(4) K-3 Who Am I? series. Illustrated by Wayne Ford. With explanations about wings, eyes, feet, beak, tail, head, and nest, each double-page spread gives clues to the identity of the Golden Eagle. Further information about offspring and habitat is followed by questions reviewing the text. Detailed and realistic illustrations accompany this basic introduction to this bird of prey, but the book seems more like a worksheet. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) K-3 Who Am I? series. Illustrated by Wayne Ford. Information and paintings of a neck, tongue, skin, eyes, legs, hooves, and tail come together to reveal a giraffe. The uses of these body parts and facts about offspring and habitat are reviewed by questions at the end of the text. Realistic illustrations enhance this plodding and textbookish introduction to the giraffe. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) 4-6 Introducing Painters series. Picasso provides basic biographical information, but its main focus is Picasso's development as artist and innovator. Photos and reproductions of his work illustrate thirteen sections. Michelangelo is less focused, veering from Michelangelo's work into modern fresco restoration techniques. Reproductions are included, but details of some are lost in the gutter. A timeline is appended. Ind. [Review covers these Introducing Painters titles: Introducing Picasso and Introducing Michelangelo.]

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Restless Earth series. Double-page spreads in these series books touch on such a wide range of topics that the texts end up consisting mostly of definitions. Subjects covered include how different types of islands or mountains are formed and the plants and animals that live on them. The brief text passages are dispersed among clear color photos and diagrams illustrating geologic features and processes. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Restless Earth titles: Coasts and Islands and Mountains.]

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Restless Earth series. Double-page spreads in these series books touch on such a wide range of topics that the texts end up consisting mostly of definitions. Subjects covered include how different types of islands or mountains are formed and the plants and animals that live on them. The brief text passages are dispersed among clear color photos and diagrams illustrating geologic features and processes. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Restless Earth titles: Coasts and Islands and Mountains.]

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) YA World Issues series. This informative examination includes historical and statistical information, personal accounts, and fundamental debates about such issues as gender, race, and age. A straightforward text combines with numerous color and black-and-white photographs to create a busy design, but the volume provides a comprehensive and accessible dialogue. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Take It Apart series. Illustrated by George Fryer. Streamlined, brightly colored illustrations, often showing cutaway detail, reveal the inner workings of automobiles and airplanes. Clear, minimal text identifies the purpose of various elements and explains how they are used by the driver or pilot. The series' crowded layout shows the components in action (e.g., foot on the brake pedal, which is connected to the cylinder, which is attached to the brake pad, etc.). Glos., ind. [Review covers these Take It Apart titles: Car and Plane.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Take It Apart series. Illustrated by Mike Grey. Streamlined, brightly colored illustrations, often showing cutaway detail, reveal the inner workings of automobiles and airplanes. Clear, minimal text identifies the purpose of various elements and explains how they are used by the driver or pilot. The series' crowded layout shows the components in action (e.g., foot on the brake pedal, which is connected to the cylinder, which is attached to the brake pad, etc.). Glos., ind. [Review covers these Take It Apart titles: Car and Plane.]

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) YA World Issues series. This comprehensive discussion includes historical and statistical information, personal accounts, and fundamental debates about drug use. A straightforward text combines with numerous color photographs to create a busy design, but the volume provides an engaging and informative introduction to the issue of drug use. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Introducing Painters series. Picasso provides basic biographical information, but its main focus is Picasso's development as artist and innovator. Photos and reproductions of his work illustrate thirteen sections. Michelangelo is less focused, veering from Michelangelo's work into modern fresco restoration techniques. Reproductions are included, but details of some are lost in the gutter. A timeline is appended. Ind. [Review covers these Introducing Painters titles: Introducing Picasso and Introducing Michelangelo.]

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 My Healthy Body series. In these series books, each two-page chapter ("All about your nose," "Fantastic fiber," etc.) consists of two or three simple sentences that clearly describe how humans breathe or what constitutes a healthy diet. A large font, ample white space, and color photos of kids playing or eating add appeal. One large, blurred photo in Eating detracts from an otherwise attractive volume. Glos., ind. [Review covers these My Healthy Body titles: Breathing and Eating.]

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 My Healthy Body series. In these series books, each two-page chapter ("All about your nose," "Fantastic fiber," etc.) consists of two or three simple sentences that clearly describe how humans breathe or what constitutes a healthy diet. A large font, ample white space, and color photos of kids playing or eating add appeal. One large, blurred photo in Eating detracts from an otherwise attractive volume. Glos., ind. [Review covers these My Healthy Body titles: Breathing and Eating.]

Reviewer: Gail Hedges