LIFE: THE WILD WONDERS OF BIODIVERSITY (Wild Wonders, 3), by Jennifer N R Smith and Joanna Bagniewska, Thames & Hudson, April 29, 2025, Hardcover, $24.95 (ages 7-10)
Discover our diverse planet in Life: The Wild Wonders of Biodiversity, by Jennifer N R Smith and Joanna Bagniewska.
Life is the third book in the Wild Wonders series by award-winning author and illustrator Jennifer N. R. Smith. This immersive, illustrated book printed in luminous HUV ink takes young readers on a tour of our wild planet and showcases the wonders of its biodiversity. Discover what makes flamingos pink, how bat saliva can help save people’s lives, and much more.
This beautiful book introduces the concept of biodiversity to children and explains why it’s so important to the world we live in. Learn how unlikely animal friends rely on each other for survival: from the crab that uses sea anemones as boxing gloves to shrimp that ride around on sea slugs, and discover why there would be no chocolate without pesky midges!
Illustrations and diagrams bring to life important concepts, such as food chains, pollination, and genetic diversity, and the difference between a biome and a habitat, as well as demonstrating remarkable ways that different species have adapted to their natural environment.
Life highlights the importance of protecting and supporting biodiversity in our natural world and looks at ways that we can help to save our planet’s wildlife. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
Life has a lot of things going for it:
First, there’s the interactive luminous ink element. This is fun when just looking at the book, but even better when you investigate with a UV light.
Second, is the subject matter. Kids love animals, and seeing how things are interconnected always has an impact.
Third, the accessible text. Each turn of the page offers short paragraphs with dynamic font that allows for exploration from front to back or just grazing.
Fourth, its size. Life is approximately 11 inches by 15 inches, making a statement before you even open it. This conversation-starter is big enough that it can be read alone or as a family.
Fifth, are the images. Even without the luminous ink, the art in Life is eye-catching. Joanna Bagniewska’s intricate illustrations are worthy of hanging on the wall, and sure to inspire readers young and old.
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