(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Discoveries series. Illustrated by John James & Jim Robins. Various topics are covered on two- or three-page spreads, with brief introductory text and detailed captions for each of the numerous maps, pictures, and photographs. The book design is crowded, but the information will fascinate young readers. One noteworthy feature is the small scroll on each page containing a primary source quote related to the topic. Ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Discoveries series. Illustrated by Peter Dennis. Various topics are covered on two- or three-page spreads, with brief introductory text and detailed captions for each of the numerous maps, pictures, and photographs. The book design is crowded, but the information will fascinate young readers. One noteworthy feature is the small scroll on each page containing a primary source quote related to the topic. Ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Discoveries series. Illustrated by Peter Dennis. This busily designed book emphasizes the insatiable ego, impulsive character, and military prowess of the larger-than-life King Alexander. Sidebars provide information on the culture, architecture, and art of the people he conquered. Though it glosses over Alexander's private life, this introduction is action-packed and informative. Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Southern Fossil Discoveries series. Brief descriptions of animals that once inhabited the warm climates of the southern United States are interspersed with information on land bridges and fossil formation in caves. Few specifics about their exact dates of existence or geographical range are given. Illustrations include color photos of ice age animal models and their modern relations, artistic renditions of past environments, and occasionally misleading diagrams. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Discoveries series. Illustrated by Russell Barnet & John James. Much of this book depicts the exhilarating accomplishments and tragic human losses of the expeditions that have tried to climb Everest. Also covered are topics such as the history of the sport, basic skills and equipment, and the geology of mountain formation. The format is busy, but the many photos and illustrations are informative and interesting. Ind.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) 4-6 Discoveries series. Illustrated by Marje Crosby-Fairall & Ann Winterbotham. Tight, overcrowded layouts, filled with color drawings, boxed quotes, and archival photographs, present an overview of polar exploration. The book traces the foot and air journeys of Byrd, Peary, Amundsen, and other explorers, and includes a section on the contemporary scientific study conducted in the Arctic and Antarctic. A time line is included. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Discoveries series. Illustrated by Peter Dennis. While Castle is based on a generic medieval fortress, the other two volumes trace specific historical events and include information on their later archaeological discovery and study. Illustrated with detailed color artwork, and one foldout per volume, the books contain intriguing information about each culture and a number of boxed quotes. Unfortunately, the cramped layouts make the presentations busy and overwhelming. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Discoveries series. Illustrated by Chris Forsey & Anne Yvonne Gilbert & Eric Thomas. While Castle is based on a generic medieval fortress, the other two volumes trace specific historical events and include information on their later archaeological discovery and study. Illustrated with detailed color artwork, and one foldout per volume, the books contain intriguing information about each culture and a number of boxed quotes. Unfortunately, the cramped layouts make the presentations busy and overwhelming. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Discoveries series. Illustrated by Richard Bonson. While Castle is based on a generic medieval fortress, the other two volumes trace specific historical events and include information on their later archaeological discovery and study. Illustrated with detailed color artwork, and one foldout per volume, the books contain intriguing information about each culture and a number of boxed quotes. Unfortunately, the cramped layouts make the presentations busy and overwhelming. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta