Description
A classroom favorite!
A timely, fascinating, and vibrant volume about the subject of invasive species—perfect for young environmentalists and budding scientists.
“Nonstop intriguing.” ―Booklist
What happens to the environment when alien plants or animals get there by accident? Award-winning writer Mary Batten introduces readers to the serious and ongoing environmental problems caused when alien plants and animals (or invasive species) are introduced into an ecosystem accidentally or deliberately.
Describing various examples―from the release of the gypsy moth into the United States to the introduction of rabbits to Australia―Batten uses clear, readable text to show how these foreign intrusions have disturbed the delicate balance of local ecosystems.
Nature and animal art specialist Beverly Doyle contributes eye-catching visuals “that almost seem to jump off the pages” (SLJ), and back matter includes a glossary and list of ideas that provide more information and ways to minimize human impact on local environments.
Reviews
“From the book title and first line of text to the information-packed, full-page color illustrations, this overview of ecological missteps is nonstop intriguing… Lively personal-interest reading, this picture book for older children is fast moving, clear, and well detailed.” ―Booklist
“This visually striking and readable title describes what happens to ecosystems when alien plants or animals are introduced by accident or intention… The examples throughout are thought-provoking, the illustrations outstanding, and the concluding words on steps to take to keep aliens out are helpful and practical. Doyle, who specializes in environmental art, provides handsome, double-paged portraits of animals both native and new to their natural habitat, using a footnote to clue readers into which are which. Fascinating.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“The spreads are beautifully illustrated with animals and plants that almost seem to jump off the pages. Everything depicted is labeled, and a helpful key designates which ones are native, endangered or threatened, alien, or extinct… Visually appealing, it should capture the interest of browsers.” ―School Library Journal
Awards
NSTA Recommends ―National Science Teachers Association, 2003
Conservation Book of the Year Award ―Izaak Walton League of America, 2006
Young Hoosier Book Award (Nominee) ―Indiana Library Federation, 2005-2006
Louisiana Young Readers’ Choice Award ―Louisiana Center for the Book, 2006
Prairie Pasque Award ―South Dakota Library Association, 2005-2006
More Details
AR Level: 6.7
F&P: GRL X, Gr 6, Genre I
Lexile: 1140L
Themes: Ecology, Invasive Species
BISAC 1: JNF051100 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Environmental Science & Ecosystems
BISAC 2: JNF037020 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection
BISAC 3: JNF003270 JUVENILE NONFICTION / Animals / Endangered
