(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Martha Newbigging. This volume explores different aspects of dirt, from its formation and erosion to dirt biking. The casual writing style and many hands-on activities are a draw, but the information is randomly sequenced, forming a jumble of facts and trivia, which makes the book best used for browsing rather than research. Photographs and cartoon illustrations extend the concepts. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Ernie J. Cox

(3) K-3 Kids Can Read series. Illustrated by Kim LaFave. Previously published as picture books, these editions for newly independent readers contain friendly illustrations that depict the day-to-day work of two community helpers. Each book uses a fictional story about a kid to convey general information. Firefighters concludes with some additional facts about preventing fires and keeping safe in both house and apartment fires. Review covers these Kids Can Read titles: Firefighters and Postal Workers.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) K-3 Kids Can Read series. Illustrated by Kim LaFave. Previously published as picture books, these editions for newly independent readers contain friendly illustrations that depict the day-to-day work of two community helpers. Each book uses a fictional story about a kid to convey general information. Firefighters concludes with some additional facts about preventing fires and keeping safe in both house and apartment fires. Review covers these Kids Can Read titles: Firefighters and Postal Workers.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) K-3 Kids Can Read series. Illustrated by Kim LaFave. Previously published as picture books, these editions for newly independent readers contain friendly illustrations that depict the day-to-day work of two community helpers. Each book uses a fictional story about a kid to convey general information. Police concludes with some additional facts and "Ways to Stay Safe" tips. Review covers these Kids Can Read titles: Garbage Colelctors and Police Officers.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) K-3 Kids Can Read series. Illustrated by Kim LaFave. Previously published as picture books, these editions for newly independent readers contain friendly illustrations that depict the day-to-day work of two community helpers. Each book uses a fictional story about a kid to convey general information. Police concludes with some additional facts and "Ways to Stay Safe" tips. Review covers these Kids Can Read titles: Garbage Colelctors and Police Officers.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Stephane Jorisch. After Emily's grandmother moves into a retirement home, Emily and her mother sew a quilt from scraps of Oma's past hoping to make the new place seem more like home. Although Emily seems wise beyond her years, Oma is a likable, believable character. The stylized watercolor illustrations help develop Oma's character and the story.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 In My Neighborhood series. Illustrated by Kim LaFave. Using stories about two children's interactions with police officers and postal workers, these books give young readers a solid understanding of what these community helpers do. The subject matter, of great interest to children and teachers, is presented clearly and is detailed without being overwhelming. The sketchy watercolor and ink illustrations help convey information--particularly when they go behind the scenes at the post office.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 In My Neighborhood series. Illustrated by Kim LaFave. Using stories about two children's interactions with police officers and postal workers, these books give young readers a solid understanding of what these community helpers do. The subject matter, of great interest to children and teachers, is presented clearly and is detailed without being overwhelming. The sketchy watercolor and ink illustrations help convey information--particularly when they go behind the scenes at the post office.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brenda Clark. Franklin the turtle gets nervous about touring the museum after Beaver tells him there are "real dinosaurs" inside. When he arrives at the exhibit, Franklin is surprised to discover only bones on display--not live dinosaurs. Readers may be more dinosaur-savvy than Franklin, but they can still enjoy his relief. The bland, amiable illustrations show a group of backpack-toting animal children.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 In My Neighborhood series. Genial ink and watercolor paintings illustrate these basic but informative introductions to two familiar jobs. Clearly written story lines, easy-to-digest facts, and information that allows kids to feel involved (tips on recycling and suggestions for how to prevent fires and what to do in a emergency) all work to create inviting volumes.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) K-3 In My Neighborhood series. Genial ink and watercolor paintings illustrate these basic but informative introductions to two familiar jobs. Clearly written story lines, easy-to-digest facts, and information that allows kids to feel involved (tips on recycling and suggestions for how to prevent fires and what to do in a emergency) all work to create inviting volumes.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 In 'Finders Keepers', Franklin the turtle finds a lost camera, uses it, and guiltily puts it back; but then, prompted by his father, he decides to try to locate the owner. In 'Thunderstorm', funny stories about cloud giants--and some weather facts--help Franklin forget his fear of storms. These cheerfully illustrated books are pleasant enough, though the stories are obviously didactic.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.