(3) K-3 Illustrated by Carolyn Fisher. The durability of weeds is here celebrated as an example of plant adaptation; they're survivors rather than invaders (an offbeat point of view for gardeners!). Cheery mixed-media and collage illustrations and imagery-rich, hand-lettered text capture the carefree, random quality of seed dispersal. Further information about some two dozen widespread varieties such as dandelion and thistle is appended.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 First Facts: Who Lived Here? series. This book tracks humans' presence in the Arctic, from Stone Age communities to modern-day inhabitants. The straightforward but choppy text skips through decades and centuries, providing a cursory outline of the history of the region. Archival illustrations and stock photos support the text; fact boxes and sidebars provide additional related information. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg