(3) K-3 Illustrated by John O'Brien. This quick peek at underwear throughout history is amusing and informative. The focus is on European and American undies, with only brief mention made of the undergarments worn by ancient peoples in other parts of the world. Cartoonlike illustrations extend the humor with playful exaggeration. (A queue at the dry cleaners shows a loincloth-clad sumo wrestler with a business suit in hand.) Reading list, timeline, websites.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(3) K-3 Illustrated by John O'Brien & John O'Brien. The history of candy, from the Romans' stuffed dates to Hershey bars, and the use of some of its ingredients such as cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, and chocolate are detailed in Swain's clear writing. O'Brien's tongue-in-cheek illustrations, such as a Roman gladiator not fighting to the death but sampling some dulcia skewered to his opponent's trident, are as satisfying as Snickers. Reading list, recipes, timeline.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith. This beginning history offers interesting tidbits about Henry VIII, Louis XIV, the wigs of the eighteenth century, the squash blossom hairdos of young Hopi girls, and Lincoln's beard. The lighthearted illustrations provide amusing caricatures. A compendium of "Hairy Information" provides a few scientific facts about hair. Some documentation for the text would have been helpful. Bib.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Cat Bowman Smith. Rich or poor, ancient or modern, Eastern or Western--no culture or social group is neglected in this meditation on the rituals and customs of bedtime. The cheerful text and funny cartoon illustrations (e.g., King Louis XIV of France jumping on his fancy four-poster) elevate what could be just a mishmash of facts to the level of good entertainment. A "Facts about Sleep" page discusses the subject in more detail. Bib.

Reviewer: Nell Beram