Planet Earth II by Stephen Moss

Planet Earth II is the official companion to the upcoming BBC wildlife documentary series of the same name. Our understanding of the world around us has reached a new level, courtesy of ground-breaking technology that gives us unparalleled access to a diverse range of environments and a sneak peek into previously hidden worlds. The book looks at six vastly different environments: Jungles, Mountains, Deserts, Grasslands, Islands and Cities and showcases some of the amazing creatures that live in each one.

The photography within the book is quite simply, breathtaking. The colours are bright; the details sharp and vivid. Beautiful images, including two-page spreads, feature stunning environments and incredible animals. My personal highlights include a barren desert transformed by mist, two golden eagles clashing in a snowy landscape and hundreds of penguins battling gigantic waves as they try to land on a tiny stretch of beach.

The text that accompanies the pictures is detailed, informative and engaging. Each environment has its own cast of characters and its own story to tell. The hardest part is putting the book down.

The last chapter of the book gives a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how the series was made and how the crew managed to reach the most inaccessible locations and film the most elusive creatures in detail. We see the challenges that the crew faced, as well as the real-life dramas that unfolded as the cameras rolled. One of the pictures that stirred my emotions was an orphaned calf trying to suckle on a microphone - desperately hungry after the death of its mother.

Planet Earth II is a visually impressive, high-quality book that would make the perfect addition to any nature lover's library (and look very impressive on your coffee table). I will treasure my copy and thank the publishers for sending it for review. I heartily recommend it to everyone fascinated by the world around us.

Younger readers may enjoy Predators by Steve Backshall, a visually dramatic wildlife book with a high browse factor.

Planet Earth II by Stephen Moss is in the Top Ten Non-Fiction Books of 2016.

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You can read more book reviews or buy Planet Earth II by Stephen Moss at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Planet Earth II by Stephen Moss at Amazon.com.

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