"This is a set of volumes on global habitats (and general ecology) for older elementary and middle school students. Each volume is thin (around 50 pages) and colorfully illustrated, making them very attractive to curious children.

The volumes are alphabetically arranged by topics, like an encyclopedia. The topics are broad and include land, water and human habitats, people ("great ecologists"), unique places (such as the Aral Sea and Kilimanjaro), and general ecological topics (including the atmosphere, food webs, global warming, and the like). The topic chapters all starts with a few "key facts" in a box, followed a general description punctuated by superb color photographs and boxes containing interesting stories or observations. A small "find out more" box at the end refers the reader to related topics in the volumes. Each book ends with a glossary of important terms and a thorough index.

Clearly the editor has been very effective in this series. There are multiple authors, but the writing is smooth and consistent throughout. The text is probably best for ages 12-16, but the illustrations will draw in younger and older children. Placing the "key facts" section at the front of each chapter was a brilliant idea. They provide those all-important first points for children writing reports, and then draw readers into the rest of the topic. I found myself then reading the stories within other boxes, then looking at the photographs, and always ending by reading the text. These books have been designed from the beginning with young readers in mind, but they will also interest teachers and parents.

The science behind the beautiful text appears to be flawless. Too often pretty books have a poor science framework, but that is not the case here. Ecological descriptions like these are filled with facts and figures, and there must be a timeliness on topics like global warming and deforestation. Again, the editor and publishing staff have produced an accurate and up-to-date text. This set is highly recommended for elementary and middle school libraries."

"This set highlights habitats throughout the world, emphasizing their diversity, their interactions and interdependence, and the human impact on them. While the entries are alphabetical, the "Reader's Guide" is useful in understanding their arrangement and special features. Color coding indicates under which of six topics an article falls: "Land Habitats," "Freshwater and Marine Habitats," "Human Habitats," Unique Habitats," "General Topics," or "Great Ecologists." "Key Facts" summaries, factoids, and references to related articles are numerous. Quality color photographs, labeled diagrams, drawings, and maps, in addition to a highly readable black typeface and a well-designed layout, enhance accessibility. Throughout the set, the articles offer clearly written definitions, descriptions, and explanations for terms and concepts that may be unfamiliar to readers. Two quibbles: choices for inclusion are sometimes unclear, and there is no pronunciation assistance. The final volume includes a glossary; a list of additional print, Internet, and museum resources; and six indexes. Libraries with a limited budget may choose to stick with a general encyclopedia for comparable information. However, Habitats is a good choice for libraries fielding numerous requests for information on the topic"