(3) PS Illustrated by David Diaz. On a walk through the fields, a young boy shows his mother a grasshopper on a leaf. This sets off a series of animal babies all calling out "Mama, look"; grasshoppers spy ants, who spy butterflies, and so on. With a simple text and Diaz's brightly colored, pattern-rich art in a preschool-friendly cartoon style, this picture book encourages parent-child conversations and observation.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Tom LaBaff. After briefly defining mnemonic devices, this volume presents a range of mnemonics covering topics from geography to science to math. Each is presented on a double-page spread accompanied by a colorful and humorous illustration. The whole lacks focus; the presentation is geared toward younger students while the mnemonics themselves would be more useful for older kids. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) K-3 Tough Topics series. These books explore their topics in a sensitive manner and could be useful tools for caregivers attempting to explain difficult life changes to young children. Simple, straightforward language ("People move for different reasons"; "All living things will die one day") deliver the information in a dry, unemotional tone. Stock photos are included throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Tough Topics titles: Death and Moving.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) K-3 Tough Topics series. This book uses clear, straightforward language to explain illness ("Everyone gets sick now and then"). Readers will learn about various categories of illnesses (long-term, contagious, noncontagious) as well as specific types of diseases, such as cancer. Dry yet informative, this book is a good resource for young children and their families dealing with illness. Stock photos are included throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) K-3 Tough Topics series. This book makes its complicated topic accessible to young children. The emotional subjects are presented in a neutral, dry tone ("A divorce is the end of a marriage"), which may help young readers gain perspective on their own situations. Stock photos throughout serve to encourage interest and discussion. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) K-3 Tough Topics series. These books explore their topics in a sensitive manner and could be useful tools for caregivers attempting to explain difficult life changes to young children. Simple, straightforward language ("People move for different reasons"; "All living things will die one day") deliver the information in a dry, unemotional tone. Stock photos are included throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Tough Topics titles: Death and Moving.

Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear

(4) K-3 I Like Science! series. This book introduces Norbert Wu and his work as a nature photographer. Each double-page spread features a question ("What is under a six-foot layer of Antarctic ice?"), which is answered in the brief, easy-to-read text and striking photos. The information is scant, but the message that science involves human endeavor and enthusiasm is strong. An activity is included. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Discovering Cultures series. Engaging photographs, maps, and a simply written text present an overview of Canada's geography, history, and culture, including clothing, language, food, education, and holidays. Recipes and brief highlights of traditional activities help make this a useful resource. Information on currency, the flag, and notable citizens is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Discovering Cultures series. Engaging photographs, maps, and a simply written text present an overview of Nigeria's geography, history, and culture, including clothing, language, food, education, and holidays. Recipes and brief highlights of traditional activities help make these useful resources. Information on currency, the flag, and three famous citizens is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Discovering Cultures series. Report writers will appreciate these simply written series volumes, which describe the history, geography, and culture of India and the Philippines. Illustrated with clear color photos, the books also touch on recreation, festivals, and include instructions for making a Filipino pudding and Indian friendship bands. A section of facts (each nation's flag, brief bios of famous citizens) conclude each volume. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Discovering Cultures titles: The Philippines and India.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 Discovering Cultures series. Illustrated with clear color photos, these simply written volumes provide basic facts (history, geography, way of life) about two European countries. Ignoring issues such as Ireland's political and religious strife, the books focus on kid-friendly topics, including holiday celebrations and recreation activities; there are also recipes for a potato omelet and Irish soda bread. A section of facts about each nation is appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Discovering Cultures titles: Ireland and Spain.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 Discovering Cultures series. Appealing color photographs, maps, and a simply written text present an accessible introduction to South Africa's geography, history, and culture, including clothing, language, food, education, and holidays. A recipe and games are included in this useful resource. Information on currency, the flag, counting in Zulu, and three famous South Africans is appended. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Countries of the World series. This book, intended for report writers, offers brief, introductory information about Tanzania's geography, home and school life, food, animals, and leisure activities. With color photographs and a choppy text, the book is less extensive than an encyclopedia article. This volume concludes with directions for playing mancala and a few Kiswahili words. A brief resource list is appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Countries of the World series. This book, intended for report writers, offers brief, introductory information about Denmark's geography, home and school life, food, animals, and leisure activities. With color photographs and a choppy text, the book is less extensive than an encyclopedia article. This volume concludes with a recipe for smørrebrød and a few Danish words. A brief resource list is appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow