(3) K-3 Kingfisher Readers series. In two-page chapters, the book introduces foundational environmental concepts, including animal species, ecosystems, climate, and fossil fuels, then seamlessly unites these concepts in discussions of environmental threats and possible resolutions. Complex connections (e.g., the relationship between global warming, habitat loss, and endangered species) are illuminated. Captions lend substance to bright stock photos; simple maps and diagrams offer additional points of engagement. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) K-3 Emergency Vehicles series. Large color photos with instructive labels are complemented by short, clear texts introducing the important features and purposes of four kinds of rescue vehicles. Curious machine-lovers will be fascinated by the information and amped up by the frenetic graphics and sound effects (BRRRMM!, CRAASSH!). Helpful appendices include a six-question quiz. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Emergency Vehicle titles: Ambulance Rescue, Police Rescue, Fire Rescue, and Sea Rescue.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Emergency Vehicles series. Large color photos with instructive labels are complemented by short, clear texts introducing the important features and purposes of four kinds of rescue vehicles. Curious machine-lovers will be fascinated by the information and amped up by the frenetic graphics and sound effects (BRRRMM!, CRAASSH!). Helpful appendices include a six-question quiz. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Emergency Vehicle titles: Ambulance Rescue, Police Rescue, Fire Rescue, and Sea Rescue.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Emergency Vehicles series. Large color photos with instructive labels are complemented by short, clear texts introducing the important features and purposes of four kinds of rescue vehicles. Curious machine-lovers will be fascinated by the information and amped up by the frenetic graphics and sound effects (BRRRMM!, CRAASSH!). Helpful appendices include a six-question quiz. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Emergency Vehicle titles: Ambulance Rescue, Police Rescue, Fire Rescue, and Sea Rescue.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(3) K-3 Emergency Vehicles series. Large color photos with instructive labels are complemented by short, clear texts introducing the important features and purposes of four kinds of rescue vehicles. Curious machine-lovers will be fascinated by the information and amped up by the frenetic graphics and sound effects (BRRRMM!, CRAASSH!). Helpful appendices include a six-question quiz. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Emergency Vehicle titles: Ambulance Rescue, Police Rescue, Fire Rescue, and Sea Rescue.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) K-3 Discover Science series. Rocks covers topics such as basic rock types, weathering, and a variety of fossils; the photos include both large-scale landforms and close-ups of rock and fossil samples. Earth touches on weather, natural resources, and conservation, with many photos and a few diagrams supporting the text. Both revised books (originally part of the Kingfisher Young Knowledge series) contain a quiz and some simplistic activities. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Discover Science titles: Rocks and Fossils and Planet Earth.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Explorers series. Illustrated by Peter Bull. Double-page spreads cover the basics about this vast subject, including the seasons and climates, clouds, precipitation, and global warming. Second and third graders will find the sound-bite information interesting and the diorama-like digital illustrations lively. A gimmicky "choose your own journey" feature complicates things unnecessarily. Ind.

Reviewer: Tori Funkhouser

(4) K-3 Discover Science series. Basic information about maps is related in double-page spreads illustrated with color photos and other images. The text, describing various types of maps and showing how they are used, could be better organized. A few activities, such as making a compass and drawing a treasure map, are included. This revised edition was originally part of the Kingfisher Young Knowledge series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 Eyewitness Readers series. Stories about tigers and other large cats in the wild and interacting with humans offer readers a glimpse at the dangers these animals face. The effects of deforestation and development are discussed, as is the conservation work of people on behalf of these endangered felines. The somewhat stilted text, written for independent readers, is accompanied by color photos and illustrations. Glos.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow