Adaptation

Grade 3-6-Parker describes the challenges animals and plants face in various environments and the adaptations they make to survive. Mountains, forests, grasslands, rivers, lakes, and oceans are covered, as well as polar, desert, and city habitats. Cells begins by describing animal and plant cells, and notes how some cells unite to form tissues and organs that combine to form systems that help organisms perform life processes. While Wallace discusses plants, the bulk of her book considers human systems. The text proceeds clearly from bones and muscles to circulation, digestion, respiration, excretion, the five senses, the nervous system, and reproduction. In each volume, the plentiful pictures are attractive and generally informative. Two-page spreads are illustrated with color photographs and generally include a "Did You Know?" fact and a sidebar.