Full of Life: Exploring Earth's Biodiversity

by Isabel Thomas, Sara Gillingham (Artist)

Overview

Science meets design in this graphically stunning introductory tour of Earth's amazing biodiversity

This artful and accessible guide to Earth's Tree of Life - the reference tool used by scientists to organize the incredible variety of living things on our planet - helps young readers understand how every living creature, from the tiniest germ to the biggest blue whale, is part of one big family tree.

Stunning layouts feature fascinating facts and stories behind some of the most extraordinary species on Earth, from familiar plants and animals to newly discovered microorganisms and viruses. With a comprehensive introduction, conclusion, and glossary, this is the perfect introduction to the 2 million+ life forms on our planet.

Ages 8-14

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781838665364
Publisher:	Phaidon Press
Publication date:	10/05/2022
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	8 - 14 Years

About the Author

Science writer Isabel Thomas is a winner of the AAAS/Subaru Prize for excellence in Science Books and has a a research MPhil from the University of Cambridge. She previously wrote Exploring the Elements with Sara Gillingham.

Sara Gillingham is the award-winning art director and designer who created Exploring the Elements, Seeing Stars and Animals in the Sky with Phaidon. She lives in British Columbia.

Editorial Reviews

'For science-minded 8- to 15-year-olds: Full of Life offers a dazzling survey of earth's biodiversity.' – Wall Street Journal

'Absolutely stunning.' – Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

'Ingenious design.' – Youth Services Book Review, Starred Review

'Vibrant illustrations, easy-to-understand graphics, and snippet-size lessons take readers through an epic journey of life on earth.' – Real Simple

‘Merges art, ecology and design to teach young ones … all that is fascinating and magical about the planet’s creatures and how each … are connected.’ – Cool Hunting

'An impressive resource for biology, conservation, and biodiversity research.' – Children's Literature

'Perfect for a scientist lover and a kid who hasn't yet explored our world!' – New York Family

'An excellent choice for curious kids (and adults) who love science and nature.' – Cracking the Cover

‘Adults will find this just as fascinating.’ – Sincerely Stacie

'A beautiful combination of art and science celebrating the animal world.' – Motherhood Moment

'A wonderful invitation to explore some of the biggest branches of Earth's tree of life.' – The Silvan Reverie

'Stellar graphics and a well-organized, readable approach to its expansive subject matter make this volume stand out; it's sure to evoke awe for the natural world.' – Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

★ 2022-08-17
A journey through the world of all life on Earth.

Sure, it sounds like a lot—and it is. But by linking all of existence into “Earth’s tree of life”—a concept that borrows from genealogy—readers will find an accessible organization that breaks down the world of living beings into a clear and fascinating read. Starting with true bacteria, the organization moves through archaea (tiny microbes) to eukaryotes (plants, algae, fungi, and animals) and ends with infectious particles (with a note clarifying that scientists don’t agree about whether they are alive). Particularly noteworthy—if one aspect in this exceptional book could be said to be more successful than another—is the overall visual presentation. The graphics are clean, colorful, sophisticated, and eye-catching. Each double-page spread follows the same format: A clade (“a group of living things that share a common ancestor”) is highlighted and described. Common traits, where it fits in the tree of life, its scientific name, more unusual aspects of some members, as well as any benefits or detriments the clade may have to humankind (for example, many bacteria are used to develop medicines) are presented in an organized, easy-to-understand manner. Humans are given the same treatment as the rest of the living creatures, and from this, readers will understand we are just one life form out of billions, and our survival depends on the health of every other living thing.

Absolutely stunning. (resources, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

Kirkus Reviews