From the Publisher
"Exploring Roots does a much better job with exploration than Exploring Flowers. It discusses the role of these structures and how they come in all shapes and sizes. 'Roots help plants get water from the soil' (p. 8) is an excellent example of how keeping ideas simple can work. The best features of the series are found at the end of the book: a section called 'Facts About Roots' and a Glossary. The Facts include interesting tidbits such as this: 'Some swamp plants have roots that grow up into the air instead of down into the soil.'(p.21). The glossary is not redundant and uses simplified language to explain the parts of plants in an accurate manner." --Science Books & Films
Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot
With minimal text and large colorful photographs, beginning readers are introduced to roots. There is a diagram of the various plant parts which also comprise the focus of the five books in the series (flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems). Readers learn that plants need roots to grow. They keep the plant attached to the ground in most cases and are also the conduit for water which travels through the stems. Plant roots can be huge or tiny. Some plant roots are edible—vegetables like carrots, turnips, ginger, and radishes are examples. A spread shows the variety in plant roots and another spread provides some root facts. Water lilies which float on the water are held to the pond floor by a root. There is a picture glossary which uses the images from the book and an index. Part of the "Let's Look at Plants" series which is part of the larger series entitled "First Step Nonfiction." Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
