(3) 4-6 Scholastic Discover More series. Although the subject invites an alarmist tone, this book is predominantly a well-organized presentation of accurate and interesting material about disasters--mostly natural ones, including tornadoes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Lavishly illustrated with stirring photos, it also has clear captions and charts. Though the spreads favor breadth over depth, a digital download for further information is available. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Scholastic Discover More series. This book is a well-organized presentation of accurate and interesting material about sharks, from ancient ancestors to pups. Lavishly illustrated with breathtaking (sometimes scary) photos, it also has informative captions and charts for easy comparisons of size, habitat, and danger to humans. Though the spreads favor breadth over depth, a digital download for further information is available. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Navigators series. Each busy double-page spread is packed with attention-grabbing photos, interesting facts, and accurate information. The book is most suitable for browsing, as the sections are randomly organized: following mammals' births, topics include teeth, hunting, self-defense, and rodents. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Navigators series. This classroom-friendly volume describes information that is known, believed, discovered, or invented about dinosaurs. The many supporting visuals--full-bleed background pictures, various types of digital images, sidebars, and call-out boxes--take up every space and angle for an eye-catching if difficult-to-follow presentation. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tori Funkhouser

(3) YA This solid reference source provides information on Earth's creation and climate; introduces the varieties of life on the planet, including bacteria, plants, and animals; and describes diverse wildlife habitats ranging from the Arctic and tundra to deserts and savannas. The clear photos appearing on every page will draw browsers and nature lovers alike. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Kingfisher Knowledge series. Double-page spreads explain how overpopulation, urban expansion, and air and water pollution have damaged the earth's fragile ecosystem, strained natural resources, and threatened wildlife. The final chapter introduces some of the measures being taken to conserve energy and protect the environment. Illustrated with color photos, the busy volume includes chapter summaries that unnecessarily reiterate information discussed just pages earlier. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 A strongly conservationist tone permeates these surveys of the fragile condition of our natural resources. Each book is a whirlwind tour through major environmental issues covering a host of earth science topics. While some features--particularly profiles of environmentalists--are intriguing, none are covered in much depth. Color photographs and diagrams add excellent detail to the crowded pages. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by John Sibbick. This weighty volume traces the beginnings of life on earth through the dinosaur age. The book's strongest element is its thorough cataloging of a wide variety of prehistoric creatures, each described briefly with a key listing maximum length, time period, and fossil locations. The layout, which includes competently rendered color illustrations and photos, is overcrowded. A list of websites is included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta