(3) K-3 On My Own Folklore series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. In these stories, trickster Anansi wins a box of stories from the sky god; the Yellow Emperor fights the Black Dragon; a young man wins a princess's hand with his magic pomegranate; and a self-centered girl becomes the ghost La Llorona. Each tale is paired with an illustration style that nicely reflects the culture. Back matter provides further information. Review covers these On My Own Folklore titles: Anansi and the Box of Stories, The Tale of La Llorona, The Magic Pomegranate, and The Dragon Emperor.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(4) K-3 On My Own History series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. The surrender of General Lee to General Grant is told through the eyes of eleven-year-old Willie McLean--in whose Virginia house the surrender papers were signed. This easy-to-read fictionalized account is supplemented with historical information in the author's note and afterword. The illustrations do little to enhance the lackluster text. Bib.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 On My Own Holidays series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves & Jeni Reeves. These books offer basic descriptions of the three religious holidays in a beginning reader format with stiff illustrations in subdued colors. Hanukkah gives a detailed account of the historical significance of the holiday, while Ramadan focuses on the events of each day from morning prayer to the evening celebration. Christmas covers customs in eight different countries. Hanukkah and Ramadan contain glossaries. [Review covers these On My Own Holidays titles: Ramadan, Hanukkah, and Christmas around the World.]

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 On My Own Biography series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. This beginning-reader biography is laudably straightforward about the reliability of information about Pocahontas. The author follows through by noting the sources for particular incidents: such as Pocahontas's allegedly saving John Smith's life and why it might not be true (e.g., Smith was a braggart). Occasionally awkward drawings illustrate the brief text; a timeline and afterword are appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) 4-6 Creative Minds Biography series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. The first few pages of this biography have the feel of historical fiction, but it is soon clear that this work is well-researched nonfiction. Despite a somewhat flat writing style, Weidt offers a solid introduction to the life of one of the great abolitionist leaders in African-American history. The text is accompanied by black-and-white line drawings. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Colors of the World series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. In the books in this series, each of ten double-page spreads features a color, the color's name is translated into the country's national language, along with the phonetic pronunciation (Russia includes the Cyrillic). Faced by a stiff illustration featuring the color, a couple of paragraphs briefly discuss random cultural or historical information. Subjects include Russia's Red Army and caviar, and France's lavender fields and the Tour de France. Ind. [Review covers these Colors of the World titles: Colors of France and Colors of Russia.]

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Carolrhoda On My Own Books series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. In 1931, seventeen-year-old Jackie Mitchell not only was signed to a minor league baseball contract but also struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig--a first for women. Although she was later barred from baseball because it was considered inappropriate for women, Jackie's story is still inspiring. Illustrated with mediocre full-color drawings, the easy-to-read text will appeal to primary-age children.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Carolrhoda On My Own Books series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. This simply written book focuses on three periods in Babe's life: her childhood in Beaumont, Texas, her years as a high school basketball star and budding all-around athlete, and her accomplishments at the 1932 Olympics. Her later golf career is discussed in the brief afterword. The flatly written prose is accompanied by effective colored pencil illustrations. A time line is included.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 On My Own series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. Focusing on Washington's life from his childhood as a slave to his admission into Hampton Institute at sixteen, Amper discusses this African-American leader's struggles to become literate and the obstacles he overcame to realize his dream of attending school. The soft artwork supports the somewhat lifeless text but doesn't expand it. An afterword briefly mentions Washington's work as an educator. A time line is included.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson

(3) K-3 Colors of the World series. Illustrated by Jeni Reeves. Using ten colors, this informative book gives readers a glimpse into Kenyan culture, geography, and wildlife. Each double-page spread introduces a color--in English and in Swahili, Kenya's national language--and a topic related to that color. The Masai people, baobab trees, flamingos, and Mount Kenya are some of the subjects covered. Pronunciation keys for the colors are provided. Ind.

Reviewer: Deborah L. Thompson