(4) 4-6 Scientists at Work series. These books discuss various branches of science, focusing on what it means to have a career in each field. The texts are generally accessible without talking down to readers (though they do end on a "study hard at school" note). The many photographs and drawings in addition to sidebars will draw in readers, though some pages are crowded. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Scientists at Work titles: Into the Fire, Dinosaur Hunters, History Detectives, Insect Investigators, Space Pioneers, and Secrets of the Deep.

Reviewer: Thom Barthelmess

(3) YA Planet under Pressure series. Each of these titles presents a reasonably comprehensive overview of the competing environmental and economic pressures humans have exerted on our planet. The dire scenarios of dwindling water supplies, burgeoning population, and careless or inadvertent slaughter of animal species are daunting. The questions raised far outweigh the solutions proposed, but students will get a decent introduction to these issues. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Planet under Pressure titles: Animals under Threat, Water, and Climate Change.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Animals under Threat series. The peregrine falcon's comeback from the ranks of endangered species offers an example of what animal conservation activism can accomplish. Illustrated with color photos, the text includes an overview of this bird's physical characteristics and life cycle, and the problems of DDT and illegal egg collecting are reviewed. Raptor protection is encouraged in a "Getting involved" section. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 From Egg to Adult series. This book explores the life cycle of mammals, discussing general characteristics, some familiar and some species-peculiar. Despite a busy layout, the photos are clear and descriptions engaging. Other topics explained include animal homes, longevity, birth, growth, and reproduction. A "fact file" and reading list are appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 From Egg to Adult series. Clear photographs and drawings join lucid text describing similarities and differences that make reptiles and amphibians distinct animal groups. Individual idiosyncrasies, such as the camouflage of the leaf-tailed gecko, are linked to species survival within each group. Despite a slightly busy layout, these books will appeal to young readers. Fact file, reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these From Egg to Adult titles: The Life Cycle of Amphibians and The Life Cycle of Reptiles.]

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 From Egg to Adult series. This book explores the life cycle of birds, discussing general characteristics, some familiar and some species-peculiar. Although the layout is slightly busy, the photos are clear and the descriptions engaging. Nest building, incubation, hatching, feeding the young, and reproduction are explained. A fact file and reading list are appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo