Grassland Biomes

The six books in the “Earth’s Natural Biomes” series cover most of the major biomes of Earth. Each book is packed with pictures and sidebars with facts and further information. It is interesting that the pictures do include the large animals that children will know and also many insects and small photogenic creatures that they may not. When relevant, there are vista shots; when not available in the habitat, there are great pictures of the appropriate environment. Perhaps the essence of the series is that, in order to care for nature, young people must learn about it.

Fact Focus: Biome or Habitat?
Biomes are regions of the world that have a similar climate, plants, and animals, such as deserts, forests, rivers, oceans, tundra, and grassland. A habitat is the specific place in a biome where a plant or animal lives.

With some variation, each of the books first defines the particular biome along with the plants and animals that inhabit that biome and the different types of that biome that exist. Each of these topics is presented in a two-page spread with large photographs and short, informative text bubbles. A world map shows the major areas where the biomes exist, and other maps show the location of examples given in the text. There are sections on the food chain, people in the area and resources. The information is rounded out with a look at the threats and future of the biome. Each book ends with a glossary, places to look for more information and an index.

Humans must have a long history in grassed areas as there are more names for these areas than for others in the series: prairie, steppe, pampas and savanna. There are also many animals pictured in Grassland Biomes that will be familiar to readers, such as lions, zebra, bison and giraffe, elephant and ostrich, kangaroo and gazelle, a wide variety of enticing creatures with interesting facts. This is a very good way to invite children into learning more.

It certainly must be said that Louise and Richard Spilsbury are very good at choosing interesting pictures and details to include in these books. The text is clear and appropriate, not too much to include in a book for early school children. Grass may seem simple, but it is actually quite complex and the basis of this familiar and diverse landscape.

The “Earth’s Natural Biomes” series is a wonderful introduction to the wide variety of habitats on Earth. Louise and Richard Spilsbury have chosen a diverse range of plants and animals to entice readers into the environments. The books in the series would be a beneficial addition to a classroom or school library as they can expand on the information found in textbooks. They will also be useful to individuals who want to see pictures of nature while they also absorb a few facts.