(3) K-3 National Geographic Readers series. An accessible text for independent readers covers causes and dangers of wildfires, as well as their benefits to forest ecosystems. Also discussed are the tools and techniques firefighters and scientists use to stop wildfires from spreading out of control. Additional fact boxes are scattered throughout the main text, and dynamic photographs enhance the presentation. A brief quiz and picture glossary are included. Ind.

Reviewer: Russell Perry

(3) 4-6 With Fred Hiebert. Brimming with information and packed with photos, this almanac-style book provides many facts about money. From the processes of earning, saving, raising, and spending money to paper-money origami and money scams, this book covers it all. Sidebars by archaeologist Hiebert discuss currency uncovered by archaeological digs and what it could say about a culture. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 National Geographic: Everything series. With Carsten Peter. Lots of basic facts about natural disasters are packed into bright and busy layouts, along with color photographs of some impressive volcanoes, eruptions, and the aftermath of disasters across global locales. Topics covered include recent and historical eruptions and quakes, the impact of events on human populations, and background earth science. Quizzes and activities are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Harley Jessup. Anna doesn't want to be a flower girl in Aunt Julie's wedding, but the beautiful wedding clothes in Grandma's attic do pique her interest. Eventually she accepts her flower girl role; she decides she might even wear Grandma's veil someday, if she gets married. Though the first-person text isn't entirely convincing, the cartoon-style illustrations do endow Anna with personality.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert