(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julien Norwood & Emmanuelle Tchoukriel. This is a browsable and beautifully illustrated guide to mollusks, worms, and arthropods (e.g., insects and arachnids). Realistically detailed drawings (with some cartoony art interspersed) accompany an engaging bullet-point text that opens with general information about the three groups and their reproduction, growth, and migration. Three themed sections each focus on flying insects, ground dwellers, and water creatures. A fifth catchall section lists some superlatives (e.g., biggest, oldest), "most beautiful butterflies," pests, nocturnal critters, and house "guests." Activities (e.g., building a snail terrarium) are included throughout; four spreads feature different scenes (balcony garden, meadow, forest, seashore) with questions to guide observation. Includes an index.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Julien Norwood & Isabelle Simler. In four information-dense chapters, this French import explores tree structure, growth, reproduction, and products. A fifth section surveys some unusual tree species. Interested readers will come away with a solid grasp of botanical vocabulary and biological processes, including tree self-defense and communication. The minutely detailed illustrations, reminiscent of a naturalist's notebook, use texture, shape, and color to differentiate the arboreal subjects, while quizzes, activities, and "My Observatory" pages invite reader interaction. A final spread includes an index, answer key, and an invitation to "find the trees these fruits grow on in the book." The in-depth treatment may limit the book's audience, but for tree-lovers feeding a passion, it will be welcome.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam