Life in an Estuary ANNOTATION
Examines the physical features, processes, and many different species of plants and animals that make up the ecosystem of the largest estuary in the United States, the Chesapeake Bay.
FROM THE CRITICS
School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up-Rapp introduces readers to the old growth forest of the Pacific Northwest. She emphasizes the diversity of plant and animal life and the complex long-term relationships that cannot be duplicated simply by planting replacement trees. The descriptions of decomposition and forest recovery after events such as fires are particularly informative. Although this book overlaps to some extent with information in Deborah Behler's The Rain Forests of the Pacific Northwest (Benchmark, 2000), that title focuses more on animal life. In her discussion of the Chesapeake Bay, Walker begins with geologic history to explain the area's structure. She stresses the dynamic nature of an estuary, influenced by temperature, tides, and salinity. Although both books require good reading skills, Walker uses specialized terms more frequently with subheads such as "Nektonic Animals in the Polyhaline Zone." Fortunately, each book has a glossary as well as an index, further reading list, and suggested Web sites, but Rapp's choices seem more relevant and useful as sources to extend research. Numerous full-color photos break up both texts.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.
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