Book excerpt: Macaws squawk, snakes coil, and monkeys swing. Follow true-to-size rain forest animals as they journey through a noisy, colorful ecosystem like no other on Earth. Bright, realistic illustrations of a busy Amazon rain forest depict a plethora of creatures-- all drawn at life size!-- going about their daily lives, from a family of three-toed sloths to a four-page, forty inch wide, foldout of an anteater. Simply-written, intriguing descriptions accompany the rich artwork, revealing the animals' habitats and introducing fascinating trivia about the creatures and their ecosystem. A two-page key reveals how all the illustrated spreads fit together into one huge panorama showcasing all four layers of an Amazonian rainforest. Readers can retrace their steps and follow the journey, from the forest floor to the heights of the canopy, revisiting all the unique creatures along the way. Budding conservationists will love this immersive introduction to one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Over half the world's plant and animal species live in tropical rain forests such as the Amazon. Protecting rain forests from the devastating effects of logging, mining, and climate change is essential to ensure the survival of so many fascinating creatures. A glossary, description of the four layers of the rainforest, an index, a map of rainforests worldwide, and a section on protecting rain forests are included in the backmatter of this well-researched, beautiful picture book. For another life-size journey through a fascinating ecosystem, don't miss Roxie Munro's Dive In! A Booklist Top 10 Sci-Tech Book for Young Readers