In this introduction to the mountain habitat, Cathryn Sill relates facts about mountains and the living things that make their homes on them. The text is composed of simple sentences, one to two on each left-hand page, set against a white background. On each right-hand page appears John Sill’s realistic watercolor illustration of a particular mountain or mountain range. One page informs readers, for instance, that “plants and animals living on steep, rocky mountainsides have special ways of surviving.” The watercolor opposite depicts, according to its label, the Alps, with parsley fern and wallcreeper in situ. To truly understand the connection between picture and text, readers must visit the afterword, which consists of thumbnails of each illustration, along with additional information. Here, they learn details about how the parsley fern and the wallcreeper survive in a steep, rocky environment. A solid introduction sure to help readers develop an appreciation for the scope and unique beauty of the mountains and mountain ranges that grace our planet. (glossary, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 5-10)
