(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. This overview describes some of the general characteristics of the world's 650 different species of leeches, such as habitat, size, color, locomotion, diet (not all leeches are parasitic), and egg-laying habits. Briefly discussed are historic and current medical uses of the leech. Crisp color photos accompany the sometimes rushed text. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Photographs by Jerry Boucher & Jerry Boucher. Each simply written book dutifully covers its subject's habitat, diet, and parenting method and describes a prominent characteristic of the animal; natural and human-made dangers to the animals are also discussed. Crisp color photos illustrate the books, which begin with a page of words to sleuth for in the text and end with suggestions for adults to enrich a child's experience with the books. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Early Bird Nature Books titles: Raccoons and Gray Wolves.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) 4-6 Scientific facts about twelve insects are each followed by a brief discussion of the insect in the folklore of various cultures. The concept is interesting, but in rushed overviews of both, readers don't get a complete picture of the relationship between natural history and myth. Color photographs of insects accompany each chapter. Source notes and a list of websites are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Simplified writing describes cockroach and firefly bodies, life cycles, habitats, and predators and introduces advanced vocabulary such as maxillas and ootheca. Clear color photos offer close-up views of the insects, while diagrams label the body parts. In each book, a concluding section with activities gives adults tips on how to share the book with children. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA A & E Biography series. Illustrated with black-and-white and color photographs, these are serviceable biographies--based primarily on magazine and newspaper sources--of three well-known individuals. Each book provides clearly written accounts of its subject's childhood and young adult years, before moving on to discuss accomplishments and past and present difficulties and challenges. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Anca Hariton. Published spring 1998. This introduction to seed dispersal and plant regeneration features the ubiquitous dandelion tracing seven airborne seed parachutes to their various destinies. Watercolor illustrations--some contain clear close-ups, others offer unusual perspectives--clarify and support the botanical information. Final notes provide additional facts about this common wildflower.

Reviewer: Sheryl Lee Saunders