(2) K-3 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Tom Uhlman. No matter where one lives in the continental U.S. -- rural areas, suburbs, major cities -- coyotes share that space. In Chicago alone, thousands of coyotes live and thrive, according to the Urban Coyote Research Project, whose work is presented in this informative book. Carson's engaging text highlights the project's goals, which include determining where coyotes live, what they eat, and how they can best coexist with humans. Project members tag and track coyotes and gather data ranging from DNA samples to the condition of their nails (which indicates travel on concrete surfaces) -- tasks that require patience, skill, and some luck. Uhlman's compelling photographs show researchers at work as well as glimpses of coyotes in their natural habitats. Maps and charts group data into easy-to-decipher graphics. Conclusions, such as the role coyotes play in regulating the rodent and geese populations, are all based on the collected data. The book provides information on non-lethal animal-hazing practices and ways to coexist with these unusual neighbors. Appended with a glossary, a list of sources, and areas for further inquiry.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2024

(3) K-3 Just Ask! series. Carson presents facts about tigers in a question-and-answer format, connecting information about tigers' size and appearance, behavior, habitats, and feeding patterns to experiences relatable to children: e.g., "Can a tiger sleep on the sofa?" Lots of engaging photographs of big cats close up and in the wild are set against colorful backgrounds in a lively design. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Just Ask! series. This well-organized question-and-answer book leads readers through a selection of facts, including descriptions of sharks and related species, their food sources, and how they care for their young. The questions range from standard, such as a focus on shark teeth, to creative connections to science concepts ("Do sharks fly?"). Lots of up-close shark photographs are set against colorful backgrounds. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 American Museum of Natural History series. These volumes highlight the science and technology of the International Space Station (Life in Space) and rover explorations of Mars (Mission to Mars). Clear texts explain why these missions have been undertaken and how findings contribute to our knowledge of planets and human endurance in space. Striking images show the surface of Mars, a variety of spacecraft, and astronauts at work. Ind. Review covers these titles: Mission to Mars and Life in Space.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Tom Uhlman. In 2015, the New Horizons spacecraft successfully flew past the dwarf planet Pluto. The data sent back has opened a new window onto the science of the outer solar system. Crafted from firsthand accounts, Carson's description explains the decades-long process of a multi-million-dollar NASA mission. Photographs throughout the book capture the emotional moment when the first data arrived. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2017

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Using a thoughtful question-and-answer format, Carson broadly examines the issue of slavery in the U.S. through discussion of the Underground Railroad. Carson defines the network that formed the "railroad," pinpoints abuses that led to its development, and chronicles its workings. Recognition is given to Harriet Tubman, the Quakers, and other figures who aided escapees. Full-page illustrations and maps accompany the readable text. Timeline.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. A question-and-answer format provides information relevant to each book's American government topic. Informative responses are given to such questions as "What is women's suffrage?"; "Why was Susan B. Anthony arrested in 1872?"; "Who was the Father of the Constitution?"; "Who attended the Constitutional Convention?"; and "What is the Bill of Rights?". Illustrations and archival photographs enhance the readable texts. Timeline. Review covers the following Good Question! titles: Why Couldn't Susan B. Anthony Vote? and What Are the Three Branches of Government?.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Tom Uhlman. Carson takes readers into Biosphere 2, the research facility designed to be a self-sustaining model of Earth's environments. There's brief coverage of the "biospherians" who were sealed inside from 1991 to 1993, but the focus is primarily on current research under the direction of scientists at the University of Arizona. Plentiful photos capture the feel of a busy research center. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2015

