

Liz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (CitizenKid) (Hardcover)

The Tree of Life by Rochelle Strauss and illustrated by Margot Thompson is an excellent resource book to use in and out of the classroom. There are many interesting facts in the book, not only for children to read, but adults as well. The Tree of Life does a wonderful job of explaining biodiversity to children and is great for plant and animal lovers! I think that every classroom should have a copy of this book! It is very hard to find appealing Science books for children and this book is appropriate for just that!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tree of Life, March 28, 2006

By 

G. Depew - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth (CitizenKid) (Hardcover)

Tree of Life is an excellent resource book on nature. Children are able to view the table of contents and easily find information. The illustrations are drawn in detail giving a realistic appearance. I think this book would come in very helpful when an early grade child is doing a research report.