The same format is repeated in each of the four sparkling volumes: a double-page spread briefly introduces some of the inhabitants of the ecosystem, and on the following double-page spreads, each animal or plant is discussed more thoroughly. While the information is engagingly presented, it is the clearly focused, bright photographs that will captivate readers. Ind. From HORN BOOK 1992, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr. 3-6, younger with adult assistance. The Look Closer series spotlights notable inhabitants of various ecosystems. Pond Life includes double-page spreads on the water lily, dragon~fly, newt, water boatman, stickleback, frog, great diving beetle, caddis fly, and great pond snail. Dominating the book are clear, colorful photographs that portray each species, often larger than life. Small drawings of children next to the animals and plants indicate their relative size. While an introductory paragraph supplies some basic information, most of the text appears in captions to the illustrations. British in origin, the books include animals and plants from around the world, though without maps or other indications of the species' geographical range. For example, Desert Life includes two pages on cacti, but does not discuss where they can be found or why some grow on certain deserts and not others. Nevertheless, the striking visual presentation of each subject in the series assures the books' use, particularly in primary-grade classrooms. Check the Series Roundup in this issue for Coral Reef and Rain Forest. ~--Carolyn Phelan