Rainforests

June 1, 2003
Rainforests: An Activity Guide for Ages 6-9 by Nancy Castaldo introduces readers to tropical and temperate rain forests around the world. Beginning with the forest from the floor to the canopy, the volume then presents plants, animals and people in Africa, South America, Asia, the Pacific and Caribbean, and the Pacific Northwest. Activities range from making a fern-print T-shirt to planting a butterfly garden to stringing an aloha lei; the closing "Don't Bungle the Jungle" chapter describes ways kids can help save the forests.

November 1, 2003
Gr 2-6-A potpourri of resources and activity ideas. After several chapters devoted to the different layers of the tropical forest, Castaldo takes readers on a round-the-world tour, including a visit to the temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. She includes some folktales among the sections of information on plants, animals, and cultures. The activities are varied and interesting, ranging from science projects to crafts to recipes. Many require adult assistance. Black-and-white drawings break up the blocks of text. The book would serve as a valuable resource for adults working with elementary students, but the subtitle and introduction suggest that it can be read independently by young children. However, the vocabulary and complex sentences may be daunting for beginning readers. Books, videos, and Web sites listed as additional resources for each chapter include materials ranging from picture books to adult nonfiction and Web sites from conservation organizations to commercial enterprises.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato

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