(4) 4-6 Courageous Heroes of the American West series. All originally published under different titles, the updated editions of these brief biographies, written in short, easy-to-read sentences, outline the lives of adventurous individuals who helped shape the American West during the nineteenth century. Black-and-white photographs and drawings add some interest to the text-heavy pages; the lurid cover illustrations are unappealing. There are four other fall 2012 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Courageous Heroes of the American West titles: Bill Pickett, Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, Daniel Boone, Davy Crockett, Richard King, Sacagawea, and Sam Houston.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) K-3 On My Own Folklore series. Illustrated by Lisa Carlson. These entertaining books adapt for young readers the oft-told tales of larger-than-life North American folk heroes. The titles' humor, richly colored (although sometimes muddy) illustrations, and accessible text sprinkled with colloquialisms combine for an enjoyable read. A general discussion of folklore introduces each title, providing examples and definitions; Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill include age-appropriate further reading and websites. Review covers these On My Own Folklore titles: Calamity Jane, John Henry, Paul Bunyan, and Pecos Bill.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett