Editorial Review

For the untrained observer, it can be quite a challenge to sort out the many trees that make up a stand of older forest in, say, New England or the Ozarks. This well-illustrated guidebook, covering 364 species, comes to the rescue with photographs organized in several ways: by, for example, the shape of the leaf or needle, by the fruit, by the flower or cone, and by autumn coloration. Following one visible characteristic or another, the reader can narrow the range of possibilities, then turn to an informative text that describes a tree's physical characteristics, habitat, and range.Many of the species covered are relatively rare, such as the "stinking cedar" of the Georgia-Florida border; others are locally abundant, such as the paper birch of the boreal forest, used to make ice-cream sticks; still others, such as the smooth sumac, are widespread. The guidebook also covers ornamentals introduced from other continents, such as the Chinese privet and Mahaleb cherry. Read more

Reviews (19)

Great for the Boy Scouts
This field guide is just what the doctor ordered for teaching young Boy Scouts about trees.The leaf and bark pictures are excellent, and the organization of the book is superb.Spend a few minutes going through the examples in the front as to how to most effectively use the guide.I was so impressed with this guide, that I went back and ordered another guide in the series that the Boy Scouts will find helpful - the guide to the night sky and constellations.

Great Book
We took this book on a camping trip last weekend in North Mississippi and were able to identify every tree that we attempted to.This is a VERY GOOD field guide.

What you would expect
I needed this book for my science olympiad team.It is exactly what you would expect from the Audubon society.Great colors, good quality, great examples. I ordered many other field guides at the suggestion from other teachers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Identification    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. North America    6. Trees    7. Trees & Forests - General    8. United States    9. Botany & plant sciences    10. Nature / Trees    11. Trees & wildflowers   

Reviews (13)

This book rocks (asteroids)!
This book is a blast (no pun intended)! Mrs. Frizzle and her class travel to every planet in the solar system.The bus breaks down in the asteroid belt and the students have to find Mrs. Frizzle on a very cold planet.You'll love all the colorful pictures and Arnold's crazy cousin!Blast-off to this book and learn a lot about space in a fun way!

Lost in the Solar System
I like this book because it makes me wonder about the solar system and everything happening in it. I love imagining what things are like in other places and this book makes me think but it also taught me stuff about the solar system too. This book makes me want to visit the solar system myself.
TheMagic SchoolBus
This book is about a class who goes to the musuem but it is closed.So they see it up close.Janet was bragging about everything.After the trip they had learned a lot Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Astronomy    4. Children's 4-8 - Picturebooks    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Juvenile Astronomy    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Planets    11. School & Education    12. Science & Nature - Astronomy    13. Science & Technology - Astronomy/Space    14. Juvenile Fiction / Science & Technology   

Reviews (17)

Less than stellar
I was disappointed to find that there was no useful information contained therein. While the pictures were very well done there were no colloquial names to help identify species.

Good supplemental book
I own about a dozen mushroom books and have recently added this one to my collection. "Shooming" can be a dangerous pursuit and, like almost all are aware, absolute identification is required. I don't think I would personally feel competent with this book alone, nor any other for that matter. I feel there are better books but these are very heavy monstrosities. This one, like a few, can be carried into the field while the larger, more definitive guides await at home, or in the car. The pictures are good but I prefer a "Peterson Guide" type approach to indicate what, exactly, I should be looking for. My only other personal objection is that I prefer a guide that uses their Latin name since this knowledge will be more easily transferable from one book to another.
A poor choice
I purchased this book becase it said Audubon.Thus I expected much more than I received. I was hoping to identify a few mushrooms I had found in my area.After spending a great deal of time, I was able to identify none.There are far better pictures available in other books.For instance the picture of the Shaggy Mane does not look at all like the Shags I have collected and eaten.All in all, a waste of money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Fungi    3. Identification    4. Mushrooms    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. United States    8. Botany & plant sciences    9. Nature / Mushrooms    10. North America    11. Trees & wildflowers   

Reviews (1)

The Moon Seems to Change
I am a second grade teacher and this book enriched our textbook wonderfully.The illustrations and text were easy for the children to understand (and even taught me a few things as well!)We read several of Franklyn M. Branley's books during our year, but this one seems to be a class favorite. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    2. Children: Babies & Toddlers    3. Children: Grades 2-3    4. General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Moon    8. Phases    9. Science & Nature - Astronomy    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy    11. Solar-terrestrial phenomena   

Reviews (6)

fun
I liked this book for my kids as I tend to like educational stuff.There is another book on amazon that I and my kids loved, because it was not only educational but super funny.It is DR JONES AND CAROLYN by carolyn apel Excellent Introduction to the Solar System...
I purchased this book for my five year old son, who loves anything that has to do do with outerspace and the planets.This is a terrific book for a young child, the information is direct and to the point and easy to understand.I think children in the older recommended age range would be somewhat dissappointed, it is not really meant for in depth understanding. Out Of This Place
I got this book for the boy I nanny for. He is on this kick about anything to with outer space. He loves it, and I don't get sick of reading it to him. Good buy if you love space. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 2-3    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Juvenile literature    5. Planets    6. Science & Nature - Astronomy    7. Solar system    8. Technology - Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science    10. The planets   

Editorial Review

The perfect first space book for those almost-readers, Read more

Reviews (8)

SUPER book for a preschool class
I had to go to the bookstore last night to purchase a new book to read to the preschool class I teach.I can say without a doubt this was enjoyed by ALL the children.SO easy to read and accurate too :)They all enjoyed it and I am VERY happy to add this to my book collection!!

Pre-Schooler Likes Better Than Me and My Place in Space
We purchased this and Me and My Place in Space for our pre-schooler. While the other book is more scientifically accurate (showing rings around Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus) this book was more engaging for our little one. She sits still while I read every page. The other book is perhaps better for older, more sophisticated readers.

Great into to our solar system!
My little one REALLY likes this book. It has detailed explanations for each planet (Pluto has icicles hanging from it), and so on. Thing one and two are back and trying to get into trouble again, but not too badly. If you're looking for Seuss rhyming, well, this one doesn't do that great of a job, but when you're dealing with a particular subject matter like this book, that could be a little difficult. This is really a great book for starting teaching about science and it's very palatable and easy to understand. I didn't care much for the new adaptations of the illustrations, but then again, I really like the traditional drawings of the characters by Dr. Seuss. Thing One and Two look pretty different, as do the children. Other than that, it's pretty good and better drawn in many places. I highly recommend this book - you certainly won't be sorry you purchased this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 1-2    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. Readers - Beginner    7. Science & Nature - Astronomy    8. Technology - Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science   

Reviews (18)

worth every penny
We found this book at our local library and after renewing itmany times purchased our own copy.This book is simply wonderful.It introduces both kids and adults to the constellations through stories, quizes, and scientific information.There are star charts for each season that show you the stars as you would see them outside.On the facing page you then see the connected constellations.This book is really a great treat.

Did you got a new (first ) telescope?
Excellent for kids and very easy for inexpert.
a true classic!
This book has brought my children and I, all casually amateur astronomers, endless hours of joy picking out constellations in our backyard. One of my son's favorite gifts was a tie-in poster I got him for his birthday with the stars and constellations from the night he was born - If you can track one of these down, i'd highly recommend it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 9-12 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Constellations    5. Juvenile literature    6. Science & Nature - Astronomy    7. Science & Technology - Astronomy    8. Stars    9. Astronomy    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy   

Subjects:  1. Animals - General    2. Astronauts    3. Children's 4-8 - Fiction - General    4. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    5. Children: Kindergarten    6. Fiction    7. Hedgehogs    8. Humorous Stories    9. Janitors    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Preschool Picture Story Books    12. Science & Technology - Astronomy/Space    13. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    14. Juvenile Fiction / Animals / General   

Reviews (45)

Great book
This book seems to have just the right amount of information in it.I came across this book in the library and found myself reading quite a bit of it even before I showed my daughter the book (we were looking for books for her.) She later received this as a gift.I think this book is good for kids probably seven and up, my son is six and does look through it but I don't know that he fully get's it.Great book.

