Océanos. Mundos submarinos. (Oceans: Underwater Worlds)

Reviewed by Emilia Valerio, Children's Library, Denver Public Library, CO -- Críticas, 2/19/2008

Salas, Laura Purdie.
tr. by Patricia Abello. illus. by Jeff Yesh. U.S.: Picture Window Books (Ciencia asombrosa). 2008. 24p. glossary. ISBN 978-1-4048-3864-2. LBD. $25.26.

REVIEWED WITH:
Desiertos. Tierras secas.
(Deserts: Thirsty Wonderlands)
Salas, Laura Purdie.
tr. by Patricia Abello. illus. by Jeff Yesh. U.S.: Picture Window Books (Ciencia asombrosa). 2008. 24p. glossary. ISBN 978-1-4048-3862-8. LBD. $25.26.

Selvas tropicales. Mundos verdes.
(Tropical Forests: Gardens of Green)
Salas, Laura Purdie.
tr. by Patricia Abello. illus. by Jeff Yesh. U.S.: Picture Window Books (Ciencia asombrosa). 2008. 24p. glossary. ISBN 978-1-4048-3865-9. LBD. $25.26.

K-Gr 4–These titles succinctly and clearly explore the planet’s different ecosystems. Océanos gives a captivating overview of various marine life-forms, from familiar plants and animals to more obscure organisms in the ocean floor, sea currents, and the water cycle. Desiertos touches upon the different types of deserts worldwide as it provides interesting facts that will stir students’ curiosity, such as how cactus plants store water and how animals are able to live in such harsh environments. Selvas tropicales studies the amazing diversity of the world’s rainforests, their animals and plants, their colors and noises. The texts use many challenging words—such as ecosistema, invertebrados (invertebrates) and mamíferos (mammals)—but present the facts in a fun, engaging way. In all volumes, one page provides the facts and the opposite gives a “Dato curioso” (a bit of trivia) such as, “Did you know that most deserts are not actually hot but extremely cold?” The large, pastel-toned digital illustrations enhance the texts, and a world map shows where each ecosystem can be found. Recommended for school libraries, these titles will make a great addition to Spanish-language science curriculums.

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