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Facts about the solar system are organized in an engaging question-and-answer format. Topics range from the basics about the planets, sun, and other astronomical bodies (e.g., order, size, and prominent geological features) to quirky insights about historical and current space exploration efforts. Colorful photos and computer-generated illustrations are prominently displayed on the deep-blue and black backgrounds. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Carson uses an engaging question-and-answer format to explore major topics about earth science and our planet in space: the age of the earth's surface and interior features, weather, climate and the seasons, and the moon's gravitational pull and tides. Prominently displayed color photos, computer-generated images, and diagrams help explain the concepts. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Tom Uhlman. Carson takes readers to three national parks--Yellowstone, Saguaro, and Great Smoky Mountains--to introduce a collection of scientists and researchers. The focus is on not just the science but also methods of investigation, from scientific tools to necessary hiking gear. Facts about the parks and supporting scientific information, along with instructive photographs, are interspersed throughout the book. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2014

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Carson uses a question-and-answer format to deliver information about the earth's atmosphere, weather patterns, climate and climate change, and storms. The questions reflect common questions children might ask. Each two-page spread includes a question and response, as well as photographs or illustrations of each weather phenomenon or concept. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Questions about insects are answered to highlight typical elements of insect biology such as physical structure and function, reproduction and life cycles, and species diversity. On each double-page spread readers can find a question, the answer, and a full-page illustration or photograph that brings various insects into close focus. Reading lists, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Illustrated by Jim Madsen. Using a question-and-answer format, Carson relates the story of Martin Luther King Jr.'s contributions to the civil rights movement. Brief but sufficient explanations are given to questions related to segregation, nonviolent protests, the March on Washington, the importance of Dr. King's philosophy, his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, and his assassination. Illustrations accompany the insightful text. Timeline.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 American Museum of Natural History Easy Readers series. Exceptionally beautiful color photographs grace the glossy pages of these succinct and engagingly written nonfiction titles. While the names of some of the animals, such as bombardier beetle or Lonomia caterpillar, may stymie some young readers at first encounter, they will delight in the facts they glean about the esoteric creatures. Review covers these American Museum of Natural History Easy Readers titles: Deadly and Dangerous and Strangest Animals.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) K-3 Good Question! series. Details about the sinking of the Titanic are filtered through twenty questions kids might ask, such as "Why didn't everyone just get in the lifeboats?" and "Did anybody get into trouble?" Brief but informative answers are offered, and the subject is covered in sufficient depth to be satisfying to young minds. Illustrations and a few photos are included. Timeline.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 I Like Inventors! series. These introductions to the people who came up with innovations we take for granted provide very basic information about their lives, such as their upbringing and motivations, as well as their inventions; there's little about processes, giving readers no sense of the magnitude of their achievements. Photos, many archival, are included in every spread. A related activity ends each title. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these I Like Inventors! titles: Who Invented Home Video Games?, Who Invented Television?, Who Was the Hair-Care Millionaire?, Who Fixed Babies' Hearts?, and Who Invented the Ferris Wheel?.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 I Like Inventors! series. These introductions to the people who came up with innovations we take for granted provide very basic information about their lives, such as their upbringing and motivations, as well as their inventions; there's little about processes, giving readers no sense of the magnitude of their achievements. Photos, many archival, are included in every spread. A related activity ends each title. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these I Like Inventors! titles: Who Invented Home Video Games?, Who Invented Television?, Who Was the Hair-Care Millionaire?, Who Fixed Babies' Hearts?, and Who Invented the Ferris Wheel?.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 I Like Inventors! series. These introductions to the people who came up with innovations we take for granted provide very basic information about their lives, such as their upbringing and motivations, as well as their inventions; there's little about processes, giving readers no sense of the magnitude of their achievements. Photos, many archival, are included in every spread. A related activity ends each title. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these I Like Inventors! titles: Who Invented Home Video Games?, Who Invented Television?, Who Was the Hair-Care Millionaire?, Who Fixed Babies' Hearts?, and Who Invented the Ferris Wheel?.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Who Knew? series. "Why get steaming mad over cold tea?" "What weapons did the soldiers use?" Nineteen questions are followed by simple, page-long answers, forming a loose chronology of the American Revolution. The illustrations include archival prints, but the contemporary paintings are stiff and distracting. The answers are sometimes implied rather than explicit and nuance is sacrificed for clarity, but this is an adequate introduction. Timeline.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian