(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Tom Jackson. Physical science and engineering concepts are transformed into odd manga cartoon creatures, who explain--in hokey, pun-laden first-person narratives--their characteristics and/or purposes in the engineering process. Arranged in a field guide–like format, topics covered include scientific principles such as force and motion; classical mechanics; design processes; construction materials; and the buildings, vehicles, and technologies produced by engineers. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Dan Green. The pun-laden prose of this handbook accurately introduces microbes, or "bugs." Group color-coding of topics like "Bacteria Basics" is repeated throughout as individual subtopics speak for themselves (e.g., Helminth: "[I'm] A squirmy, wormy bag of fun..."), and anthropomorphized cartoon illustrations reinforce the point (Thermophile wears a hazmat suit). Standard data, such as capabilities and year discovered, accompany each subtopic. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Adrian Dingle and Dan Green. The jaunty prose of this handbook accurately introduces the periodic table. Group color-coding on the standard matrix is repeated throughout, as each personified element gives its own attributes (e.g., Calcium: "They call me 'The Scaffolder'") and oddly anthropomorphized manga characters reinforce the point (Calcium wears a tool belt and hardhat). Standard data (symbol, atomic number, etc.) accompany each element. Removable poster included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Dan Green. The pun-laden prose of this balanced discussion introduces major factors in climate change, such as El Niño and acidification. Color-coding of topics like "Greenhouse Gang" is repeated throughout as individual subtopics speak for themselves (e.g., Smog: "I'm a flagon of foul air, a can of cough and splutter"), and anthropomorphized cartoon illustrations reinforce the point. Standard data, such as capabilities and extremes, accompany each subtopic. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Dan Green. Advanced concepts in quantum physics are introduced on two-page spreads that feature pun-heavy explanations and an awkward manga-like character to represent the concept. The field-guide presentation covers theories ("wave particle duality"), particles ("neutrino"), forces ("electromagnetic force"), and hypotheticals ("quantum teleportation"). Those with knowledge of physics will be interested, others may be perplexed. A removable poster is included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Dan Green. Following a brief introduction to oceans, the text employs an easy-to-navigate field guide–like format, where facts and figures about ocean habitats, processes, and animals that live in various areas (e.g., shore, reef, deep water) face illustrations in manga style; oddly, both creatures and inanimate forces such as waves and tides are anthropomorphized. A removable poster is included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Created by Simon Basher. Written by Dan Green. Section titles such as "Musculoskeletal Meatheads" and "Nervous Numskulls" demonstrate the tone of this breezy little book. From cells to organs and body systems, the pun-heavy text superficially touches on a wide variety of body-centric topics; facing pages include manga-type illustrations in lollipop colors. Most sections begin and end with three bulleted facts. The important connections between organs and systems go unexplained. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) 4-6 Basher Science series. Written by Dan Green. Section titles including "Cranium Crackers" and "Graph Gang" demonstrate the tone of this breezy little book. From number systems (Roman and Arabic numerals) to advanced mathematical concepts, the pun-heavy text touches on a wide variety of topics. Each section contains bulleted facts, definitions, tips, and examples. Manga-type illustrations add little clarity to the text. A removable poster is included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges