African Savanna

June 1, 2016
Grades 2-4 The books in the Community Connections: Getting to Know Our Planet series cover one exotic ecosystem at a basic level appropriate for young readers. Each spread includes the main text, a large photo, and a skill-based activity (such as ask questions, make a guess, look, think, or create). The activities would align well with Common Core and similar standards-based curricula. Using simple, direct language, the main text describes the climate, plants, wildlife, and human inhabitants of the region, often including an implicit or explicit message about its importance and conservation. Very concrete examples help keep each book interesting. African Savanna notes that elephant grass can grow up to 10 feet high, and termite mounds can be as high as 17 feet, although individual termites are tiny. Overall, these books give young readers a great introduction to some of the most interesting habitats on our planet.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)