Great Astrolabe Reef (Circle of Life)

Features

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Library Binding: 80 pages
• Published by: Dillon Pr
• Edition: 1st Edition May 1992
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0875184995
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0875184999
• Book Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 12.8 ounces

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-- The ``whole language'' surge is producing a swell of nonfiction on topics once given a paragraph or two (or perhaps a chapter) in a standard textbook. The entry of environmentalism into the curriculum is adding to the tide. Here is a title constructed to fit both needs. Too terrible the overly simplistic, rather poorly written text does not live up to expectations. As a case in point, in lieu of a map, readers are told: ``On a map of the world, look as far east as your eyes will take you. (Using the National Geographic Atlas of the World , my eyes took me to the Bay of Bengal.) Find the equator and travel south about 18 in latitude . . . There you will find Fiji . . . '' (There I was, in the Indian Ocean, no land in sight!) Perhaps Siy should have stated that a Briesemeister Elliptical Equal-Area Projection was necessary to follow the instructions to the proper area. Really, the inclusion of a world map and an inset of the Fiji Islands in general along with the present map of Kandavu and the Great Astrolabe Reef might have been more sensible. And on one page, readers are told, ``Baby octopuses can change color . . . '' Well, so can adults, although this is not mentioned; nor is the octopus to be found in the index. To make this book useful in the classroom (which is the only place it belongs), activity pages are included. A few color photographs are ornamental. Johnson's Coral Reefs (Lerner, 1984), Sargent's Night Reef (Watts, 1991), and The New England Aquarium's Dive to the Coral Reefs (Crown, 1986; o.p.) all say it better. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Pub . Lib . , NY
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Uses Fiji's Great Astrolabe Reef to show how coral reefs are formed, the diverse plants and animals found there, and threats to their existence. Includes related activities.