"What those guys said"
The reviews on this book are remarkably accurate. This is not a childrens' book. Even though decades have passed since it was first published, no other text has been able to bump it off a 'best in class' position. If you want to look to the sky for familiar shapes, this is the book for you.
best star book ever
i love this book unconditionally.it's scientific and historical explanations are clear and interesting, and it's easy to use. i've learned so many constellations! i'd recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone wanting to learn more about what they see at night. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy    2. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Constellations    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Observers' manuals    7. Science & Nature - Astronomy    8. Science & Nature - General    9. Stars    10. Galaxies & stars    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy   

Reviews (11)

great illustrations but munged math
My nine year old can see that in order for the sun to shine straight down every hole on earth, the earth would have to curve around the outside of the sun. Ms. Lasky "simplifies" the math to the point that it is unintelligible. It might take a page or two more, but if you're going to attempt to explain the mathematics behind the measurement, do it right or not at all.

We Need More Books Like This!
I'd just like to repeat what the other middle school reviewers are saying about this book--namely that it works with kids.Beautifully illustrated, concise, great for a multi-disciplinary lesson.It covers history in an engaging way and makes students think.I wish publishers would get more books to us history teachers like this one.Teachers who liked this might want to check out Joy Hakim's new science "textbook" which covers early science and math.Every time I look at it I like it more.

Great job combining math, history, science & geography!
This is a picture book format biography of Eratosthenes, who lived in Ancient Greece, focusing on how he calculated the size of the Earth using a mathematical formula and measurements taken by measuring shadows and length of footsteps from one location to another. Eratostehenes had many roles and talents, one being that he was a mathematician and author of books on several topics. He wrote the first geography book, which included the first map of the world and the first documentation of the size of the Earth. Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy, Greek    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Science & Technology    4. Children's 4-8 - Biography / Autobiography    5. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    6. Children: Grades 2-3    7. Earth    8. Eratosthenes    9. Figure    10. Geographers    11. Geography, Ancient    12. Greece    13. Historical - Ancient Civilizations    14. Juvenile Fiction    15. Juvenile literature    16. Measurement    17. Juvenile Fiction / Historical / Ancient Civilizations   

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Astronomy    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Concepts - General    6. Fiction    7. Interactive Adventure    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Planets    10. Science & Technology - Astronomy/Space    11. Specimens    12. Toy and movable books    13. Juvenile Fiction / Concepts / General   

Reviews (3)

2nd best mushroom book
The pictures in this guide are not quite as nice as in the audubon version but is still easy to use and a nice handy size for carrying in a pocket

Still a standard field guide to fungi
This field guide is nearly twenty years old, but there are so few field guides to fungi that it still remains a standard reference. Like all Peterson field guides, it is handy and compact and can easily be taken into the field and pored over with the mushrooms in their wild habitat. The text is detailed and accurate and a "similar species" section is very useful. However, this guide uses painted plates whereas amateurs generally find it easier to identify fungi by photographs. I personally find photographs more accurate, but enjoy paintings in their own right. In this case the paintings are pleasing and quite faithful.
mushroom field guide
I found this book to be well illustrated. And although not as comprehensive as i'd hoped, it is still the most complete guide I have found. Overall, I feel it is well above average--and I'm quite hard toplease! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fungi    2. Identification    3. Life Sciences - Bacteriology    4. Mushrooms    5. Nature    6. Nature/Ecology    7. North America    8. Pictorial works    9. Botany & plant sciences    10. Microbiology (non-medical)    11. Mycology, fungi (non-medical)    12. Nature / Mushrooms    13. Plant life: general    14. Trees & wildflowers   

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Science    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Preschool    4. Day    5. Earth    6. Juvenile literature    7. Night    8. Rotation    9. Science & Nature - Astronomy    10. Science & Technology - Astronomy    11. Science & Technology - Machinery    12. Technology - Machinery    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy   

