The Incredible Ecosystems of Planet Earth

This huge world we live in, with its infinitely varied regions, countries and communities, is - so we learn in Rachel Ignotofsky's amazing new book - actually an interconnected series of large and small ecosystems, all working together to make the best of our planet's limited resources. Ignotofsky takes us through the different regions of the world and shows us the different types of ecosystems that are found there, from British moorlands to the North-East Siberian Taiga, the Atacama Desert to the Great Barrier Reef, and much more. Each ecosystem is presented ono a double-page spread, with a charming and informative illustration on the left, with a page of key information on the right. Like her previous titles, Women in Sport and Women in Science, the information given is well judged and laid out for upper primary readers, full of fascinating snippets. For instance, soil erosion in the Pampas region of South America is currently a threat to the ecosystem because of the overgrazing of farm animals and the destruction of native grassland to make room for new, unsustainable farms. This is a fascinating and timely read, perfect for schools and young environmental activists.

This illustrated tour of our planet's ecosystems both large and small, from reefs, deserts and rainforests to a single drop of water not only shows how beautiful our world is, but what we stand to lose if we don't join the rallying call to action to address and combat climate change before it's too late.