A Beginner's Guide to Life on Earth by Gill Arbuthnott

A & C Black, 2015. ISBN 9781472915733
(Age: Primary) Recommended. Themes: Biology; Classification; Animals; Plants. This is an unpretentious, easy to read, accessible Non-fiction introduction to basic Biology including the classification system for younger readers. As a former Biology teacher, I recognise its success in making the complex simple and in introducing the most interesting life forms and their oddities to an inquiring audience. Apart from the occasional error or over-simplification eg Birds . . . front legs have turned into wings, the information is clear and well-presented. It could be read from cover to cover for an interested younger reader, or used to provide a very simple paragraph detail for a research request. The illustration style includes photographs and some cartoon-like illustrations which would appeal to a younger reader with an interest in animals or Biology. It is not a detailed in depth Biology text, but it is a 'Beginner's guide!'
Can be recommended as a Library purchase or a gift for an interested 'Beginner'.
Carolyn Hull