Reviews (45)

Great Amateur Astronomy Manual
I find this book to be the best all-round manual for beginning and experienced amateur astronomers. It has great explanantions for the range of natural phenomena in the sky. The authors make them very accessible and easy for the general reader (ones who know little about astronomy). Their tips for observing the universe are great and useful. I hope they will update their book soon; the telescope advice is out of date. Go to telescopes and CCD astronomy are more common and inexpensive. Even so, the book is highly recommend as a manual for the amateur astronomer. If astronomy clubs are starting a library, this is the first book they should buy.

Outstanding for beginning to intermediate astronomers
This is one of the few books you can put in the hand of a novice and say "This is It!"It is comprehensive and informative in all areas of amateur astromomy from choosing the best telescope (one that you will use, not necessarily the most expensive) for your goals and objectives, to finding all manner of planets, stars, nebulas, and other objects in the night sky.It even covers astrophotography and the equipment necessary to take the pictures you desire.I found this book very informative and helpful and its price will definitely save you a bundle in mispurchased equipment if you follow the advice of the authors.An excellent, easy-to-read book for all amateur astronomers.

Overall a great guide, an asset to most astronomers.
A good guide for the hands on astronomer. Answers the questions on which eyepiece is best for which job, what filter accessories should be used. What accesories suite the beginner. How much do you gain in spending more on a more expensive setup vs a more moderate setup. Like any book written it has some blind spots and some opinion on equipment choice of Mounts and the necesity of GPS that I find questionable based on my experience, of the improvement in accuracy provided. Thats what netted it 4 stars instead of five. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Amateurs' manuals    2. Astronomie    3. Astronomy    4. Astronomy - General    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Manuels d'amateurs    7. Science    8. Science & Nature - Astronomy    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Star Observation    11. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    12. Astronomical photography    13. Astronomy - Amateurs' manuals    14. Popular astronomy    15. Science / Astronomy   

Reviews (9)

Area the book covers
This book covers eastern North America, including the Midwest and the South.

Good book but difficult to reference in the field
I thought that the "Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Trees" was a very good book to read while at home, but it was difficult to use while I was actually "in the woods." I was looking for something with more illustrations and photos, and larger print wouldn't have hurt either. It would have also been simpler to use if the authors would have included all of the details, about a particular species,together in the book, rather than devoting one section to leaves of all species, another to silhouettes of all species, etc.

The illustrations are too pretty, the system is too cumbersome
As a novice tree identifier in New York City, I wish the book's classifications were more easily located and included more variant names.There is at least one popular tree known variously as the Chinese Scholar Tree and the Japanese Pagoda Tree which does not appear, and, although Florida is filled with wonderful trees, I shall make every effort never to get to Florida to see them and I would have liked more space devoted to the rest of the East and less to Florida.I am certain many people love to identify winter trees by their buds, but I am not one.Although the illustrations are very exciting to look at and very vital, they would be better in a Disney film.I have a local guide which uses photographs and I wish the Peterson Guide used them as well.The most useful segment of the guide is the tree silhouette section. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada, Eastern    2. East (U.S.)    3. Identification    4. Nature    5. Nature/Ecology    6. Pictorial works    7. Plants - General    8. Trees    9. Trees & Forests - General    10. Botany & plant sciences    11. Nature / Trees    12. Trees & wildflowers   

Reviews (2)

Blah
This is an uninspired book.There were a few very interesting pages that the author seemed to spend some actual time on.Beyond that, naming the constellations does not make for very engaging kids reading.There are better choices for young astronomers.

