(3) K-3 Illustrated by Stephen Stone. Bugs seem different from humans, but wait: short-tailed crickets serve eggs to their offspring, bess beetles tuck their babies in, etc. Gross facts (there are poop cakes and soup made from spit)--as well as the anthropomorphic cartoon illustrations (juxtaposed with realistic ones)--will keep kids engaged with the scientific information. The conclusion? "Bugs ARE like us." More about each bug is appended. Reading list.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Kevin O'Malley. There's plenty to be learned from roadkill, claims the trained-biologist author, who investigates these dead animals herself and interviews people who have built careers around it. (Even though Montgomery warns readers not to study these animals at home, her enthusiasm may override kids' caution.) The humorous tone, plentiful illustrations, and gross-out subject matter will draw in a certain type of reluctant reader, but there's tons of scientific information here, too. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(4) 4-6 Edge Books: Unsolved Mystery Files series. This book introduces third and fourth graders to unusual natural phenomena from around the world. The coverage is slim: a brief description explains what makes the animal or event unusual, and possible explanations are touched on. Text boxes, photographs, and word definitions are combined in a busy but easy-to-follow layout. The wide range of topics covered gives the whole a disjointed feel. Maps, reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo