De dos mundos / Of Two Worlds: Sapos, ranas y salamandras en la Pen�ínsula de Yucatán, M�éxico / Frogs, Toads and Salamanders of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico -- Reviews

P A N G A E A
De dos mundos / Of Two Worlds

BOOK REVIEWS /
RESEÑAS DE LIBRO

�Amphibians have been called �environmental thermometers.� Their complex life history spent in both aquatic and terrestrial environments makes them susceptible to environmental deterioration on two fronts. The extraordinary natural history included in Of Two Worlds will make any reader appreciate the plight of these marvelous animals and of the planet�s biological diversity in general.�

�Los anfibios han sido llamados �termómetros ambientales�. Su complejo ciclo de vida compartiendo ambientes acuáticos y terrestres los hace doblemente susceptibles al deterioro ambiental. La extraordinaria historia natural incluida en De dos mundos hará que todo lector aprecie la crítica situación de estos maravillosos animales y de la diversidad biológica del planeta en general.�

PAUL R. EHRLICH, author, Human Natures and other books; president, Center for Conservation Biology, and professor, Population Studies, Stanford University/ autor de Human Natures y otro libros; presidente del Centro para la Biología de la Conservación y profesor de estudios poblacionales, Universidad de Stanford, EEUU

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, by Veronica E. Betancourt

Galindo-Leal has written a very full book. He presents not only the different amphibian species of the Yucatan peninsula, which is all the reader might expect from the title, but he also includes a complete account of the traits shared by all amphibians. In this way, we learn the significance of amphibians within their ecosystems, as well as why they are "of two worlds." Though some more informed readers may already know about a frog's aquatic life as a tadpole and its transformation into a terrestrial creature, they most likely do not know about the morphological differences between frog and toad feet. Alemón's beautiful watercolor illustrations accompany and clarify the author's very informative text and add polish to an accessible book. The scientific text is interspersed with pull quotes of popular Latin American amphibian-related sayings that highlight the impact these organisms have had on our culture. Science buffs will read this book through in one sitting. For more reluctant readers, the text is divided into manageable sections that address one particular organism or issue at a time, thus facilitating the reading process. This book will enhance any classroom science library with all the information provided by a textbook and enliven it with the good looks of a picture book.

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW (October 2003)

Expertly written by amphibian expert Carlos Galindo-Leal (the senior director of Conservation International's Center for Applied Biodiversity Science "State of the Hot Spots Program") and deftly illustrated by biologist and environmental expert Roberto Arreola Alemón, De dos mundos/Of Two Worlds is a bilingual English/Spanish biological survey of the frogs, toads and salamanders of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. Color illustrations illuminate the habits, life cycles, distinguishing characteristics, and more, of these fascinating creatures, many of which are threatened by habitat loss and other predations. An involving and recommended guide for people of all ages, curious to learn more about amphibians. De dos mundos/Of Two Worlds is an unique and welcome contribution to Biodiversity Studies reference collections in general and Amphibian Studies supplemental reading lists in particular.

AMAZON.COM (April 2005)

Excellent book in every way. The biological aspect is superb. The three major types of amphibians are very well explained and superbly illustrated. Typical amphibian information is supported by in-depth information, such as decibel levels of songs, in an easily understandable manner. Quotes from numerous types of publications and sayings from the Mayans to Kermit the Frog enhance the information and makes it easier to remember. Scientifically, this book is outstanding. A complicated subject is written in a manner that makes it easy to understand and pleasing to read. I read this book cover to cover in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. This is very unusual for a scientific book. The Spanish is impeccable. As a dual language book it is one of the best I have seen. You can't tell if it was written in Spanish and translated into English or vice versa. This book is written so that portions can be used by young readers as well as for adults. I enjoyed this book and I have second graders taking information from parts of it for reports. Outstanding book.