(4) 4-6 Countries and Cultures series. "Fast facts" begin chapters on the physical features, land and climate, history and government, economy, and people of Egypt and Kenya. Maps, color photos and prints, boxed asides, and a recipe form a thorough, if dry, country overview. The fill-in-the-blanks coverage is rather mechanical, but report writers will find the books in this series helpful. A time line is included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Countries and Cultures series. Maps and color photos join somewhat dry texts in explaining the physical features, climate, exports, government, history, industries, food, arts, and symbols of Canada and Mexico. Boxed quick facts and recipes enliven the design. Like the others in this series, these volumes are uninspired but may be of use to report writers. Time lines are included. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Colonies titles: Canada and Mexico.]

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jennifer Johnson Haywood. In this lively book, a riddle in verse form asks for a scientific or technological term representing each letter of the alphabet. Though a few of the rhymes are forced, they're generally clever, and the information is accurate and engaging. Bright illustrations add clues. The first letter of the answer is printed in heavy type and is followed by blanks spaces for the missing letters.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Explorers of New Worlds series. Each book in this series details the journeys of a European or an American explorer. Text boxes feature original quotes, and the chapters include a geographic description of the territory explored. The superficial prose carefully explains the events and decisions but manages to dull most of the excitement. All the books include a timeline and reproduced artwork; three have poorly reproduced maps. There are four other fall 2001 books in this series. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these titles: Jolliet and Marquette, Robert Peary and the Quest for the North Pole, John C. Frémont, Sir Ernest Shackleton and the Struggle against Antarctica, Henry Hudson.]

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang