BARKER, David M. Archaea: Salt-lovers, Methane-makers, Thermophiles, and Other Archaeans ISBN 978-0-7787-5373-5 ; ISBN 978-0-7787-5387-2 . LC number 2009051393. LEVINE, Shar & Leslie Johnstone Animals: Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, and Other Animals ISBN 978-0-7787-5372-8 ; ISBN 978-0-7787-5386-5 . LC 2009051341. LEVINE, Shar & Leslie Johnstone . Plants: Flowering Plants, Ferns, Mosses, and Other Plants ISBN 978-0-7787-5376-6 ; ISBN 978-0-7787-5390-2 . LC 2009051342. WEARING, Judy Bacteria: Staph, Strep, Clostridium, and Other Bacteria ISBN 978-0-7787-5374-2 ; ISBN 978-0-7787-5388-9 . LC 2009051394. WEARING, Judy . Fungi: Mushrooms, Toadstools, Molds, Yeasts, and Other Fungi ISBN 978-0-7787-5375-9 ; ISBN 978-0-7787-5389-6 . LC 2009051343. ea vol: 48p. (A Class of Their Own Series). charts. photos. reprods. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Crabtree 2010. PLB $21.95; pap. $9.95. Gr 6-8 More accurately titled A Kingdom of Their Own, this series devotes a volume to each of the five life-form kingdoms. Rather than trying for comprehensive surveysan impossible enterprisethe authors present in some detail both shared characteristics and, using carefully selected examples, the remarkable range of forms, internal structures, habitats and habits of each group's denizens. Lively section headings ( Pilobolus kleinii : A Dung Fungus Squirt Gun) and notes on uncommon achievements, such as the ability of the giant Pacific octopus to open jars and even pill containers, lighten the substantial load of biological terminology. Illustrated with a plethora of close-up color photos and microphotos, and closing with annotated lists of recommended Web sites, these volumes capture the remarkable diversity of life while providing meaty introductions for serious students of natural history.