(3) 4-6 Illustrated by John Wallner. This picture book biography emphasizes elements of Tolkien's life that would influence his writing, such as his fascination with ancient and foreign languages, and allows readers to draw the connections themselves. Illustrations full of pastels and curlicues match the whimsy of Tolkien's work. (The curious choice to illustrate his life events as a board game, while fairly unobtrusive, goes unexplained.) Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) K-3 Holiday House Readers series. Illustrated by John Wallner. In brief chapters of simple, clear prose, Adler tells anecdotes about Abraham Lincoln's life, beginning with his childhood. In addition to historical facts, some entertaining stories about Lincoln's fabled honesty and kindness (e.g., rescuing a pig from the mud, going out of his way to deliver the mail) are included. Some of the illustrations are awkwardly proportioned. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) K-3 Holiday House Readers series. Illustrated by John Wallner. This brief biography of Helen Keller, which includes quotations from her writing, covers the highlights of her life from her childhood illness and Anne Sullivan's arrival to important events during her adulthood. Although her life makes interesting reading even in a beginning reader format, the short sentences are often flat. Detailed watercolor illustrations add additional information. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley