A is For Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet

by Anthony D. Fredericks, Laura Regan (Illustrator)

At one time rainforests covered about 14% of the earth's surface; now they're reduced to just 6%. As home to some of the most diverse plant and animal species ever known, this decline has grave implications for both man and animal kingdoms. A is for Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet explores the world's rainforests as it explains their important role and showcases their wonders. Nature writer Anthony Fredericks gives an A-Z tour of the many facets and fascinating facts of these tropical environments. Exotic inhabitants including the basilisk lizard and kinkajou are highlighted, along with explanations of forest structure such as understory and canopy. In A is for Anaconda young readers will meet the many endangered plant and animal species, understand the progression of a food web, and appreciate why the rainforest has been called the "world's medicine chest."Anthony D. (Tony) Fredericks is a frequent traveler to the rainforests of Hawaii and Central America. He is the author of many nature and animal books for children, including several award-winning titles. When not visiting classrooms across the country, Tony teaches education courses at York College in York, PA. Laura Regan is nationally known for her rich, contemporary style of painting and her many award-winning children's books featuring exotic flora and fauna. Her artwork has been used to raise funds for many wildlife organizations. Laura lives in the Bay Area in California.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Nature

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2009

Reviews

[Audrey Arnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A" is for Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet by Anthony D. Fredericks is a really great book to read if you want to discuss all about the rainforest. The book is full of great illustrations and the words are all really great ones that could spark good conversation. I really liked that this book had facts to go along with the story. The facts on the side provide a good source of information to further discuss the topic. This book would be great to read to kids maybe day by day so that you could spend time really diving into each topic.

[J.D. Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to most classes yesterday for Earth Day.

This is an excellent book, with plenty of information and realistic illustrations. You can expand how much you share with your students or children when you read it, with the sidebars for every letter. The sidebars are handy for pronunciation guides and simple explanations - with "D is for Dispersers," it's much easier to rely on the sidebar's way of explaining it, rather than stumbling around trying to tactfully say, "The birds poop out the seeds."

I like this book for how much you can use it to engage the students. They'll learn a lot with this one, from preschool through middle school. There are pretty plants, cute animals, and "T is for Tarantula" always gets excited reactions (and a shudder from this librarian).

Just be aware that the letter Z is a downer, and while it's important to talk about how the rainforests need to be saved, I'd recommend following it with something more upbeat, especially for the littlest ones. Don't gloss over the message, but also don't leave them sad and squirming uncomfortably.

[Jan Rue]

Written by Anthonly D. Fredericks and illustrated by Laura Regan (2009). Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press. This is a great ABC picture book about animals and subjects in the fain forest. It has beautiful illustration which are painted. The rain forest is explored, with a poem for each letter for each topic. Then on the other side of the full spread pages there is text which explains more about the topic shown in the poem. Unusal words of phonetically spelled out, where different rainforests are located, temperatures, and any other information is given. It is a great informational book. There is an Q & A in the back about the rainforest, with the answers on the next page. Powerful book but not preachy about conservation, however it does talk some about it.

[Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully educational and entertaining book! With each respective alphabet letter, each page reveals something about the rainforest from the animals that live there to the types of medicine that can be found. It can be a quick and easy read, but if desired, more time can be spent on each page learning in more depth about the specific letter item. With captivating pictures, this book will fascinate kids from kindergarten all the way through sixth grade and beyond!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me from a classroom family from our book fair this year. I love that even though I teach 5th grade this alphabet book will not only entertain but educate as well. The vocabulary is certainly for higher level learners. This rainforest themed book also have amazing illustrations that will captivate anyone.

[Emily Warner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has amazing illustrations that give the reader an inside look at the rainforest. This alphabet book covers many endangered plants and animals, the food web, and helps students appreciate the rainforest and what it has to offer.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Using the alphabet book format the rainforest is explored and explained. A poem explains each topic followed by detailed expository text. Topics include Brazil, epiphytes, gorillas, Kapok tree and nocturnal"--Provided by publisher.

[Trista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting information about the rainforest. Great illustrations as well. I used this as a read-aloud during my rainforest unit.

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book!