Here Is the Tropical Rain Forest - (Web of Life) by Madeleine Dunphy

About the Book

Lyrical words and lush, naturalistic paintings introduce children to the tropical rain forest and the animals that live within its wet, green world. From swinging monkeys and upside-down-hanging sloths to graceful caimans and stalking jaguars, "Here Is the Tropical Rain Forest" envelops young readers in a stunning jungle while teaching them an important lesson about the ecosystem. Madeleine Dunphy's rhythmical, cumulative text shows how each plant and animal of the rain forest is inextricably linked with the others in a chain of life. Michael Rothman's deeply hued and shadowed paintings brilliantly evoke this singular environment.

Book Synopsis

Using cumulative verse, this colorful picture book introduces children to the swinging monkeys, upside-down-hanging sloths, graceful caimans and stalking jaguars that make up the Amazon rainforest, while giving young readers an understanding of the interdependency of life.

Exotic environments like the tropical rain forest have long held a fascination for young readers. Through singsong text, kids will discover how all living things in the rain forest rely on one another for their existence, and that when one of these animals or plants is killed off or goes extinct, the web of life is broken. Luminous paintings by Michael Rothman capture the untamed beauty of this timeless, endangered environment. This book is a must have for any young naturalist (ages 3-8) hoping to learn about how all life is connected in the natural world.

Other Books in the Series: HERE IS ANTARCTICA, HERE IS THE AFRICAN SAVANNA, HERE IS THE ARCTIC WINTER, HERE IS THE CORAL REEF, HERE IS THE SOUTHWESTERN DESERT and HERE IS THE WETLAND. Free downloadable activities can be found on the publisher's website.

Review Quotes

Named an "Outstanding Science Trade Book" by the National Science Teacher's Association and Children's Book Council

"Both the pictures and language are worthy of note . . . The words read aloud with a distinct rhythm, and Rothman's artwork, in a palette of subdued greens and browns, shows readers the connectedness of plants and animals. . ." -- Booklist

"Children will be drawn into this exotic world by both the rhythmical text and the lush illustrations that fill the pages." -- Language Arts

"The exceptionally realistic and lush color drawings of Michael Rothman help this stand apart from the usual tropical rain forest considerations, making it a fine introduction with simple yet appealing descriptions and fine visuals."-- Midwest Book Review

"This cumulative tale starts in the rain forest, adds creatures great and small, and ends with the rain that fills the rivers. Rothman's lovely illustrations, done in the lush greens of the wet tropics, accompany the sing-song verses. . . . As a picture book, this title serves to illustrate some of the rain forest's creatures and to acquaint children with this important part of the world . . . ." -- School Library Journal