(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dave Whamond. In this energetic interactive book, readers learn how words are connected and can transform into others by changing one letter at a time ("A house might become a mouse / and then a moose"). The changed letter is highlighted in red in each word ladder; cartoonlike illustrations cleverly and comically depict the transformations. Additional activities are appended. A useful, engaging classroom tool.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(3) PS Photographs by Lennette Newell. Wyatt welcomes babies by telling them what they can expect to see, hear, and feel as they grow up ("You will feel the sun on your skin and be warmed by it"). The photographs show close-ups of wide-eyed infants of different ethnicities with big smiles. Youngsters may recognize themselves (or their baby friends) in the pictures and be soothed by the text.

Reviewer: Sophie Williamson

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Fred Rix. This unique, odd, and informative book offers a guide for readers to create their own personal countries. Everything from finding unclaimed land and coming up with a name (how does Bathmatia sound?) to holding elections and serving one's citizens is covered. Despite the silliness, useful information is given, teaching readers about the value of diplomacy and how actual governments function. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Betsy Murray

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Howie Woo. In this journey back in time to find the first "discoverer" of the Americas, breezy, quick-paced chapters turn a history lesson into a mystery. Wyatt debunks the Columbus myth and provides evidence of other contenders: the Norse, the Chinese, the ancestors of Native Americans, and so on. Stock photographs, cartoon illustrations, and sidebars with catchy titles break up the pages. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Pamela Mishkin

(4) 4-6 Frequently Asked Questions series. Illustrated by Matthew Fernandes. Brisk writing matches the series format, in which random questions ("Can inventing make you rich?" "When was underwear invented?") address inventions related to such topics as food, pets, and medicine. Anecdotes inform readers about ideas as deliberate as the telephone or as spontaneous as Velcro. Claymation-style art, photos, information "bytes," and a few activities clutter the pages. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Frequently Asked Questions series. Illustrated by Matthew Fernandes. Using computer parlance (a "frequently asked question" section is an "FAQ," etc.), this kid-friendly volume provides a wide-ranging introduction to space. Accompanied by color photos and cartoonish illustrations, the text clearly describes the elements of space, including planets, black holes, and comets. The book features simple activities that reinforce the concepts presented in the main text. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Pat Cupples. Breezy, second-person narration and an impish, math-loving character named Nora will help draw upper-elementary and middle-school girls into this collection of math activities, most of which involve applications of geometry. Whimsical illustrations in pastel pinks and purples provide visual clues for completing the activities. Text boxes include information about real-life women who rely on math in their careers.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Dusan Petricic. When a traveler from the planet Memo veers off course and encounters a boy named Pete, a lighthearted study of human anatomy results. Anatomical definitions, descriptions, biological facts ("Earthlings lose 50 to 80 hairs a day"), and ideas for simple science projects are presented in the text, cartoon illustrations, and diagrams. Readers will be amused by the cultural misunderstandings between boy and alien. Ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges