title: Rain Forest Wildlife (Up Close)
author: Joshua Morris
description: A softcover book with stiff covers, filled with information and activities relating to the rain forest.
zlib_text: WILD RAIN
  
  One
  
  The small launch chugged up the fast-moving river at a pace that allowedthe
  group of travelers to see the surrounding forest. Thousands of trees competed
  for space, as far as the eye could see. Creeping vines and plants hung low,
  some sweeping the water’s surface. Brilliantly colored parrots, lorikeets and
  kingfishers flitted continually from branch to branch, so that the foliage
  appeared to be alive with movement.
  
  “It’s so beautiful here,” Amy Somber said, turning away from the forest to
  look at the others. “But all I can think about is snakes and leeches and
  mosquitoes.”
  
  “And the humidity,” Simon Freeman added, unbuttoning the top two buttons of
  his shirt. “I’m always sweating like a pig.”
  
  “It is oppressive,” Duncan Powell agreed. “I feel like I’m suffocating.”
  
  “That’s strange,” Rachael Lospostos said. And it was strange. The humidity
  didn’t bother her at all.
  
  The heavy trees and creeping vines sent blood singing through her veins,
  making her feel more alive than