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.
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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.
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
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By La Belle
Format: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!!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By Liz
Format: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!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Tree of Life written by Rochelle Strauss, Illustrated by Margot Thompson. I thought this book was a very unique and educational tool for informing children about Science, nature and life. The book is very detailed and is full of interesting information that will keep kids interested as well as decent pictures. Im not sure if i would purchase this book for my own home, but i would definately check it out from the library to share with my children.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tree of Life
Tree of Life is an excellent resource book on nature. Children are able to view the table of contents and easily find information. Read more
Published on March 28, 2006 by G. Depew
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cool
It is very cool
By the way, this is my favourite book.
{It is also a 2005 Silverbirch Award Book- Canada or Ontario or qch}
By the way, this is my favourite book.
{It is also a 2005 Silverbirch Award Book- Canada or Ontario or qch}
Published on March 29, 2005
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