(4) K-3 Illustrated by Christina Balit. This book summarizes the myths associated with ten constellations, from Cassiopeia to Argo. Each double-page spread illustrates its constellation, with figures surrounding the foil silver stars embedded in a night sky. Additional information concludes the text, and endpapers map the northern and southern skies. The book succeeds artistically but is too slight to be an astronomy guide.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Michael Johnstone. The extraterrestrial phenomenon is surveyed in a spiral-bound volume encased in a cardboard cover. Loaded with photographs and cartoony color illustrations, the book contains sections that emulate a magazine, a student's exam paper, and other formats. These gimmicks sometimes undercut the book's informational value--though the chapter on using radio waves to contact aliens manages to be both enlightening and entertaining. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 This up-to-date summary of our current ideas about the universe starts, rather unusually, from the cosmos and works its way in. Sections on observation and space-based astronomy close the book. The illustrations are appropriate and include recent Hubble photos, and "Fact File" boxes provide information (size, temperature, age, etc.) on specific subjects, from the Milky Way to Mercury. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Christina Balit. Mitton describes nineteen of the animal constellations. Although the text does not always make clear where these can be found, star maps for both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres are included on the endpapers. Vibrant illustrations with silver foil stars help the reader visualize the constellations. The last two pages give more information about stars and the night skies.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 What's Their Story? series. These brief illustrated biographies chronicle the lives of prominent historical figures. The writing is clear for the most part, focusing on major accomplishments, while slightly glossing over the negatives. Each volume includes a time line. The quality of the illustrations varies, but despite their general appeal, the design and trim size keep the feel tipped toward the institutional. Ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.