A Place for Fish

Book excerpt: For nature lovers, environmentalists, and fans of fresh- and salt-water creatures. Scientists have discovered more than 25,000 species of fish on Earth and estimate there are thousands more to be identified, but the fish population has been steadily declining for decades. Human actions often contribute to the decline. How can we help ensure that there will be a safe place for fish? In simple yet compelling language, veteran science writer Melissa Stewart showcases twelve types of North American fish, from the North Atlantic swordfish to the spotted trunkfish of Florida's coral reefs. Her clear narrative shows the threats these fish face, and informative sidebars describe a wide variety of efforts to save them. Featuring glorious full-color illustrations by Higgins Bond and range maps for each fish, this is a perfect choice for budding young scientists, environmentalists, and nature lovers. This nonfiction picture book is one of the six titles in the prize-winning A Place for... series, a collection that opens readers' minds to a wide range of environmental issues and shows how humans are striving to protect animals and their natural habitats.