(3) K-3 Around-the-House History series. Illustrated by John Manders. In this work on the historical evolution of beds, bedrooms, and bedclothes, Lauber begins by presenting sleeping arrangements during the Stone Age (a clan on the ground) and comes full circle with a contemporary family camping out (again on the ground). The cartoonish illustrations depict different styles of beds and homes, and humorously anachronistic speech bubbles add levity to the carefully developed history. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) 4-6 Lauber leads readers through the process of analyzing data to formulate a theory, evaluating new information that challenges that theory, and using that information to develop alternative hypotheses. The mostly clear and logical prose addresses the titular question through a structured exploration of conflicting and complementary facts and opinions. Chronology, resources. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2003

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Rosalyn Schanzer. "Most breeds of dogs are fairly new / True or false?" Using this format, Lauber's comprehensive answers explore facts and myths about dogs, including their origins, their differences from wolves, and their hearing and sight capabilities. The inviting illustrations show forty dog breeds and help make this an appealing book.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(2) K-3 Around-the-House History series. Illustrated by John Manders. The dirty truth about our ancestors is revealed in a social history of bathing that explains which cultures embraced personal hygiene and which abstained. The volume simultaneously traces the history of toilets, from Babylon's first flush toilet through Roman multi-seaters to latter-day chamber pots. The cartoonish illustrations, which include some kid-pleasing gross-out moments, reflect the breezy style of the informative text. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2001

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Rosalyn Schanzer. Statements such as "Horses walk on tiptoe" and "Horses sleep for hours at a time" accompany the question "True or false?" and are then followed by spreads discussing horse physiology, history, and communication. Bland, prettified color drawings of horses, plus the fact that the truth or falsity of each statement is never spelled out, detract from the usefulness for younger readers of this otherwise informative volume.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Around-the-House History series. Illustrated by John Manders. Quirky facts and social history trace human methods of eating and the evolution of table manners from the Stone Age to the present. The straightforward tone of the text contrasts and highlights the exaggeration and goofy humor of the watercolor cartoons. Some pictures speculate on the unknown (how chopsticks were invented); some have dialogue-balloon commentary; all amuse.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mary Morgan. Compiled here are ten tales of how zoo veterinarians have treated sick animals, from the titular tiger to a gorilla with a cold to a tortoise with a broken leg. Several stiff watercolor illustrations accompany each story, and though the individual tales are blandly, even condescendingly, told, collectively they offer an interesting glimpse into the work of these perhaps unfamiliar professionals.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(2) 4-6 Stone Age art is illuminated in beautifully lighted photographs illustrating this fine discussion that begins with the 1994 unearthing of some three hundred paintings in a French cave. Lauber uses these newly found images to explain what is known about human culture as it was developing thirty-two thousand years ago. The handsome photo-essay provides information about Stone Age culture while also conveying the continuing discoveries of today's scientists. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) K-3 Following a short history of the domestication of the cat, the book addresses fifteen common beliefs or sayings about felines--they have nine lives, can sense an earthquake before it happens, have difficulty coming down trees, and so on. Cartoonlike, often comical, artwork illustrates each point. Some of the information, including interpretations of the meaning of tail and ear positions, will help cat owners better understand their pets.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.