Colorful watercolor sketches and text illustrate the immense diversity of plant and animal life indigenous to the rain forest. Species and conditions of lowland and montane rain forests in tropical and temperate climates are included. Simple descriptions of the flora and fauna are followed by an explanation of the rapid, devastating effects of massive rain forest clearing on the land and animals as well as its contribution to the greenhouse effect. A chart lists names and addresses of sixteen organizations which can provide further information about rain forests. (Ages 7-10)