(3) YA Great Explorers of the World series. Examining the lives of well-known explorers, these biographies go beyond to offer information about the times in which the men lived; events leading up to and surrounding their travels; and the impact of their explorations on the world. The volumes are well illustrated with photos, archival art, and maps. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Great Explorers of the World titles: Leif Eriksson, Captain Cook, Cortés, Vasco Da Gama, Lewis and Clark, and Pizarro.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 Endangered and Threatened Animals series. Each of these books details the physical characteristics, life cycle, and habitat of an endangered or threatened animal and discusses relevant conservation efforts. The information is supplemented by web links that the publisher pledges to try to keep current for three years. In addition to color photos of the books' subjects, the series offers computer-screen shots, furthering the book-as-computer gimmick. Reading list. Ind. [Review covers these Endangered and Threatened Animals titles: The Bald Eagle, The Koala, and The American Alligator.]

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo