The world's ecological regions are explored in the Amazing Biomes series, which guides elementary-school readers through the distinct climates, plant and animal life (including humans), and environmental threats unique to each. Maps, captioned photos, and fact boxes create an eye-catching, uncluttered layout, and the simple, informative text will give readers a clear understanding of the featured biome. A quiz, glossary, and resource list round out the text. Deserts begins by formally defining these dry zones and discussing the extreme temperatures found there. Readers will enjoy seeing plants called "living stones," the big-eared fennec fox, and the Bedouins who call deserts home. Curiously, many deserts mentioned in the text are not labeled on the volume's map. An inviting first look at the earth's biomes.

GRAY, Leon . Rivers . diags. ISBN 978-1-4488-3282-8 . LC 2010023800. GREEN, Jen . Coasts . diags. ISBN 978-1-4488-3279-8 . LC 2010023798. GREEN, Jen . Mountains . diags. ISBN 978-1-4488-3281-1 . LC 2010023799. ea vol: 32p. (Geography Wise Series). chart. map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen / PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $25.25. Gr 2-3 Despite clumsy efforts to crank up the excitement level with frequent boxed side facts headed "Unbelievable!" these imported introductions to some of our planet's more prominent surface features effectively present broad views of what makes each one distinctive. Rivers , for instance, contains spreads on the water cycle, erosion, flood plains, deltas, dams, human transportation, and pollution, among other topics, and along with identifying major ranges, records, and ecosystems, Mountains explains how a contour map works. Each volume is well supplied with large color photos and closes with suggested activities labeled "Cross-Curricular Links."