Prairies

"This information book is the epitome of clarity, ad the beauty of its subject is captured in superb photographs.  Before the unfolding of logical chapters, an overview explains how prairies are fired and what plants and conditions make up this ecosystem.  A chapter on the two types of plants--grasses (wheat, corn, rice) and forms (leafy plants, such as those in the pea and daisy families)--opens the door to understanding the interdependency of plants and animals, covered in the next chapter. Patent describes the destruction of the historic North American prairie, and the efforts to preserve and restore what remains.  This topic is a complex one, but in her explications, Patent smoothly demonstrates aspects of biology, zoology, history and other studies, making the book a springboard into rational thought.  The full-color photographs are remarkable, fully keyed to the text, they often cross the line from illustration to fine art."--Kirkus Review