A journey through the world of all life on Earth.Sure, it sounds like a lot-and it is. But by linking all of existence into "Earth's tree of life"-a concept that borrows from genealogy-readers will find an accessible organization that breaks down the world of living beings into a clear and fascinating read. Starting with true bacteria, the organization moves through archaea (tiny microbes) to eukaryotes (plants, algae, fungi, and animals) and ends with infectious particles (with a note clarifying that scientists don't agree about whether they are alive). Particularly noteworthy-if one aspect in this exceptional book could be said to be more successful than another-is the overall visual presentation. The graphics are clean, colorful, sophisticated, and eye-catching. Each double-page spread follows the same format: A clade ("a group of living things that share a common ancestor") is highlighted and described. Common traits, where it fits in the tree of life, its scientific name, more unusual aspects of some members, as well as any benefits or detriments the clade may have to humankind (for example, many bacteria are used to develop medicines) are presented in an organized, easy-to-understand manner. Humans are given the same treatment as the rest of the living creatures, and from this, readers will understand we are just one life form out of billions, and our survival depends on the health of every other living thing.Absolutely stunning. (resources, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

A journey through the world of all life on Earth.Sure, it sounds like a lot-and it is. But by linking all of existence into "Earth's tree of life"-a concept that borrows from genealogy-readers will find an accessible organization that breaks down the world of living beings into a clear and fascinating read. Starting with true bacteria, the organization moves through archaea (tiny microbes) to eukaryotes (plants, algae, fungi, and animals) and ends with infectious particles (with a note clarifying that scientists don't agree about whether they are alive). Particularly noteworthy-if one aspect in this exceptional book could be said to be more successful than another-is the overall visual presentation. The graphics are clean, colorful, sophisticated, and eye-catching. Each double-page spread follows the same format: A clade ("a group of living things that share a common ancestor") is highlighted and described. Common traits, where it fits in the tree of life, its scientific name, more unusual aspects of some members, as well as any benefits or detriments the clade may have to humankind (for example, many bacteria are used to develop medicines) are presented in an organized, easy-to-understand manner. Humans are given the same treatment as the rest of the living creatures, and from this, readers will understand we are just one life form out of billions, and our survival depends on the health of every other living thing.Absolutely stunning. (resources, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

Gr 4 Up—A gorgeous addition to life science collections. The illustrations are the triumph of this book, with bold colors and simple yet vibrant images. The reading level and amount of text in this illustration-heavy work make it more appropriate for middle schoolers. This work reads like a reference book about Earth's complex and beautiful biodiversity, categorized by phylogenetic trees into the tree of life. Each of the branches represents a major group of living things. These branches have been color-coded to show which of the three main types—or "domains"—of living things they belong to: the true bacteria, archaea, or eukaryotes. Even the table of contents is organized as part of the tree of life. The volume is filled with infographics and charts that are sometimes hard to follow but heighten the book's design and present much information. Educators could also use this book to develop students' disciplinary science literacy as it is written in a more accessible way than science textbooks and contains a complete overview of the biological science of phylogeny. Each page is designed in the same way for ease of use and includes a key that informs children about which part of the tree of life they are reading. Thomas features groups based on interest rather than uniformity in size or age of their common ancestor, which might cause some confusion, but overall makes the work engaging. Every time readers pick up this book they will learn something new and fascinating about life on our planet. VERDICT A recommended title for library collections that support life science classrooms. Beautiful images and interesting inclusions set this apart from other science works.—Christina Salazar