(3) 4-6 In this overview, each two-page section poses a question (e.g., "What happened to ancient horses?" "Do wild horses ever fight?"); the answers are short but nicely detailed. Captioned photographs are well chosen, but the page design is sometimes off-putting. In general, the logically presented information will be helpful to report writers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 A dry, straightforward text explains how mountains are made and worn away and what effect they have on people, animals, and the environment. Clear photos are often accompanied by captions asking readers to identify examples of the geological elements described in the text. The informative book will be useful for report writers. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. This introduction to sea lions is geared toward newly independent readers. Illustrated with captioned color photos, the stilted and choppy text informs readers about California sea lions' habitats, locomotion, and enemies (both natural and human). In an unfortunate omission, a chapter devoted to "raising pups" never discusses mating habits. A note to adults is included. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Carolrhoda Earth Watch series. This systematic survey of the various forest ecosystems in North America ranges from the boreal forests of Canada to the subtropical forests of Florida. The descriptive text is augmented with a balanced look at the natural and artificial processes that induce change in these fragile ecosystems. The well-matched photographs play an integral role in documenting each forest system. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Daniel Brabander

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Some of the writing in this book for young readers is choppy, but the volume offers a substantial amount of information on the life cycle and habitats of Pacific and Atlantic walruses, and while the captions often ask obvious questions, the many color photos are clear and interesting. A note to adults gives suggestions about reading with children but belabors some points. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 World's Children series. Staub looks at different aspects of life for children on the Big Island of Hawaii, including geography, natural history, customs, and culture. The information isn't presented in any particular order, but the book, illustrated with color photographs, will give readers a sense of what makes life in Hawaii unique. A pronunciation guide is appended. Ind.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) 4-6 World's Children series. Information about the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures of Alaska is provided through the text and vivid color photos. Topics range from the influence of the Russian Orthodox religion to a children's summer camp that teaches traditional fishing and food preparation. Many children are shown and mentioned by name, but little information is provided about them and their families, which would have lent immediacy to the book. Ind.

Reviewer: Debbie Reese

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. With simple texts and plenty of large color photos, these introductory volumes supply young readers with some basic facts about their subjects. A "word detective" feature encourages children to find and define relevant terms used in the text, and a note to adults "On Sharing a Book" provides questions for discussion and run-of-the-mill activity suggestions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(4) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. With simple texts and plenty of large color photos, these introductory volumes supply young readers with some basic facts about their subjects. A "word detective" feature encourages children to find and define relevant terms used in the text, and a note to adults "On Sharing a Book" provides questions for discussion and run-of-the-mill activity suggestions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(3) 4-6 World's Children series. By following several children through their daily lives, readers are introduced to Dominica--its land, animals, culture, history, and contemporary life. Captioned photographs are sharp, full color, and carefully placed to augment the text. Readers will come away from the book with a sympathetic understanding of this Caribbean island's culture. Ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow