ANTEATERS, BATS & BOAS

Get up close and personal with myriad creatures that call the Amazon rainforest home.

Animals that dwell at all levels of a South American tropical rainforest are depicted realistically—i.e., true to size and color—in this fascinating book. Note to readers: The realism can be startling; be on the lookout for occasional sharp claws, teeth, and spikes, for instance. Each spread highlights one to three creatures presented against a colorful natural-habitat backdrop, accompanied by lively, concise paragraphs. These provide interesting, easy-to-understand basic facts; the names of the animals herein (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, arachnids, and a centipede) appear in colored display type. Italicized words within explanatory passages indicate vocabulary contained in a glossary. One feature sure to please is a center gatefold that opens to reveal a giant anteater. The backmatter contains useful information, including a two-page spread depicting all the animals featured in the book, color-labeled according to species; facts about the layers of rainforests and how to preserve rainforests; a bibliography that includes both books and websites; and an index. Rear endpapers display a map showing where tropical rainforests are located around the world.

A fine resource for browsers and young students doing simple research.