Into The Forest

Gr 3-4–Three types of forests are introduced to young readers as well as the flora and fauna that make a healthy habitat. Dorion shows how plants and living creatures thrive in coniferous, deciduous, and tropical rainforests. Basic questions about an ecosystem’s climate are answered, including what changes happen seasonally, and why leaves lose their chlorophyll and turn yellow, orange, and red. Patrons who like tell-me-why books will enjoy the clear explanations. The text describes how a seed can grow into a sapling or die in the effort, and how one tree can be the source of a forest. There are instructions on how to plant a tree. The distinctive looks of each forest are ably distinguished by McGuinness. The information is limited to short blurbs; the eye-catching art takes up most of the page space. In some cases, the text is too vague. For example, according to the text, forests “contain amazing plants with the power to heal.” There is only a pill bottle and what might be a pink foxglove depicted as an example. Back matter features a glossary and recommended websites.