• Age: 6 to 9
• Grade: 1 to 4

At one time rainforests covered about 14% of the earth's surface; now they're reduced to just 6%. As home to some of the most diverse plant and animal species ever known, this decline has grave implications for both man and animal kingdoms. A is for Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet explores the world's rainforests as it explains their important role and showcases their wonders. Nature writer Anthony Fredericks gives an A-Z tour of the many facets and fascinating facts of these tropical environments. Exotic inhabitants including the basilisk lizard and kinkajou are highlighted, along with explanations of forest structure such as understory and canopy. In A is for Anaconda young readers will meet the many endangered plant and animal species, understand the progression of a food web, and appreciate why the rainforest has been called the "world's medicine chest."Anthony D. (Tony) Fredericks is a frequent traveler to the rainforests of Hawaii and Central America. He is the author of many nature and animal books for children, including several award-winning titles. When not visiting classrooms across the country, Tony teaches education courses at York College in York, PA. Laura Regan is nationally known for her rich, contemporary style of painting and her many award-winning children's books featuring exotic flora and fauna. Her artwork has been used to raise funds for many wildlife organizations. Laura lives in the Bay Area in California.

Anthony D. Fredericks grew up on the beaches of Southern California, where he spent his youth exploring tide pools, gathering clams, and snorkeling along the Pacific coast. He has been a professional educator for more than forty years and has taught at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. Fredericks is a prolific author, having authored nearly four hundred magazine and journal articles and published 141 books, including three college textbooks, eighty education books, and several adult trade books. He is also the award-winning author of more than forty children’s books in a variety of genres, primarily environmental science and natural history. He resides in Dover, Pennsylvania.

Anthony D. Fredericks' profile page

Laura Regan, born in Canada and raised in California, studied graphic design at the Maryland Institute College of Art, but soon found that painting was her true passion. She began illustrating books in 1990 after hearing that school children were captivated by an exhibit of her exotic wildlife paintings, particularly those with creatures from the rainforest. She has illustrated several award-winning books and has used her art to help raise funds for various wildlife organizations. Laura lives near San Francisco with her husband. Together they have six grown children.

Laura Regan's profile page