Beth's Review:
You know those books you read once and then either pass on to a friend or put in the street library? This is not one of them! This book is a keeper.
Impressively large with an embossed hardcover, beautiful and thoughtful illustrations, and the most comprehensive and easy to understand explanations and diagrams, this is an encyclopedia of plants that should be added to and kept forever in a plant lovers book collection.
In terms of content, I can't actually think of a topic surrounding the realm of plants that this book doesn't cover. Subjects include what plants actually are (did you know they can create themselves out of water and thin air?!), the plant family tree, fertilisation, seeds, light, lifespan of plants, soil, desert and underwater plants, rainforists, plants as food, plants as sacred rituals and healing, the collection and breeding of plants, and the list goes on.
Flowers also sneak their way into the book, and I never ever tire of reading about "Tulip mania" of the 1600s were rare tulip bulbs cost more than the price of a house!
This book is the ultimate celebration of plants, and a reminder of how important it is that we humans understand the roles they play, protect their species', and live harmoniously with them.
Publishers Blurb: Discover incredible facts and marvel at what plants can do in this beautiful book from conservation biologist and award-winning author Martin Jenkins, stylishly illustrated by print-maker James Brown.
Covering over twenty-five topics, learn all about the different types of plant, from carnivorous, to climbing, to tropical; explore the world of trees; discover how plants have evolved and continue to survive in extreme environments and most importantly, how crucial they are to our life on Planet Earth.
From the domestic to the international, there is something for the whole family here. Whether you want to learn the basics of photosynthesis, or explore the hidden world of Victorian plant hunters, this is a lively, engaging and visually stunning look at the world of plants.
