WILD & WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY: Life in Hot Water & Life in a Frozen World by Mary Batten & Thomas Gonzalez
REVIEW
With illustrations so stunningly lifelike that they seem like photographs, Life in Hot Water introduces readers to the the life surrounding hydrothermal vents. These extreme environments full of toxic chemicals and gushing hot water manage to maintain a habitat in which some rather remarkable creatures manage to survive. Scientists theorized for years about the existence of such vents but it wasn't until the 1970s that the means existed to visit the bottom of the ocean to find out for sure. Batten provides readers with an overview of vents and what scientists have learned about them over the years, including how they form, where they tend to be found, and some of the living organisms that have been discovered living around them. There is much to be learned here about one of the earth's most unusual habitats. Creatures such as as the scaly-foot snail, eyeless Hoff crabs, and the Pompeii worm feature in both the well-written, easy to read text and the beautiful full two-page spreads. A fabulous, informative read perfect for young readers with an insatiable hunger for knowledge about the ocean. The back matter includes 10 additional facts about the topic along with an author's note, glossary, and selected bibliography. A book that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend for young science aficionados.
REVIEW
Beginning with gorgeous endpapers showing the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights, Life in a Frozen World takes readers on a journey into the world of Antarctica. The author and illustrator share some of the things that scientists and explorers have discovered about the 'coldest, windiest, driest place on Earth'. I learned some rather interesting things reading this book, such as the fact that while the land side of Antarctica lacks the green plants to form the foundation for wildlife, the ocean contains a forest of giant algae the provides the basis for life. The author goes on to explain how the plants feed krill which feeds dozens of other creatures such as seals, seabirds, fish, penguins, and whales. Gonzalez's stunning lifelike illustrations show some of these creatures in their natural environment. It's clear that a lot of research went into creating this book. Readers won't be able to come away from the book without having learned some amazing things about the world. The ongoing work of scientists to learn about the continent is highlighted. The back matter includes a map, 10 interesting facts, an author's note, glossary, and selected bibliography. A great book for young readers fascinated by the frozen world of Antarctica.
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