In Focus: Forests

Gr 4–6—Forests are some of the most important and diverse landscapes on planet Earth. Libby Walden has compiled a wealth of information about forests of all kinds into this book, each of which is presented in two to three sentences. From rainforests to kelp forests to forest lore, nearly every component of forest existence is considered, and nearly every reader will come away with something new. Built as the equivalent of a coffee table book for children, its heft and design make this a book that is best digested over several readings instead of being read in its entirety at once. Ten illustrators bring these locales to life, each one creating four pages that fold out from two, making the book twice as large. The detail of each illustration is compelling and begs careful study. Animals, plants, and general statistics (in standard and in metric) all find a place in this book, as does a reminder to readers of the importance of these natural spaces and what humans can do to ensure their survival. Beautifully designed, this eye-catching book will encourage curious minds to select it from a shelf. The binding, however, may not support the weight of the book over repeated readings.