Earth’s Incredible Places: Amazon River

Like the other books in the ‘Earth’s Amazing Places’ series, ‘Amazon River’ is a beautifully illustrated text, perfect for supporting working in KS2/3 or for browsing independently. Starting with an introduction that gives an overview about this amazing river, the book is then divided into four clear sections: From Source to Sea, Wildlife of the Riverbank, People of the Rainforest and Life on the River.

Clear side headings and succinct, accessible section of text make this a very readable and engaging book and an index and glossary help to make it a useful resource for research as well. Additionally, there are notes at the end of the book to support teachers with ideas for four possible topics for investigation and suggestions for further reading.

The book is a fascinating read from start to finish, celebrating the diversity and wonders of the Amazon, including the indigenous people of the area and some of their myths and legends. Each spread is stunning with colourful illustrations bringing the detailed text to life. Completely absorbing, there really is something for everyone to learn and enjoy here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Amazon River

Sangma Francis, illustrated by Romolo D’Hipolito

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741464

You can read my review of Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone here, Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest here and The Great Barrier Reef here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone

Covering an area of nearly 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone is home to a rich variety of wildlife, the largest volcano in America and boasts the world’s greatest display of hot springs. This fascinating location is fully explored in this excellent new addition to Flying Eye’s ‘Earth’s Incredible Places’ series.

The books starts by exploring Yellowstone’s long history of human visitors, celebrating the mix of Native American cultures and tribes who visited the area before European settlers came to the area in the 1800s. On March 1st 1872, it was created a national park- the world’s first- by the President.

The formation of the park’s geysers and other features like hot springs and fumaroles is carefully explained. Each section is fully illustrated, beautifully capturing the natural wonders of the park and the wonderful wildlife which call it their home. A whole section is devoted to the animals and birds of the park, their habitats and interactions. The book introduces the reader to ‘mistakes of the past’ in which wolves, much feared and demonised, were poisoned, trapped and hunted until there were non left in the park. Realising the important role they played in keeping nature in balance, wolves were reintroduced into the park in the 1990s and are now thriving in the park once more. There is so much to learn in these pages, making the book a fascinating read.

The book finishes with a section about the park today, the employees who work there, the millions who visit it and the impact on the landscape caused by climate change. It is perfect for finding out more about Yellowstone whether for interest, research or in anticipation of a visit. A comprehensive index and glossary make information quick and easy to locate and discover more about this incredible place!

Earth’s Incredible Places: Yellowstone

Catherine Ard, illustrated by Bianca Austria

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838748652

You can read my review of Everest here.

Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest

Welcome to Mount Everest…

Most people have heard of Mount Everest and could probably tell you that it is the highest mountain on Earth and that people strive to ‘conquer’ it by climbing to its peak. From this absorbing book, there is so much more to learn about this fascinating place. With mountains being an area for study in the primary Geography curriculum, this is an essential addition to topic boxes and school libraries as well as for any budding mountaineer or explorer - armchair or otherwise!

The book opens with an explanation of how the Himalayas formed, their location and the various names Everest and her sister mountains have been given. There are many myths and legends associated with the mountains and a selection of these are included here, scattered amongst information about the flora and fauna and the people who live here.

Information about climbers and their determination to ‘conquer’ Everest is also included. The perils to be faced and the equipment used and invented to tackle the challenge are explored as the book introduces the reader to some of the people who have taken the challenge and have pushed themselves to the very limit to climb this mountain. The less appealing subject of the damage humans are doing to this special place by the waste they leave behind is also explored. The book closes with some learning resources to support teachers and parents/ carers to enjoy using it with children. An excellent resource, packed with information!

Earth’s Incredible Places: Everest

Sangma Francis, illustrated by Lisk Feng

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838741457