(3) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. From hooves the size of dinner plates to the threat of low-hanging power lines, Parker covers many aspects of a giraffe's life, habitat, and habits in this well-organized introduction to "the world's tallest animal." While the text is thorough enough for the more advanced learner, the basic language and clear photographs make it accessible to less-accomplished readers. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. These books introduce basic information about each mammal's physical characteristics, diet, habitat, predators, and interactions with its young and with humans. The text is sometimes vague, as in Deer, in which antler growth and use is described, yet no mention is made of why bucks fight each other to "find out who is stronger." Crisp color photos appear throughout. Glos., ind. Review covers these Early Bird Nature Books titles: Chimpanzees, Cheetahs, and White-Tailed Deer.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) 4-6 Carolrhoda Nature Watch series. Nine species of giraffes are briefly discussed, from their African habitats to what makes each group unique. The sketchy text is engaging but somewhat limited in content; however, children will especially enjoy the photographs providing close-up images of these gentle creatures. A map of Africa showing the geographic range of the various family groups is included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) YA Great Hispanic Heritage series. This keen biography of the author of Don Quixote, arguably the template for the modern novel, dutifully reports on a life plagued with battlefield injury, imprisonment, excommunication from the Catholic church, and other spirit-crushing embarrassments. Scattered throughout are archival illustrations and modern-day photos of relevant sites, boxed historical touchstones about Cervantes's era, and excerpts from his work. Reading list, timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 4-6 Carolrhoda Nature Watch series. Illustrated with close-up color photographs of gray and red wolves in their natural habitats, a well-organized text describes the social structure of wolf packs, hunting strategies, and the raising of pups. The book briefly examines Native American customs surrounding wolves, European fears of wolves, and the near extinction of these species and their subsequent reintroduction into the lower forty-eight states. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Daniel Brabander

(4) 4-6 Gateway Biography series. Over a hundred years separate these two strong and determined women, but these slim biographies underscore how far women have come since they won the right to vote. Beginning with her attempt to vote in the election of 1872, 'Anthony' highlights the crusader's early years and her work as an abolitionist and suffragist. Dole's life is detailed from her childhood through her accomplishments in government and public service. While unappealing in design, the titles will be useful for reports. Black-and-white and color photos are included. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.