(3) K-3 What on Earth? series. Illustrated by Pau Morgan. With the series' trademark hands-on, holistic approach to learning, this book introduces robots through poetry, history, computer science, project instructions, and coding games. Color-coded sections urge readers to "explore" the science concepts, "create" a robot-inspired project, and "investigate" via simple experiments. The muted palette in the appealing digital illustrations and a slightly curled font underscore the book's gentle tone. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(4) 4-6 Science of Life series. These titles unevenly introduce the rather disparate topics of cell biology and ecology. Each book has several well-organized chapters, with numerous photos, sidebars, and charts, plus references to deeper online material and prompts and questions to the reader (which may distract general researchers). The books contain some sweeping statements. Back matter supplies further data and questions. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Science of Life titles: Cells, Food Chains, Animal Classification, and Ecosystems.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Science of Life series. These titles unevenly introduce the rather disparate topics of cell biology and ecology. Each book has several well-organized chapters, with numerous photos, sidebars, and charts, plus references to deeper online material and prompts and questions to the reader (which may distract general researchers). The books contain some sweeping statements. Back matter supplies further data and questions. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Science of Life titles: Cells, Food Chains, Animal Classification, and Ecosystems.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Our Great States series. Culture oversimplifies a complex, multifaceted topic; Reconstruction does a better job (superficially) outlining events and influences on post–Civil War United States. Both books suffer from choppily written texts ("White people owned the slaves. Slaves were considered property"); colorized archival illustrations, photos, and sidebars supplement the information. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these African-American History titles: African-American Culture and The Reconstruction Era.

Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello

(4) K-3 We Work!: Animals with Jobs series. These books introduce on-the-job animals who improve human lives by supporting law enforcement, entertaining on the small and big screens, and assisting people with disabilities, illnesses, or emotional problems. Each slight text covers the traits required, a brief explanation of training, and equipment used in the various occupations. Abundant color photos and sidebars enhance the readable but oversimplified texts. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(4) K-3 We Work!: Animals with Jobs series. These books introduce on-the-job animals who improve human lives by supporting law enforcement, entertaining on the small and big screens, and assisting people with disabilities, illnesses, or emotional problems. Each slight text covers the traits required, a brief explanation of training, and equipment used in the various occupations. Abundant color photos and sidebars enhance the readable but oversimplified texts. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(4) K-3 We Work!: Animals with Jobs series. These books introduce on-the-job animals who improve human lives by supporting law enforcement, entertaining on the small and big screens, and assisting people with disabilities, illnesses, or emotional problems. Each slight text covers the traits required, a brief explanation of training, and equipment used in the various occupations. Abundant color photos and sidebars enhance the readable but oversimplified texts. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson

(4) K-3 We Work!: Animals with Jobs series. These books introduce on-the-job animals who improve human lives by supporting law enforcement, entertaining on the small and big screens, and assisting people with disabilities, illnesses, or emotional problems. Each slight text covers the traits required, a brief explanation of training, and equipment used in the various occupations. Abundant color photos and sidebars enhance the readable but oversimplified texts. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Shara Hardeson