(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Shelley. The bard's inventiveness with words is showcased in this look at London's Globe Theatre. In lively, conversational text, verso pages present information interspersed with Shakespeare's words or phrases boldfaced; the recto defines the phrase and identifies the play it comes from. Detailed pen-and-ink and watercolor scenes with varied perspectives brim with the bustle and jostle of London and its playgoers. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John Shelley. Young Michelangelo "saw David--his David" inside a huge block of marble that had troubled Florence's artists for decades. The illustrations' cartoonish aspects--a worn-out Michelangelo chipping away; townspeople positioned like a Greek chorus speculating on his progress--complement the lighthearted text, which only turns serious as Sutcliffe describes the completed David's beauty and grandeur. Appended with an informative author's note. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) 4-6 This fascinating account of the British invasion--and burning--of Washington, DC, during the War of 1812 features a compelling narrative hook, lots of primary-source excerpts, and an inviting full-color book design. However, it's rather challenging to keep track of all the characters and settings in the brief single-day time period, and the narrative structure is slightly discombobulated. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jonathan Hunt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Craig Kodera. This picture book biography relates the life and accomplishments of an American WWII hero. The brief narrative recounts Nimitz's youth, U.S. Naval Academy years, early experiences as a seaman, and his rise to commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Children will come away with an appreciation for Nimitz's courage and heroism, but the painterly illustrations are too stoic. Timeline.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Herb Leonhard. When a friend wants a painting on his shield, Leonardo da Vinci's father gives the job to his son. The boy paints a horrifying monster, and the finished image terrifies his father. This tale is based on an incident described by Giorgio Vassari in 1550. The possibly apocryphal story is intriguing, but both the telling and the illustrations are stiff. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 History Maker Bios series. These simple biographies offer young readers a glimpse into the early lives, careers, and achievements of notable Americans. The books include quotes from the subjects, chapter head art (unfortunately, amateurishly cartoonish), and archival photos, illustrations, and reproductions of primary source materials. Sentences are short, and the books are appropriately geared toward children gaining confidence in their reading skills. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: Susan B. Anthony, John Adams, and Jimmy Carter.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. Five short chapters give simplified versions of the lives of these generals, from families and early difficulties through military academies, commissions, first assignments, and later accomplishments: Patton's battlefield leadership in WWII, Marshall's conception of a plan to rebuild Europe, and Powell's service as Secretary of State. Photos, sidebars, and cartoons expand the short sentences of the text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review includes these History Maker Bios titles: George S. Patton, Jr., Colin Powell, and George C. Marshall.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. Illustrated with archival photos and art (as well as unfortunately cartoonish illustrations), each of these books presents a brief overview of the life of a famous American leader. Sidebars with tidbits of additional information extend the choppy text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Andrew Jackson, John Hancock, John F. Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 History Maker Bios series. These highly accessible biographies feature numerous black-and-white photos and other supporting materials. Short chapters provide straightforward factual information covering key events and the role each subject played in American history. Unfortunately, the amateurish cartoon illustrations mar the otherwise attractive format. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: Sitting Bull, Tecumseh, Chief Joseph, Sequoyah, Geronimo, and Quanah Parker.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) K-3 History Maker Bios series. Each book in this series presents basic biographical material about an important figure in science or industry. The lackluster text is enhanced by plentiful black-and-white archival photos and period reproductions; unnecessary cartoonlike illustrations in color detract from the overall design. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. [Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: George Eastman, Albert Einstein, Milton Hershey, The Wright Brothers, Marie Curie, and Thomas Edison.]

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(4) K-3 History Maker Bios series. The colorful characters featured in this biography series make for lively reading. The texts focus on the path each individual took as they pioneered their way into the history books. Simply designed, the pages include reproductions of period illustrations, portraits, and photos; and somewhat goofy color cartoon illustrations. Timelines punctuate the volumes. There are six other fall 2002 books in this series. Bib., ind. [Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: Davy Crockett, Dolley Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Amelia Earhart, Paul Revere, and Neil Armstrong.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) K-3 History Maker Bios series. The colorful characters featured in this biography series make for lively reading. The texts focus on the path each individual took as they pioneered their way into the history books. Simply designed, the pages include reproductions of period illustrations, portraits, and photos; and somewhat goofy color cartoon illustrations. Timelines punctuate the volumes. There are six other fall 2002 books in this series. Bib., ind. [Review covers these History Maker Bios titles: Davy Crockett, Dolley Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Amelia Earhart, Paul Revere, and Neil Armstrong.]

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) K-3 On My Own Biography series. Illustrated by Elaine Verstraete. Hale, accompanied by oil illustrations, focuses on the patriot who was hung for spying on British troops in New York. Keller, illustrated with soft color art, is yet another biography on this inspirational woman. Neither provides detailed information about their subjects, but both easy-to-read books are adequate introductions. An afterword and timeline are appended. [Review covers these On My Own titles: Helen Keller and Nathan Hale.]

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) K-3 Carolrhoda On My Own Books series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. This simply written book focuses on three periods in Babe's life: her childhood in Beaumont, Texas, her years as a high school basketball star and budding all-around athlete, and her accomplishments at the 1932 Olympics. Her later golf career is discussed in the brief afterword. The flatly written prose is accompanied by effective colored pencil illustrations. A time line is included.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Carolrhoda On My Own Books series. Illustrated by Janice Lee Porter. This short, somewhat superficial biography introduces one of the most heroic sports stars of the twentieth century. The easy-to-read chapters, accompanied by stylized artwork, cover Owens's childhood, college years, and Olympic medal-winning performance in Berlin. A black-and-white photograph illustrates the afterword. A list of important dates is included.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo