Exploring the place of fire in nature, Simon explains that despite Smokey the Bear's warning, forest fires have important functions in the ecosystem. With a brilliantly clear and colorful photograph facing each page of text, the book describes the causes and the progression of the wildfires that burned areas of Yellowstone National Park in 1988, explains how the fires were beneficial in many ways, and shows the regeneration of the forests. Lucid writing and excellent book design contribute to the overall effectiveness of the book. (Reviewed April 1, 1996)

In this beautifully constructed photo essay, Simon explains the phenomenon of fire as a cyclical event in nature's scheme. Bold full-page color photographs accompany the text, which includes discussion of natural combustion, the effects and benefits of fire for plants and animals, and the larger cycles of fire occurring in different plant regions over long periods of history.

Gr 3-5--Clear text and full-page, full-color photographs dramatize the overpowering fires that raged in Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 1988. Simon explains the chemical reactions that cause fire and the conditions necessary for a cataclysm of that magnitude. Using descriptive comparisons such as "...165,000 acres of forest, an area more than twice the size of the entire city of Chicago," the author evokes the frantic effort to save the area from total destruction. But he goes on to explain why wildfires are helpful--that they are nature's method of renewing the ecosystem. Stating that the movie Bambi was incorrect in depicting forest animals fleeing in panic, Simon describes how creatures naturally adjust to the momentous change in temperature and atmosphere. Brief mention is made of fires in the Florida Everglades. Other worthwhile books on the topic for the same audience are Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's Yellowstone Fires (Holiday, 1990) and Carole G. Vogel and Kathryn A. Goldner's Great Yellowstone Fire (Little, 1993). For slightly older readers, try Patricia Lauber's Summer of Fire (Orchard, 1991). Simon's outstanding photos and readable text make this a worthy purchase even if you have the above-mentioned books.--Kathleen McCabe, East Meadow Public Library, NY