The Illustrated World of Wild Animals

Using a region-by-region approach, Carwardine, the author of more than 10 books on wildlife and conservation, describes over 200 of the world's wild animals, from the familiar African leopards, lions and cheetahs to the lesser known Australian wombats, numbats and kookaburras. Pictures in full-color accompany the descriptions of the animals, as do helpful maps and charts. Addressed in a series of boxes are issues such as ecology, the disappearing jungles, endangered species, game preserves and national parks. Carwardine also explains how animals live in regions of extreme temperatures, such as deserts or polar areas, as well as the origin of fabled sea creatures like mermaids and the Loch Ness Monster. Readers of all ages will enjoy reading many little-known facts about wild animals, and appreciate the thoughtful presentation of so much information, so accessibly. Ages 8-12. (August)