(4) 4-6 Fusion series. Each title in this series of high-interest books offers an introduction to the lives of ancient Greeks, Vikings, Aztecs, Egyptians, Romans, and the people of the Indus Valley. While the text tends to oversimplify the complexities of ancient life, the plentiful illustrations and graphics and the range of topics make these books useful. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fusion titles: Welcome to the Ancient Olympics!, On to Valhalla!, Blood and Celebration, Reach for the Stars, Staying Alive in Ancient Rome, and Trading Up.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(3) 4-6 Fusion series. These slim volumes feature high-interest topics and the science behind them. Although complex information is being covered, the scientific explanations are clear and precise; new terminology is defined at the bottom of each page. Large, well-captioned, dynamic photos, sidebars, and diagrams in a clean design will stimulate the imaginations of young researchers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Fusion titles: What Color Is an Orange?, Roller Coaster!, What's the Attraction?, Dive! Dive! Dive!, and Fireworks!

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(4) 4-6 Exploring Continents series. After defining continent, the book gives a general introduction to North America's geography, climate, wildlife, natural resources, people, and landmarks--a tall order for thirty-two pages. A sense of proportion is lacking (e.g., a paragraph each for Mexican jumping beans and Native Americans), but the book could serve as a very general introduction. Photos, small maps, and sidebars are included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Exploring Continents series. Antarctica fares better than the other continents in this series, if only because of its relatively barren landscape. After explaining what a continent is, the text touches on geography, climate, wildlife, natural resources, people, and landmarks. Many captioned photos, maps (which are small), and sidebars are included. The book could serve as a very basic introduction to the subject. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 Keeping Unusual Pets series. A section at the beginning of each title describing the responsibilities inherent in taking care of this type of pet will help the wary or overeager child make the best decision, while smaller boxes of text provide animal trivia. The busy pages are illustrated with color photos. Addresses, reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Keeping Unusual Pets titles: Hermit Crabs, Potbellied Pigs, Lizards, Salamanders, and Cockatiels.

Reviewer: Sherry Eskin

(4) 4-6 Keeping Unusual Pets series. A section at the beginning of each title describing the responsibilities inherent in taking care of this type of pet will help the wary or overeager child make the best decision, while smaller boxes of text provide animal trivia. The busy pages are illustrated with color photos. Addresses, reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Keeping Unusual Pets titles: Hermit Crabs, Potbellied Pigs, Lizards, Salamanders, and Cockatiels.

Reviewer: Sherry Eskin

(4) K-3 We Are America series. This informative series introduces young readers to the immigrant experience, from life in the homeland to life adapting to a new culture. Personal narratives, photographs, maps, and timelines present a vivid portrait of the challenges and successes encountered, while descriptions of pastimes and traditions offer cultural perspective. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these We Are America titles: Chinese Americans, German Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, and Italian Americans.]

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 We Are America series. This informative series introduces young readers to the immigrant experience, from life in the homeland to life adapting to a new culture. Personal narratives, photographs, maps, and timelines present a vivid portrait of the challenges and successes encountered, while descriptions of pastimes and traditions offer cultural perspective. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these We Are America titles: Chinese Americans, German Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, and Italian Americans.]

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 We Are America series. This informative series introduces young readers to the immigrant experience, from life in the homeland to life adapting to a new culture. Personal narratives, photographs, maps, and timelines present a vivid portrait of the challenges and successes encountered, while descriptions of pastimes and traditions offer cultural perspective. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these We Are America titles: Chinese Americans, German Americans, Mexican Americans, Asian Indian Americans, Filipino Americans, and Italian Americans.]

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Government Agencies series. Although formulaic in presentation, all of the books in this series provide solid information on U.S. governmental agencies. Illustrated with color photos, the adequate texts touch on each agency's history, mission, structure, and policies. Fact boxes, charts, and "closer look" sections, which delve into specific job tasks, add interest and appeal. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Government Agencies titles: The CIA, The EPA, The FAA, The FBI, and FEMA.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Government Agencies series. Although formulaic in presentation, all of the books in this series provide solid information on U.S. governmental agencies. Illustrated with color photos, the adequate texts touch on each agency's history, mission, structure, and policies. Fact boxes, charts, and "closer look" sections, which delve into specific job tasks, add interest and appeal. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Government Agencies titles: The CIA, The EPA, The FAA, The FBI, and FEMA.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Government Agencies series. Although formulaic in presentation, all of the books in this series provide solid information on U.S. governmental agencies. Illustrated with color photos, the adequate texts touch on each agency's history, mission, structure, and policies. Fact boxes, charts, and "closer look" sections, which delve into specific job tasks, add interest and appeal. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Government Agencies titles: The CIA, The EPA, The FAA, The FBI, and FEMA.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Government Agencies series. Although formulaic in presentation, all of the books in this series provide solid information on U.S. governmental agencies. Illustrated with color photos, the adequate texts touch on each agency's history, mission, structure, and policies. Fact boxes, charts, and "closer look" sections, which delve into specific job tasks, add interest and appeal. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Government Agencies titles: The CIA, The EPA, The FAA, The FBI, and FEMA.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Government Agencies series. Although formulaic in presentation, all of the books in this series provide solid information on U.S. governmental agencies. Illustrated with color photos, the adequate texts touch on each agency's history, mission, structure, and policies. Fact boxes, charts, and "closer look" sections, which delve into specific job tasks, add interest and appeal. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Government Agencies titles: The CIA, The EPA, The FAA, The FBI, and FEMA.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta