(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Do You Dig Earth Science? series. These solid earth science introductions provide definitions of various earth materials and their properties, as well as explanations of the formation processes and the ways in which humans use them. Accurate information is interspersed with questions, most embedded in captions that accompany color photographs, to encourage careful observation and reasoning. Diagrams, maps, and other visuals are very clear. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Do You Dig Earth Science? titles: Examining Erosion, Uncovering Earth's Crust, Figuring Out Fossils, Marveling at Minerals, Researching Rocks, Studying Soil.

Reviewer: Devon Johnson

(4) 4-6 Searchlight Books: How Does Your Body Work? series. Simple chapters introduce the basics of these five human body systems: their structure, function, and how the various components interact. A few sentences on each page accompany largely generic, full-color photographs, photo-micrographs, and labeled diagrams. Text boxes are included on each spread but are mostly redundant. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these How Does Your Body Work? titles: Your Circulatory System, Your Muscular System, Your Nervous System, Your Skeletal System, and Your Respiratory System.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Early Bird Earth Science series. These books provide standard information about the earth's materials and processes. Earth's Crust covers the broadest topics, such as tectonic plates, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Rocks and Fossils include straightforward descriptions of formation and major types. Aimed at younger readers, the information is accurate but thin. The stock color photographs support the text fairly well, with a few mismatches. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Early Bird Earth Science titles: Earth's Crust, Fossils, and Rocks.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Early Bird Body Systems series. Using straightforward text, these accessible resources introduce the major body systems. Photos and illustrated diagrams complement the text, but some micrographs lack sufficient labels. Each book begins with a key-word preview that invites readers to be "word detectives" and concludes with tips for adults on reading with a child. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Early Bird Body Systems titles: The Skeletal System, The Respiratory System, The Digestive System, The Muscular System, The Nervous System, and The Circulatory System.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(3) YA Computer graphics, color-enhanced micrographs, and photographs add interest to this thorough explanation of HIV and AIDS. Among the topics covered are the evolution of the disease, the normal workings of the human immune system, viruses and retroviruses, transmission of HIV and its action in the body, and up-to-the-minute progress toward prevention and a cure. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Early Bird Nature Books series. Photographs by Paula Jansen. These introductions use simple, somewhat condescending language and numerous color photographs to discuss the lives and habitats of these mammals. Difficult words have pronunciations next to them, and the books begin with a list of relevant words, which readers are encouraged to look for in the text. A section for adults at the end of the books talks about reading with a child, offering questions for discussion. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.