After reading Steve Parker’s book about fungi last week, we couldn’t wait to see what he had to say about Ferns, Mosses & Other Spore-Producing Plants (Kingdom Classification series).
We were not disappointed. Although often taking second chair to their showy flowering cousins, the spore-producing plants are front and center in this book.
Steve Parker shows the reader what each type is, the structures that are characteristic of its group, how it reproduces and more. Who knew that there are 10,000 species of humble mosses? Or that some ferns are as big as trees? Other spore-producing plants include the horsetails and liverworts.
Once again, the each page is packed with stunning full-color photographs. This time, however, the text on a few of the pages had a fragmented feel, as if the words had been shoved around to make room for the visuals.
Still, Parker manages to pack a great deal of information into his books. Did you know that many arctic animals rely on mosses and liverworts for food (as well as lichens)? This is because some liverworts can withstand very low temperatures. Tough plants!
Although listed for ages 9-12, this book would be interesting and useful for older children and young adults.
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Publisher: Compass Point Books (August 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0756542200
ISBN-13: 978-0756542207
Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.1 x 0.3 inches
Review copy was provided by Capstone books.
I was inspired to put up some science activities related to spore-producing plants at GrowingwithScience.
Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. For more information, stop by Picture Book of the Day. This week’s post is at Tales from the Rushmore Kid.