Alexandra Siy
children's book author & photographer

"Superbly illustrated with clear, well-captioned, full-color photgraphs. They also feature excellent maps and outlines called fast facts. The appended sections of suggested activites are particularly well done...The books' real strength, however, is their focus on current cultures. They show contemporary people whose traditional life styles are still very much alive, and who have much wisdom and knowledge to offer the rest of the world, particularly about the environment. Fine additions for libraries seeking to expand their collections on multiculturalism or the environment." (School Library Journal/1993)

THE EFE: PEOPLE OF THE ITURI RAIN FOREST
The Efe, the world's smallest people, are among the last hunter-gatherers on Earth.

THE PENAN: PEOPLE OF THE BORNEO JUNGLE
The Penan are known as "professors of the rain forest" because they know how to use rain forest plants for medicines, foods, and even musical instruments.

THE EEYOU: PEOPLE OF EASTERN JAMES BAY
Also known as the Cree Indians, the Eeyou have lived in northern Quebec for 6,000 years.

THE WAORANI: PEOPLE OF THE ECUADORAN RAIN FOREST
Isolated in the South American tropical forest for centuries, the Waorani's way of life is threatened by the American thirst for oil.

"It is difficult to find books that clearly and concisely capture environemental concerns for elementary readers. These...titles commendably explain the complex issues surrounding fragile ecosystems. The information presented is accurate, well written, and enchanced by a logically arranged format." (The Horn Book/1992)


ANCIENT FORESTS "This fascinating little book gives us a timely warning that if these unique forests are not saved from wasteful logging practices, we will lose not only the remaining ancient forests, but also the rare and native plants and animals that live nowhere else on earth. This is an excellent introduction to the life and ecology of the (ancient) forests for young readers. Its style is lucid and simple, and its message is crystal clear." (Science Books & Films/1991)

ARCTIC NATIIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Explore biodiversity in America's most wild place and learn about the continuing threat of oil drilling.

THE BRAZILIAN RAIN FOREST "An excellent definition of biodiversity."(School Library Journal/1992) SOLD OUT

THE GREAT ASTROLABE REEF "Purposeful pro-enviromental title...offer(s) good general information about fragile...coral ecosystems." (Booklist/1992)

NATIVE GRASSLANDS Learn how fire, drought, and buffalo contributed to the diversity of life in America's grasslands, and how scientists are working to restore patches of this fascinating ecosystem that once covered America's Great Plains.

HAWAIIAN ISLANDS Unique, exotic, and stunningly beautiful, the diversity of life found in the Hawaiian Islands is threatened by aliens--you might be surprised to learn who they are and how they got there.