The Living Rain Forest - Softcover

Paul Kratter is the illustrator of RIVER DISCOVERIES and BUTTERFLY COUNT (Holiday House). He lives in Moraga, California.

PreS-Gr. 2. Kratter's Living Rain Forest is an example of what artist Paul Zelinsky has referred to as "the alphabet as an excuse." These books, aimed at children who are probably well versed in their letters, have an A-to-Z format that works mostly as an organizing principle for facts. Here, each letter is matched with a different rain-forest creature, and includes a few animal facts that will appeal to elementary-age children. Vocabulary words, such as arboreal, are defined right on the page. The uncluttered layouts position the text blocks and the exquisite, photorealistic paintings of the animals against lots of white space, and an unlabeled map on the endpapers gives a general idea of where rain forests are located across the globe. With eye-catching visuals, an engaging theme, and basic information, the book will appeal to a wide age range: preschoolers learning their letters with the help of an older reader as well as elementary-age children ready to dive into the science on their own. Gillian Engberg
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