Here Is the African Savanna

(Paperback)

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Description

Using cumulative verse, this colorful picture book introduces children to the lions, zebras, elephants, impala, hippos, trees and grasslands that make up the East African ecosystem, while giving young readers an understanding of the interdependency of life.
Exotic environments like the African savanna have long held a fascination for young readers. Through singsong verse, kids learn how all living things in this important ecological community 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 Tom Leonard 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 ARCTIC WINTER, HERE IS THE CORAL REEF, HERE IS THE SOUTHWESTERN DESERT, HERE IS THE TROPICAL RAIN FOREST, and HERE IS THE WETLAND. Free downloadable activities can be found on the publisher's website.

Reviews

Named an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children by the National Science Teachers Association and Children's Book Council.
"This is an attractive, effective way to introduce ecology to young readers." -- The Horn Book Guide
"A lovely, circular, cumulative tale evokes the landscape and animals of the Africa savanna. Dunphy's wording is a pleasure to read, and her . . . . structure is musical. Leonard's artwork is equally engaging." -- Kirkus Reviews
"A classic style of cumulative verse builds the text as it weaves the story of the food web of the African savanna. The strength and survival of the animals is illustrated by luminous paintings featuring the interdependence of each strand of the food web." -- Science and Children

Author Bio

Madeleine Dunphy is an educational consultant who teaches children about endangered environments. Madeleine has written several books for children, including all of the books in the Here Is the ... series. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, Chris, and their daughter, Gwen. For more information about Madeleine, her books, and her school presentations, visit her website at www.mdunphy.com. Tom Leonard's beautiful paintings have graced the pages of many children's books including One Small Place by the Sea and One Small Place in a Tree by Barbara Brenner. His stunning artwork has been praised by Booklist as having "great visual flair," and School Library Journal wrote that his colors "delight the eye." He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Rose, and teaches at the University of the Arts. For more information visit www.tomleonard.com.