Stars book rates Stars from me
The Sky Is Full of Stars is an excellent and informatiive book for primary age kids. It gives lots of information about the night sky and constellations in an easy to understand format for children. Kids can takethis book outside and find constellations following the directions in thebook. I can't wait to use it in my second grade classroom! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Fiction    3. Children: Kindergarten    4. Constellations    5. General    6. Juvenile literature    7. Stars    8. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy   

Editorial Review

More than 300 species of trees are found in the United States and Canada west of the Rocky Mountains, some introduced from other continents but many native to the region. This handsome guidebook covers them all, with photographs that enable identification by easily discernible characteristics: by, for example, the shape of the leaf or needle, by the fruit, or by the flower or cone. The photographs are linked to texts that describe a tree's physical characteristics, habitat, and range. Some of the trees covered in this volume are exceedingly rare, such as the Monterey pine; others are locally abundant but limited in range, such as the Joshua tree; still others, such as the quaking aspen, are widespread. This guidebook is an essential addition to any western outdoor enthusiast's collection. Read more

Reviews (5)

North American trees, West.
If your going to be stuffing your field guide into your pocket, glove box, daypack or backpack, the "turtleback" binding used by Audubon is perfect. Personally, I don't use it that way. When I encounter a species I cannot identify, I take notes (usually of the mental variety) -- leaf characteristics, bark characteristics, size, form, habitat, seeds, flowers, etc. -- and identify it when I return home. The photos and drawings in this volume are generally excellent. So far as I can recall, the Audubon guide has yet to fail me. It doesn't include very many introduced (non-native) trees, that's not it's purpose, of course, so it may not help you identify the trees that have been planted in your yard. The Sunset Western Garden Book, or perhaps your local nurseryman, will fit that niche.
Dissappointing:Very hard to identify unknown trees
I spent $20 on this at a local bookstore (that was a mistake: it is only $14 here on Amazon) and got it home and went into my backyard.An hour later, I was only able to identify one of the three trees in the yard.
Quite reliable for outdoor travellers.
The Audubon Guide to Western Trees will prove a long lasting reference for outdoor lovers and tree finders. This easily equals the excellent Eastern Region guide in quality, detail, number of species listed, and beautiful photographs. However, if you want a heavy duty instant identification tool, hold off on this and purchase the Peterson Guides to Trees. However, if you love to marvel at trees and identify them in any amount of time at all, buy this along with the Eastern Guide. The quality binding of this newly updated edition is nice quality, and easy to carry. The earlier, out of print, hardback Economy Press edition was bulky, but contained more species listings. Still that difference is hardly noticeable, and buy this edition at good costs. This guide, (compared to the Petersons) will please a patient outdoor searcher attempting to identify any tree they find. Though the Peterson Guide to Trees should be bought prior to this, it is still an excellent and reliable addition to your collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Identification    3. Nature    4. Nature/Ecology    5. North America    6. Trees    7. Trees & Forests - General    8. United States    9. Botany & plant sciences    10. Nature / Trees    11. Trees & wildflowers   

Reviews (1)

Boy of 2 years loves this book
My 2 year old son loves this book! He actually learned the parts of the shuttle, the astronauts and how they move the shuttle in 2 readings with this neat little book. I can't wait to find more of them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    2. Children: Grades 1-2    3. Juvenile Nonfiction    4. Juvenile Science (General)    5. Juvenile literature    6. Launching    7. Readers - Beginner    8. Rockets (Aeronautics)    9. Space flight    10. Space shuttles    11. Technology - Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science   

Reviews (2)

Not a fan of the Big Bang Theory
My kids love these research guide books from Magic Tree House writers but this one was a disappointment. One whole chapter was devoted to the big bang theory which we personally don't believe in. They should have skipped this chapter and focused on facts.

Space Travel
Once you are 100 miles above Earth, you are in space.Anything beyond Earth's atmosphere is space.There are a lot of planets, stars, and space rocks in space.Read more

Subjects:  1. Astronomy    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Juvenile literature    6. People & Places - Other    7. Science & Nature - Astronomy    8. Space flight    9. Juvenile Nonfiction / People & Places / Other   

Subjects:  1. Astronomy    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Science    3. Children: Grades 4-6    4. Exploration    5. Juvenile Astronomy    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Outer space    9. Science & Nature - Astronomy    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Science & Technology / Astronomy