(3) K-3 Penguin Young Readers: Smithsonian series. A comprehensive overview of the bison's life cycle and habits is organized into chapters and short paragraphs. A leveled text geared toward "fluent readers" smoothly introduces vocabulary and touches on the importance of the animal to Native Americans, the near extinction of the species, and conservationists' efforts to bring them back. Quality photos (some captioned) appear throughout. Young readers will come away well informed. Glos.

Reviewer: Jeannie Coutant

(4) K-3 Penguin Young Readers: Smithsonian series. In nine leveled-reader chapters, this volume provides information about the moon, focusing mainly on science and exploration. The text also touches on storytelling (that old green cheese myth) and veers into speculation: "Could there be other life in the universe? Do you think they look up at their own moons like we do?" Well-chosen photographs and illustrations support the occasionally vague text. Glos.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Penguin Young Readers: Smithsonian series. This leveled text for "fluent" readers focuses on the giant pandas--Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and cub Bao Bao--at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC. Chapters include general information about giant pandas, zoo life, and the cub's care and maturation. With simple text and plenty of photographs, this is a thorough and clear introduction to the National Zoo's beloved pandas. Glos.

Reviewer: Sian Gaetano