(3) K-3 Amazing Chinese Inventions series. Illustrated by YongSheng Xuan. In bilingual editions of these original tales (Chinese texts not evaluated), the clever Kang brothers tackle various challenges: eating hot food (Chopsticks), scaring birds from their rice fields (Kites), salvaging their mother's botched cooking-contest entry (Noodles), and saving face at school (Paper). Bold images, reminiscent of traditional Chinese cut-paper designs, illustrate the tales. An author's note provides brief history of each invention. Recipe/activity appended. Review covers these Amazing Chinese Inventions titles: The Story of Chopsticks, The Story of Kites, The Story of Noodles, The Story of Paper.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) K-3 Start to Finish, Second Series: Everyday Products series. Designed for young readers, these books provide very basic but adequate introductions to three everyday consumer products. Each follows a natural resource (forests, iron ore, and petroleum) through a step-by-step process to a finished product. Simple statements are rather sketchy, often failing to provide enough information about complex operations. Large color photographs enhance the texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Start to Finish titles: From Tree to Paper, From Iron to Car, and From Oil to Gas.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Illustrated by YongSheng Xuan. The Kang brothers are embarrassed when their teacher writes their misdeeds on the palms of their hands. As clever as they are mischievous, the three boys invent paper, which brings them acclaim and helps them to concentrate on their studies. The flat illustrations flow across and around the pages providing a sense of depth and movement. An author's note and directions for making paper are included.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr