(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Pat Banks. Each letter of the alphabet represents a nineteenth-century Appalachian toy or game. There's lots of rich and interesting information to engage children (how to make an apple doll, rules for playing marbles), and sunny (somewhat unpolished) watercolors dominate the pages. Unfortunately, the format is inaccessible: the too-dense (and self-consciously folksy) text and small type will make reading difficult for most kids. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Pat Banks. Organized alphabetically, this nostalgic paean to "a place, a people, and a way of life," provides a look back at old-time Appalachian customs, arts, language, farming practices, and economy. Muddy illustrations of varying quality accompany the information, which is presented in sidebars and a friendly conversational tone. A list of places to visit in the region is appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin