Many people around the world live in the forest biome. That’s because temperate forests grow in places where winter isn’t too cold and summer isn’t too hot. Readers learn that we need to care for this biome that’s in so many backyards. Simple, accessible language describes common trees and characteristics of both evergreen and deciduous forests, and full-color photographs highlight their beauty. Animals and their adaptations to this biome are addressed in the main content as well.

Board book edition of the best-selling winner of the Waterstones Childrens Book Prize, Illustrated Book Category.

Chronicles the forest in New England from the Ice Age to current challenges

Take some of the mystery out of a walk in the woods with this new field guide from the author of Reading the Forested Landscape. Thousands of readers have had their experience of being in a forest changed forever by reading Tom Wessels's Reading the Forested Landscape. Was this forest once farmland? Was it logged in the past? Was there ever a major catastrophe like a fire or a wind storm that brought trees down? Now Wessels takes that wonderful ability to discern much of the history of the forest from visual clues and boils it all down to a manageable field guide that you can take out to the woods and use to start playing forest detective yourself. Wessels has created a key—a fascinating series of either/or questions—to guide you through the process of analyzing what you see. You’ll feel like a woodland Sherlock Holmes. No walk in the woods will ever be the same.

In North America, grasslands are called the “prairie.” In South America, they’re called the “pampas.” Whatever they’re called, grasslands are a vibrant biome! Readers are introduced to grasslands through their unique features, climate, and the plants and animals that live there. With information on both tropical and temperate grasslands, the main content includes themes of conservation and ecosystem balance. Full-color photographs supplement the science content with examples of grasslands from around the world. Accessible language makes this book a perfect supplement to classroom learning about biomes.

The ocean covers about 70 percent of Earth. That makes it the planet’s largest biome! With millions of species of plants and animals living in it, this biome needs special care as climate change affects Earth. Readers learn about the five named oceans and where they are on a simple map. Important concepts from the science curriculum are introduced in age-appropriate language, including food webs, animal adaptations, and conservation. Full-color photographs of ocean life further emphasize the diversity and interconnectedness of the ocean biome.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.