(4) YA World Writers series. Gelletly's volume, which focuses on Dahl's post-WWII career, is less engaging than Dahl's own autobiographical works; the book is illustrated with numerous photographs. Aykroyd's workaday biography of Swift presents the opinionated Anglo-Irish minister and his razor-edged writing in the context of the complicated political times. Period illustrations provide welcome breaks from the informative, if not compelling, text. Timeline, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these World Writers titles: Savage Satire and Gift of Imagination.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Quentin Blake. Photographs by Jan Baldwin. Inspired by culinary oddities mentioned in Dahl books and following in the vein of the earlier Revolting Recipes, this cookbook shows readers the tricks for making Boiled Slobbages, Spitsizzlers, and Hornets Stewed in Tar. Color photos and Blake's zany cartoons playfully illustrate the creations, which are accompanied by the pertinent Dahl quote and a tongue-in-cheek commentary.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) K-3 Tell Me About series. In these short, heavily illustrated biographies, there is plenty of information about each subject's early life and formative work. In Mozart and Dahl, the subjects' complex and difficult personality traits have been watered down considerably. Frivolous design elements detract from the overall impact, particularly in Potter, Dahl, and Mozart. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson

(3) 4-6 What's Their Story? series. Illustrated by Alan Marks. These brief biographies of three authors, two explorers, and one political activist present their subjects in clear and engaging prose. Accomplished half-page and spot watercolors on each page highlight key moments in each person's life. Time lines are appended to all but Eric (which features a source note) and Gandhi (a glossary). Ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne