Tag Archives: conservation

Review: The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green

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The Magic and Mystery of Trees by Jen Green

The Magic and Mystery of Trees
Jen Green
Illustrated by Claire McElfatrick
DK Publishing
Published March 5, 2019

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Magic and Mystery of Trees

Discover how they communicate and warn each other of predators, how they nurture their networks, record the past, and anticipate the future to ensure their survival. There’s so much more to trees than meets the eye.

Learn about the amazing natural science of trees in this nature and science children’s book. From the highest branches, all the down to the complex wood wide web of roots, every part of a tree plays an important role. Not only in its own growth but that of the whole ecosystem of the forest or woodland. Did you know that trees take care of each other and that a whole forest is connected?

A truly delightful non-fiction read that is suitable for all ages – each page of this nature book is nothing short of astonishingly beautiful. Enjoy a mixture of real images, vibrant illustrations, and patchwork-layering, making each page feel like a nature scavenger hunt.

You’ll learn unbe-leaf-able tree facts, see extraordinary trees from around the world, and the animals that call them home. Find out what trees do for us and how we are damaging them with pollution and deforestation. This book will show that it’s not too late to do something about it, and you’ll find out how you can help with instructions on how to plant your very own tree!

When you get to know these silent giants, you’ll never look at trees the same way again.

My Review

I first got a discount copy of this book as an e-book, but once I read it, I knew I needed a hard copy. It’s packed with information that’s presented in such a fresh, engaging way. The illustrations are bright and beautiful, and really add a lot to the text.

You might notice that I recommended this book for ages 8 and up, which is unusual and a large age range. Obviously older readers will be capable of reading above the reading level here, but the book contains so much great information and so many things that I had never even heard of before that I feel like anyone could read it.

I only have two complaints about the book. One is that I wish it contained a bibliography and a recommended reading list. I would love to know where the information came from and to know if there are other books, especially any written for kids, available to buy or borrow.

The only other negative thing I can say is that while I really appreciate the emphasis on planting a tree or recycling as things we can do to contribute to helping the planet, I wish there had been mention or emphasis on the fact that doing those things isn’t the same as saving acres of rainforest. A tree planted in our front yard or a local park doesn’t equal one in the Amazon for the biodiversity it supports. I know that as a reader, I was thinking about that, but I wish it had been included somehow in the text.

On the whole, though, I love THE MAGIC AND MYSTERY OF TREES. I think it would be a great addition to any home, school, classroom, or community library. It’s inspiring and informative and truly an engaging read.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 up.

Representation
No specific humans mentioned in the book.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None. (I mean, I guess unless you count plant pollination?? Ha.)

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support running this blog.

Review: Giraffe Extinction by Tanya Anderson

Nonfiction, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , , ,

Giraffe Extinction
Tanya Anderson
Twenty-first Century Books
Published October 1, 2019

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Goodreads

About Giraffe Extinction

Quietly, without most people noticing, the population of giraffes in the wild has decreased by nearly 40 percent since 1985. Giraffes have disappeared entirely from seven countries where they used to live. Researchers believe fewer than 98,000 exist in the wild–fewer even than endangered African elephants. In 2016, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature added giraffes to the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. What is causing their disappearance? Overpopulation of humans in giraffe habitats and illegal poaching.

Learn about giraffes’ physical characteristics, habitats, and life cycles; examine the dangers they face from humans and climate change; and meet the scientists working to save these gentle giants using technology and conservation efforts.

My Review

My youngest daughter’s favorite animal right now is a giraffe, so I thought this book would be interesting to read just as information for myself. She’s too young to really understand the information, but I think that also the possibility that giraffes could face extinction in the near future made me want to learn more. It’s hard to imagine a world in which giraffes don’t exist since they’re such an iconic animal.

The book is a little tough at the beginning. There’s some explanation of the history of studying giraffes and while I think it’s great information, it’s not as friendly and easy to read as other books by this publisher. Once I got past the first chapter or so, though, I think it was easier to understand.

One of the things I found most fascinating is the way giraffes have been classified and how that impacts any available protection. I hadn’t ever considered whether there are multiple species of giraffes or only one with subspecies. I enjoyed learning about that process and what its effects might be for the future.

Also, did you know giraffes make a sound?! Okay, they don’t make a sound like you’re thinking, like a cat meowing or something. But for a long time, scientists thought giraffes would be mute because of their long necks. Actually, they make a humming sound while they sleep. Pretty cool!

Over all, I enjoyed the balance of interesting facts, history and context for why giraffes are threatened and how essential they are to the environment where they live. I recommend this book for young conservationists and animal enthusiasts alike.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 12 up.

Representation
None.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog. I received a free copy of GIRAFFE EXTINCTION in exchange for my honest review.