Reviews

Gr 3-5‘An attractive format and tight organization highlight these general introductions. Each title features a large-print, easy-to-read text accompanied by full-color illustrations on every page. There is a pleasing mixture of photographs and brightly hued drawings. Plant focuses on green plants, describing their structure; photosynthesis; pollination; propagation of a few nonseed-bearing plants; characteristics of carnivorous varieties; and the importance of plants in the food chain. Three simple experiments are also included. Web Weavers succinctly describes major physical characteristics common to all spiders; special characteristics of a half-dozen species; basic anatomy; and life cycles. Although the texts are clearly written, the information is sometimes slight or inaccurate. Plant states that plants with chlorophyll in their leaves use "the sun's energy to turn air and water" into food. In fact, green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into food and oxygen. In Web Weavers, the chapter on reproduction concentrates on egg-laying and the care of young. The text does not mention courting behavior or explain how spiders actually mate. Another omission‘most of the species depicted in the photos are not identified in the text and there are no captions. Both Claudia Schnieper's Amazing Spiders (Carolrhoda, 1989) and Sandra Markle's Outside and Inside Spiders (Atheneum, 1994) provide in-depth information and outstanding color photos.‘Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library