(4) K-3 Jump into Science series. Illustrated by Nancy Woodman. This volume presents detailed information about how volcanoes form and why they erupt. Busy illustrations detract from the clear text, with cartoons overlaying pastel and watercolor drawings interspersed with small photographs. A world map and simple suggested activity are more helpful.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) YA Restless Earth series. These volumes present definitions and typologies of geologic formations and events as well as the processes that create and change them (e.g., plate tectonics, erosion, the hydrogeologic cycle). The books also include information on technologies scientists use to monitor geological hazards. Sidebars include details about applied science, and color photographs and diagrams break up the dense texts. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Restless Earth titles: Mountains and Valleys, Earthquakes and Volcanoes, Rivers, Lakes, and Oceans, and Layers of the Earth.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Woodman. Prager presents basic information about sand types, composition, and the creation of beaches and dunes, all narrated by a cartoon sandpiper with a magnifying glass. While the information is oversimplified, it may inspire a closer look at beach sand on the next trip to the shore. The overly busy layouts combine photographs, cartoonish illustrations, and sand borders. The book ends with a hands-on activity.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford