(3) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Illustrated by Anna Chernyshova. Pfeffer introduces the topic of sound with a host of sound words and vocalizations, then explains the creation of sound through vibration and hearing. Topics also include animal echolocation, sonar, and music, as well as guidelines for readers to make their own sound observations. This edition's new illustrations portray friendly animals and a multiethnic cast of smiling children producing and listening to sounds. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Illustrated by Paul Meisel. This strong series entry introduces youngsters to light: where it comes from, how fast it travels, and how it enables us to see. The prose is generally lively, but Pfeffer is all business when it comes to scientific explanations. Lighthearted paintings, outlined in pen and ink, add humor but never distract from the text. Three simple experiments are appended.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2014

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Linda Bleck. In her fourth book about the seasons, Pfeffer first explains how Earth's rotation causes the summer solstice. The text (which continues to be oddly formatted on the pages) then focuses on the ways different cultures celebrate the sun and/or the beginning of summer. Bleck's cheerful illustrations are drenched with lush colors. Appended activities might require adult help. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot

(2) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. Pfeffer takes readers to the Great Barrier Reef to explain the science of coral reefs and the coral life cycle. In just a few sentences per page, she covers such topics as diurnal and nocturnal inhabitants in addition to symbiotic and predator-prey relationships. Jenkins's tropical-hued cut-paper illustrations alternate between a habitat teeming with life and close-ups of individual specimens. Additional facts are appended.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2009

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Linda Bleck. Spring solstice is the impetus for rites and ceremonies all over the world, and here Pfeffer describes both ancient and contemporary celebrations. The folk-art-style illustrations show cheery look-alike people in idealized settings. An illustration of Earth's position and a later verbal description for each change of season are useful. Crafts and recipes are appended. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Linda Bleck. Combining science and social studies, this book presents a basic explanation of seasons, then describes worldwide autumnal equinox and harvest celebrations. While the text is reductive in places, the stylized folk-art-style paintings relay an overall feel for the joyful celebrations. The oddly indented formatting makes the text look like it should be in verse. Some experiments and activities are included. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Illustrated by James Graham Hale. Clearly, simply, and accurately, this book explains how pumpkins grow from seeds. Complex processes such as transpiration are presented in everyday language, and selection of detail is balanced and helpful. Illustrations of a farmer, his dog, and a trio of children done in soft colors enliven the account. A recipe and experiment conclude the book.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Illustrated by Steve Jenkins. This book is filled with clear explanations of worms, their habits, and their habitats. Pfeffer takes an ecological perspective, relating worms' activities to their effects on the environment. The concluding activities--to observe worms and conduct simple soil quality experiments--are important because Jenkins's cut-paper illustrations, while lovely, include only a few anatomical details (and none of internal organs).

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2004

(2) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Illustrated by Helen K. Davie & Helen K. Davie. This book elegantly conveys the basics of dolphin anatomy and behavior in straightforward, child-appropriate language. Pfeffer introduces each of the communicative behaviors with a comparable human behavior and uses analogies admirably: "These dolphin sounds are made like the sounds you make when you stretch the neck of a balloon between your fingers and then let the air escape slowly." The sleek illustrations provide important details.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2004

(3) K-3 Living on the Edge series. These books adequately explain how animals adapt to extreme environments. Large captioned photographs provide examples of the adaptations detailed in the readable text. An open design adds to the books' accessibility. All but Oceans include a map. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Living on the Edge titles: Arctic Frozen Reaches, Deep Oceans, High Mountains, Hot Deserts, and Icy Antarctic Waters.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) K-3 Living on the Edge series. These books adequately explain how animals adapt to extreme environments. Large captioned photographs provide examples of the adaptations detailed in the readable text. An open design adds to the books' accessibility. All but Oceans include a map. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Living on the Edge titles: Arctic Frozen Reaches, Deep Oceans, High Mountains, Hot Deserts, and Icy Antarctic Waters.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) K-3 Living on the Edge series. These books adequately explain how animals adapt to extreme environments. Large captioned photographs provide examples of the adaptations detailed in the readable text. An open design adds to the books' accessibility. All but Oceans include a map. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Living on the Edge titles: Arctic Frozen Reaches, Deep Oceans, High Mountains, Hot Deserts, and Icy Antarctic Waters.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) K-3 Living on the Edge series. These books adequately explain how animals adapt to extreme environments. Large captioned photographs provide examples of the adaptations detailed in the readable text. An open design adds to the books' accessibility. All but Oceans include a map. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Living on the Edge titles: Arctic Frozen Reaches, Deep Oceans, High Mountains, Hot Deserts, and Icy Antarctic Waters.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) K-3 Living on the Edge series. These books adequately explain how animals adapt to extreme environments. Large captioned photographs provide examples of the adaptations detailed in the readable text. An open design adds to the books' accessibility. All but Oceans include a map. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Living on the Edge titles: Arctic Frozen Reaches, Deep Oceans, High Mountains, Hot Deserts, and Icy Antarctic Waters.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Vanessa Lubach. Patti and her family live on a farm on the banks of the Mississippi. The heart-thumping story, loosely based on the floods of 1993, provides a dramatic look at the hardship created by flooding and at the dangers of combating it. Soft, realistic illustrations effectively capture the soggy scenes. Well-chosen details and a strong child character hold the reader's interest.

Reviewer: CHristine Sarrazin

(3) K-3 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. Illustrated by Holly Keller. Pfeffer introduces young readers to the science of sound and hearing. While mainly encouraging observation of sound, the text also includes simple explanations for how humans and animals hear and use sound. Instructions for several classic sound activities (including musical instruments and string telephones) are included. Cartoonlike illustrations feature many onomatopoeic words: "knock, knock," "cluck, cluck," "psst," "howwwwl!"

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford