"The Roridula plant has a problem.
Even though its sticky leaves catch
insects easily, the plant can't eat
them. That's because it doesn't
produce the enzymes needed to
digest them. So Roridula has
assassin bugs do the digesting for
it. How? It invites the bugs to an
all-you-can-eat buffet."
Wow! Plants are incredible at altering themselves in ways that help them defend, reproduce, and find the food needed to flourish. On double-page, beautifully illustrated spreads, Etta Kaner entices her audience with humorous and chatty descriptions of 19 plants that have made these changes. It's almost as if these plants can think for themselves, and we know that is not true.
The table of contents indicates that the book is divided according to defense, reproduction, and finding food. The introduction encourages readers to think about plants in ways never before considered. In order to survive, they have adapted to fit their environment. The three chapters begin with a spread explaining what most plants must do to thrive. A turn of the page segues to those plants that don't fit a common description. Each plant presented is described clearly, with information for where it can be found and scientific explanations for why it happens.
There is much to learn here, and it is presented in a way that will keep readers moving forward. Symbiosis and photosynthesis are part of the conversation, as well as describing the plant that led to the development of Velcro. The book's design is exemplary, and the collage artwork is remarkable. If using it in a classroom, sharing one plant each day would allow students to slowly consider the facts provided.
Back matter explains how flowering plants make seeds, and how plants make food. An index, a glossary, and a list of selected resources are helpful.
No comments:
Post a Comment