(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Hans Jenssen. Presented in alphabetical order, from the Airboard™ Personal Hovercraft to the Zil-2906 (an amphibious truck), each unusual vehicle is afforded a double-page spread featuring realistic illustrations, diagrams, and an entertaining and informative text. Hearst provides a description of the conveyance, its manufacturer, and date(s) of production. The entries include a selection of sidebars: trivia, true/false questions, technology details, "Did You Know?" boxes, the occasional silly poem, and Hearst's irreverent comments. Drive all the way through from start to finish, or chart your own course.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Matt Johnstone. This third "Uncommon Compendium" (Unusual Creatures; Extraordinary People) features fifty structures (mostly human-constructed but some natural), from the Arecibo Observatory to the Watts Towers. Each has a two-page spread with a brief description, additional facts or true/false statements, and representational illustrations. The snarky tone Hearst uses isn't for everyone, but the right audience will be fascinated by this cool browsing book.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Aaron Scamihorn. Balancing education and humor, short biographies of fifty scientists, artists, athletes, daredevils, criminals, and more--including men and women of many races and nationalities--are arranged alphabetically. Entries include full-color illustrated portraits and a combination of funny poems, quizzes, trivia, and definitions. The attractive colors, large trim size, and dynamic layouts make this an entertaining compendium more suited to browsing than research.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Arjen Noordeman & Christie Wright. Also illustrated by Jelmer Noordeman. Field guide–like pages (including Latin names of the featured animals, habitat maps, and classification breakdowns); "Did You Know?" sidebars; and digitally colored ink drawings highlight important physiological features of fifty animals, from axolotl to yeti crab. Hearst provides many facts about the animals' appearance and behavior, and his appreciation for the quirkiness of nature shines throughout this smart, humorous volume. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2013