River (Life Cycles) - Hardcover

NSTA RecommendsThis book stands out among other books that cover the topic of community ecology. Comparing rivers in South America and North America with ponds in Europe, it integrates many concepts into one unifying theme: river communities. . . . [U]se this book as a supplement to lessons covering food chains/food webs, life cycles, or even biomes. Reading level is appropriate for the intended audience (grades 2-5). The book would be a smart addition to a classroom library for use in a community ecology unit.

In this series that covers all of Earth's key habitats, each book reveals the life cycles of eleven animals which link together to create three different food chains. At the end of the book a simple overview helps readers understand how the three food chains interact to create a food web-the perfect first introduction to this core science concept.

Nothing is more essential to life on earth than water, and the diversity of animals in global river habitats make this the perfect subject for a study of life cycles. This book explores how eleven creatures--including favorites like the piranha, the river dolphin, the trout, the grizzly bear, and the otter--are interrelated in three river food chains. Along with a clear explanation of each lifecycle, the book highlights three key facts about each animal, and color-codes the food chains for easy navigation. The beautiful photography, accessible design, and age-appropriate writing make this the perfect introduction to understanding the delicate balance of life in a river ecosystem.