(4) K-3 Kingfisher Readers series. Two-page chapters introduce newly independent readers to key moments in space-travel history; explain takeoff, landing, and astronauts' many jobs; and highlight ongoing work on the International Space Station. Fact boxes and captioned photos (many from the NASA photo library) expand on the accessible if limited text. Three "Astronaut Records" and a timeline are appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(4) K-3 Flip the Flaps series. Illustrated by Simon Mendez. Lift-the-flap vertical half pages encourage readers to uncover the answers to basic (if random) questions about the ocean and various types of marine animals (e.g., "Which animals have tusks like an elephant and whiskers like a cat?"). The somewhat scattered text detracts from the visual appeal of the carefully detailed nature illustrations. Ind.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) K-3 I Wonder Why series. These books present information about the traits of a variety of pets including fish, cats, dogs, hamsters, and farm animals, all shown in realistic pastel-hued illustrations. Lift-the-flap half pages reveal pet questions and answers, many of which are vague and/or random. Each volume provides a very general overview for animal lovers. Ind. Review covers these I Wonder Why titles: Farm Animals and Pets.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 4-6 Basic facts about lizards, snakes, crocodiles, and turtles take a back seat to the many impressive life-size illustrations. The oversize book employs fold-out pages, although sometimes only parts of an animal can fit into the space. To portray their entire bodies, some reptile illustrations are less than life-size (but to scale). A poster is included. Ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford