The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth: Understanding Our World and Its Ecosystems

by Rachel Ignotofsky

Overview

An illustrated tour of the planet exploring ecosystems large and small, from reefs, deserts, and rainforests to a single drop of water—from the New York Times bestselling author of Women in Science.
 
Making earth science accessible and entertaining through art, maps, and infographics, The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth explains how our planet works—and how we can protect it—from its diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants, to the levels of ecology, the importance of biodiversity, the cycles of nature, and more. Science- and nature-loving readers of all ages will delight in this utterly charming guide to our amazing home.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780399580413
Publisher:	Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
Publication date:	09/18/2018
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	68,027
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

RACHEL IGNOTOFSKY is a New York Times-bestselling author, illustrator, designer. She graduated from Tyler School of Art's graphic design program and formerly worked as a senior designer and illustrator at Hallmark Greetings. Rachel and her work have been featured in many print and online media outlets such as the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Scientific American, Science Friday, Brain Pickings, and more. She is the author of Women in Science, Women in Sports, and I Love Science.

Read an Excerpt

Introduction
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Excerpted from "The Wondrous Workings of Planet Earth"
by .
Copyright © 2018 Rachel Ignotofsky.
Excerpted by permission of Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Editorial Reviews

"More than informative, this ecological adventure calls for action."
– Kirkus Reviews

“Delightfully entertaining . . . the book makes science both accessible and appealing.”
– Cool Hunting

"Swim through the art on each page of this book, while soaking up the science. Rachel Ignotofsky brilliantly uses her skills to create the ultimate illustrated story of life on Earth, delivering another blow to the misconception that art and science occupy separate realms. This book is a delight."
– Megan Watzke and Kim Arcand, authors of Magnitude: The Scale of the Universe

“This fantastic book combines Rachel Ignotofsky's instantly-recognizable illustrations with her passion for knowledge. While, on first glance, it may not look like a science book, it is absolutely jam-packed with fascinating, well-researched information. The format is great, too—each section stands on its own merit, but Rachel carefully and seamlessly intertwines them, weaving together the complex tale of life on Earth. The result is a very beautiful scientific treasure trove for anyone interested in the world's ecosystems.”
– Laurie Winkless, author of Science and the City

“Full of fun facts, quirky humor, and gorgeous illustrations, this is an accessible and richly informative book about a timely and important subject.”
– Kate Moore, New York Times best-selling author of The Radium Girls
 
“An essential book for every kid who is curious about science, nature, and how the world works.”
–Andrea Beaty, author of Ada Twist, Scientist and Rosie Revere, Engineer
 
"This is an ambitious and informative book that is also great fun. It is visually stunning, a real pleasure to read, and well worth exploring." 
– Tristan Gooley, author of The Lost Art of Reading Nature's Signs
 
“Rachel Ignotofsky's latest book is a marvelous tribute to its namesake, planet earth. Together with delightful hand-drawn illustrations, Ignotofsky presents an informative text packed with interesting facts and curiosities about the diverse ecosystems that span the globe. The book is at once awestruck and awe-inspiring, managing to balance admiration for the natural world with passionate pleas for its protection, and is sure to captivate nature- and science-loving readers within and beyond its intended age range.”
– Kelsey Oseid, author of Whales and What We See in the Stars
 
"This book is a delight. It is filled to the brim with wonderful facts and diagrams, covering the flora and fauna of ecosystems from around the world, the cycles of nature, and our role in protecting our planet. The stunning illustrations make each page a true work of art. A joy to read."
– Owen Davey, author of Bonkers About Beetles

From the Publisher

2018-07-30

From microscopic organisms to apex predators, all life relies on Earth's rich resources.

In this scientific exploration of the world, Ignotofsky (Women in Sports: 50 Fearless Athletes Who Played to Win, 2017, etc.) shows how living things interact with one another. The first part of the book covers concepts such as ecological organization, preparing readers to embark on an adventure from continent to continent. Every continent features a selection of specific ecosystems—North America's redwood forests and mangrove swamps, for example—and highlights how each one benefits the world at large as well as what threats they face from human influence. After the world tour, Ignotofsky moves on to the cycles of nature and how humans interact with the environment. Although the book stresses the serious threats the environment faces, the tone encourages further education and action to help slow the destruction caused by climate change. Labeled, full-page illustrations sit side by side with the text, inviting readers to stop and explore. Diverse humans appear throughout the book, but while only showing up in a single instance, the depiction of a Native American scientist looks stereotypical despite the lab coat due to a long black braid; furthermore, what could be seen as a stylized cheekbone might well strike other readers as war paint. The text is divided into sections that make the book an accessible learning tool. Even with the distinct sections, however, Ignotofsky always returns to the larger theme of a connected world.

More than informative, this ecological adventure calls for action. (glossary, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews