Veteran science writer Simon describes the climate, lush plant life and some of the millions of animals inhabiting tropical rainforests in Central and South America, central Africa and Southeast Asia. Illustrated with stock photographs beautifully reproduced on glossy paper, this Smithsonian title has great eye appeal. Each double-page spread includes a full-page illustration; expanses of green foliage, spider monkey, anaconda, dart poison frogs, vampire bat and giant centipede are some examples. Additional small photos appear on most opposing pages along with a clear, logically organized text that includes an explanation of forest layers and mention of the Amazon River. The final pages less smoothly summarize the importance of rainforests to us all in terms of their products and their contribution to the environment’s health as well as their endangered status. Sadly, the pictures aren’t labeled. For some, there’s information in the text; to be certain, the curious reader must look for bold-faced numbers in the index and cannot always find where the picture was taken. This is a serious lack in an informational book. (Nonfiction. 5-9)
