Did You Know? AMAZON RIVER is AMAZING!

 When I say AMAZON RIVER, what do you think?

Flesh-eating piranhas?  But did you know about the vegetarian piranhas that eat underwater fruit and then deposit seeds many miles upstream and downstream in their poop?

Brazilian rainforests?  Largest river?  But did you know that includes mountain sources and sprawling tributaries crossing seven countries and thousands of miles of river basin/ 

And did you know? The actual AMAZON RIVER is only the surface layer for a three river system: a moist overhead aerial current, the flowing surface waters, and an underground river, miles beneath that surface, only discovered a few years ago? 

Let's be honest. Other than those who live in, study, or frequently visit the vast realm of the AMAZON RIVER, few would know these details, or most of the others that are throughly researched and thoughtfully selected for inclusion in this visual and well-written picture book journey of fantastic features and facts. The Amazon River truly is a natural wonder of our world.

Flying Eye Books, 2021

AMAZON RIVER is written by Sangma Francis and illustrated with Romolo D'Hipolito. This is a recent addition to an expanding catalog of nonfiction picture book titles from a publisher on a mission to combine powerful illustrations and perspectives that entice and engage readers with places in the world known to most of us only superficially. They specialize in capturing the talent and insights of international authors and artists to present a universally appealing view.

The sweep and allure of the contents of this book are undeniable, with brilliance in colors, points of view, revelatory information, and stylistic portrayal that are both realistic and inspiring. With a brief introduction from the author and a table of contents organized into four categories, a massive topic becomes manageable and intriguing. Each nods to subtopics that could (and do) fill other extensive books, yet highlights both discreet details and sweeping relationships, adding to the impact for readers of any age. 

Each section encompasses very brief chapters, often only a double-page spread, but dense with images and accessible content.  From SOURCE to SEA focuses on the physical science of the river at various stages, especially water-facts involving a water/land mass nearly the size of continental United States. WILDLIFE on the RIVERBANK, the next section, explores extraordinary wildlife (plant and animal) that make the air, land, and riverscapes of this basin their home. The next section is PEOPLE of the RAINFOREST, revealing a limited but important view of facts about the indigenous people who developed within and lived interdependent with the fantastic and diverse biomes throughout this complex habitat. And finally, LIFE ON THE RIVER is a section filled with examples of various ways that human societies, economies, and cultures interact with, depend on, exploit, and attempt to protect the Amazon River, in eras [ast and in the modern world.

I admire the design and production of this oversized and inviting book that competes successfully with video alternatives. Sure, watching clips would be a lovely extension of this book, but the slightly retro yet modern style and surprising information encourage individual or shared examination of each spread, while sparking curiosity to learn even more. The sturdy binding and paper stock will hold up well over the many rereads it deserves during a long shelf life in classrooms and libraries. This is another wonderful example of a picture book that might dwell in a reference collection, but is also beautifully suited for use in science, social studies, geography, and general nonfiction lessons, discussions, and classrooms. I suggest that you give it a try and then ask someone else about the AMAZON RIVER. It gives you a wonderful excuse to share some of these surprising and exciting details and recommend an exciting nonfiction book as well. 

Why not start with that question... Did you know...?