Review Detail

COULD RAINFORESTS SAVE PLANET EART is a kid’s science book that focuses on the science behind tropical biology. It is another installment in the Big Questions Answered series, a science focused series that explores a variety of fields and topics. This book specifically focuses on the rainforests, how they influence climate change, and some of the species that reside within these habitats.

I’m a big fan of the illustrators used in the Big Questions Answered books and Daniel Limon knocks it out of the park with this book. The backgrounds may seem simple at first, but there are details that help the illustrations seem alive. Things such as rushing water and grass seeming to sway in the breeze. And closer images are given even more detail! It truly adds to the experience to get to see illustrations of these plants and animals that seem to faithfully and carefully recreate what they look like.

This book focuses on a lot of different aspects of the rainforest. It can seem a bit jumpy at times, pivoting from one topic to another very quickly, but all the information does tie back into the rainforest. It’s fascinating to see the different wonders that seem to thrive within the rainforest.

This book also doesn’t pull any punches, speaking factually but in an age-appropriate manner. It speaks on the effects of deforestation and fires, it talks about the important things we will lose if the rainforests aren’t protected. It’s a harsh reality and a call to action, not trying to scare young readers but trying to make them aware of the reality.

This book fits very well in its intended age range (5 to 9). Most of the vocabulary is perfectly suited to that age range, with some words possibly being a struggle for lower-level readers. This book does provide a glossary and pronunciation guide in the back to help readers piece together anything they are missing.

COULD RAINFORESTS SAVE PLANET EARTH is a fantastic look at the wonderous rainforests and all the ways that the rainforests help Earth. Speaking factually, but not without care, it provides a look at what we will lose if the rainforests aren’t protected.