This addition to The Young Oxford Books makes a complex topic more accessible with charts, diagrams, and full-color photographs. While the dense, three-column text rivals an encyclopedia article in difficulty, a careful layout with information boxes, bold type, colorful diagrams (of food chains and pyramids, the nitrogen cycle, photosynthesis, etc.), plus the inclusion of chapter notes and an extensive index will help younger readers access information. Scott provides separate chapters on ten different biomes, from desert to deep sea. He also discusses endangered species, pollution, and conservation efforts. Caveats: Biodiversity merits only passing mention; the sturdy binding sometimes traps important information in the gutter while charts span two pages. (full-color photos, maps, charts, diagrams, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10+)
