(4) 4-6 Ambrosia, a cartoon character from planet Xenon, introduces this summary of serious research into the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The text is divided into manageable (though confusingly organized) double-page spreads, with terms accessibly defined. Photographs and artists' renderings are generally well distinguished and documented (e.g., "This is a fake UFO picture"), leaving little confusion about fact versus fantasy. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Steve Mack. Just the right humor permeates this scientific introduction to coprolites, or trace fossils of ancient animal feces, including those of dinosaurs. A lively combination of history, field techniques, and brief biographies, the text clearly explains terms such as lithify through definitions, anecdotes, photographs, and cartoon-style illustrations. Headings such as "Who dung it?" lead to brief test-your-knowledge questions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian