The Boreal Forest: A Year in the World’s Largest Land Biome

The Boreal Forest is the largest land-based biome and covers the majority of Canada though it’s likely that most people know very little about it. In The Boreal Forest, L. E. Carmichael, with illustrations by Josée Bisaillon, sheds light on this important and vital habitat. Using the seasons as a loose narrative, the bulk of the book has Carmichael taking readers through a year in the boreal forest, offering facts about selected flora and fauna throughout the seasons. The last several pages contain information about the water cycle and climate change.

Each page features descriptive narrative text which sets the scene, giving a snapshot of a moment in time, and text boxes which contain more scientific/factual information. There is a bit of a struggle to find a middle ground; sometimes the text is simple and easy to understand, and sometimes it’s filled with complex ideas and technical language (though the included glossary explains many of the more arcane words). The text is small and may be intimidating for reluctant readers. This is not a book where pages can be quickly scanned for facts.

The author recognizes that Indigenous peoples have lived in the boreal forest for millennia and includes Indigenous knowledge throughout. At the end of the book, the author notes that this information was collected directly from Indigenous people who gave their permission to have it shared.

The mixed media illustrations are a beautiful addition. They reflect the more poetic narrative language, rather than the fact boxes, with lovely scenes featuring nature in all its glory. Bisaillon’s images have impressive depth and convey peaceful scenes that capture the mood of each season.

The Boreal Forest: A Year in the World’s Largest Land Biome provides a good general overview of this important topic.