Lizard Island: Science and Scientists on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

Informal text and photographs of multi-hued animal subjects explain the reasons for their coloring.

Luther, a high school sophomore, works for a vet who rehabilitates falcons. His work with these birds leads him to support forest preservation and puts him in conflict with his stepfather, a long-time logger.

This worthy addition to the “scientists in the field series” is filled with information presented visually and textually about the impact of invasive plant and animal species. Their impact can be devastating and irrevocable though readers are encouraged to take action.

Collard documents the efforts of naturalists to restore the prairie ecosystem at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa. Collard’s beautiful color photographs complement descriptions of workers’ attempts to reintroduce bison, to develop a colony of butterflies, and to nurture native plants.