FULL OF LIFE, EXPLORING EARTH’S BIODIVERSITY, by Isabel Thomas and Sara Gillingham, Phaidon Press, Oct. 5, 2022, Hardcover, $24.95 (ages 8-12)
From cover to cover, Full of Life, Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity, by Isabel Thomas and Sara Gillingham, is worth every penny of its $24.95 list price.
This guide to Earth’s Tree of Life — the reference tool used by scientists to organize the incredible variety of living things on our planet — helps young readers understand how every living creature, from the tiniest germ to the biggest blue whale, is part of one big family tree.
Layouts feature fascinating facts and stories behind some of the most extraordinary species on Earth, from familiar plants and animals to newly discovered microorganisms and viruses. With a comprehensive introduction, conclusion, and glossary, this is an introduction to the 2 million+ life forms on our planet. —Synopsis provided by Phaidon Press
Full of Life, Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity is one of those books that’s specifically written for children that adults will want to own, too. It’s one of the books I’m most excited to share going into the holiday season this November.
It’s that good.
Full of Life, Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity is something that begs to be explored. Each turn of the page offers something new and engaging. It’s a book that can be read cover to cover or flipped through for a quick perusal (though quick usually turns into more time than initially planned).
Full of Life, Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity is divided into 11 color-coded sections ranging from True Bacteria and Archaea to a glossary and index. Though divided up into large and small sections of text, this book is text heavy. The fantastic graphic illustrations help keep things in balance, but that will probably make it more appealing for more advanced middle readers.
Full of Life, Exploring Earth’s Biodiversity is an excellent choice for curious kids (and adults) who love science and nature. I highly recommend it.
Copyright © 2022 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
