(4) K-3 DK Readers series. In a text leveled for "beginning to read alone," five chapters explain castles' historic role as defense mechanisms, emphasizing how design evolved to protect knights, monks, and villagers in wartime. Political circumstances such as the Crusades are mentioned but largely unexplained. Well-placed, often captioned photographs introduce unfamiliar structures. Dynamic formatting (including diagrams and a mock news article) introduce additional nonfiction features. Quiz appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) K-3 Extreme Dinosaurs series. Each volume groups dinosaur species into superlative categories: extremes in size (Biggest), strange features (Weirdest), and aggressive behavior (Scariest). Two-page spreads contain high-interest text and awkward illustrations of the various species in their habitats; photographs of fossils and paleontologists are scattered sparsely. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Extreme Dinosaurs titles: World's Biggest Dinosaurs, World's Scariest Dinosaurs, and World's Weirdest Dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Extreme Dinosaurs series. Each volume groups dinosaur species into superlative categories: extremes in size (Biggest), strange features (Weirdest), and aggressive behavior (Scariest). Two-page spreads contain high-interest text and awkward illustrations of the various species in their habitats; photographs of fossils and paleontologists are scattered sparsely. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Extreme Dinosaurs titles: World's Biggest Dinosaurs, World's Scariest Dinosaurs, and World's Weirdest Dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Extreme Dinosaurs series. Each volume groups dinosaur species into superlative categories: extremes in size (Biggest), strange features (Weirdest), and aggressive behavior (Scariest). Two-page spreads contain high-interest text and awkward illustrations of the various species in their habitats; photographs of fossils and paleontologists are scattered sparsely. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Extreme Dinosaurs titles: World's Biggest Dinosaurs, World's Scariest Dinosaurs, and World's Weirdest Dinosaurs.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 100 Things You Should Know About series. Each of these books presents one hundred facts about the title subject. Though most of the information appears to have been randomly selected and displayed, the volumes' snippets just may entice readers to seek further knowledge. The busy pages are tightly packed with photos, cartoonlike drawings, and more realistic illustrations in addition to "I Don't Believe It!" sidebars. Ind. Review covers these 100 Things You Should Know About titles: Archeology and Gladiators.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 What About... series. Densely packed double-page spreads cover many different dinosaurs. Page and section headings in addition to "amazing facts" sidebars help readers navigate the various topics; the question-and-answer format leads up to a quiz at the end. Extensive illustrations add interest, though they contribute to the overcrowded design and lack of cohesion. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Heinemann Profiles series. These standard-issue biographies feature an easy-to-read text, captioned photos, quotations by and about the subject, and rather busy layouts. Occasionally the text is misleading, but overall the facts are presented in a fairly balanced manner. Depending on the subject, a time line, a list of films, or a list of recordings is included in each book. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Heinemann Profiles titles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, Henry Ford, Elvis Presley, George Lucas.]

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) 4-6 Art and Civilization series. Images of richly colored period paintings, sculpture, and architecture fill this book's pages, sometimes with numbered keys and always with fluent introductions and detailed captions. A few modern drawings complete its visual repertoire. Carefully selected, these elements nevertheless create full pages. Subjects range from the importance of the classical world to a few specifics of private life. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Double-page spreads present information about politics and economics, day-to-day life, and religious practices in these two ancient cultures. The cluttered designs incorporate scattered illustrations and short paragraphs of text. An interesting section in both books juxtaposes events occurring in Egypt and Rome with simultaneous events around the world, enabling readers to make historical connections. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.