This book is very cute for younger children. The book introduces students to the different animals and plants found in the rain forest. It's use of repetition of the beginning sentence, "Here is the tropical rain forest." is used through out the book adding to it each time a new plant or animal is introduced. I would use this in my classroom to let students see a part of the world they might never get to experience. This book would make for a great read aloud with students because of repeating sentences used. ( )

Here Is the Tropical Rain Forest is a wonderful introduction to rain forests for preschoolers (but too repetitive with too little information for older kids). Each page builds on the last in "The House That Jack Built" style. Parents may find the text a bit dull, but the gorgeous illustrations will draw in children and adults alike.

At the end of the book is a page with thumbnail illustrations of all the animals met in the previous pages and their official names. A note says they all live in the rain forests of Central and South America, but that's the extent of the information offered. Still, this lovely book is a good antidote to ecophobia-only nature education. (ages 1½-4) ( )