Planet earth

An infographic is exactly what its name implies: a visual representation of complex and often abstract information. This book, the first in the new World of Infographics series, is composed of infographics and nothing else. Thankfully, and quite enjoyably, it covers an extremely broad range of science topics, including physical geography, tectonics, the water cycle, ecological habitats, and geology. From the table of contents to its glossary and index, the highly appealing graphical layout and colorful illustrations are engaging. Richards focuses on the type of facts and superlatives that kids will be excited to share with others, such as the deepest points in the ocean, the world's largest icebergs, and the fastest wind speed ever recorded on earth. The book's strength is its ability to make connections to readers' existing knowledge and to make unfathomable facts and figures tangible and understandable. Data visualization works especially well with modern young brains and provides a sound introduction to plenty of broad concepts.--Anderson, Erin Copyright 2010 Booklist

Gr 3-6-These loosely defined titles use visuals to explain their topics. With captioned pictographs, Natural World begins with the classification of living things and then includes microscopic organisms, energy production, genetics, reproduction, food webs, and evolution. It continues with examples of animal and plant extremes and endangered species. Planet Earth starts off with the Earth's composition, moves through tectonic plates, the rock cycle, earthquakes and volcanoes and then presents features like mountains and rivers. Each title concludes with a spread on today's environmental problems. The more complex topics tend to be about cycles e.g., energy production, (World), rock and water (Earth) and use diagrams that are readily available elsewhere. Time lines, maps, webs, and graphs are used but many of the infographics are simply rich pictures; a single graphic accompanied with a caption or labels. Some of the images need more explanation while others hardly fit the definition of infographic. Proportions are sometimes skewed and the pages get cluttered. Full-color backgrounds overlaid with brightly colored shapes, reminiscent of Lois Ehlert's earliest works, are used throughout. The contrasting text varies in size and boldness for added emphasis. In spite of some flaws, as an introduction to infographics or for die-hard data devourers, these titles will find their audience.-Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.