(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Frédéric Malenfer. Photographs by Francis Latreille. Latreille's striking but not optimally reproduced photographs of the Arctic are the centerpiece of this book. Each double-page spread features a large photo and several paragraphs of haphazardly arranged topics that range from explanations of ice features and formations to practices and customs of modern Arctic peoples to animals found in the region. A helpful map is appended.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Child's Day series. This book follows seven-year-old Iina-Marja, who lives with her family in Finnish Lapland, through a day at home (in town and at the family's country home) and at school. Color photos and an accessible text convey information about Sami customs, clothing, and food. Background on the region and the language are appended, as are a list of common phrases and a glossary, neither of which include pronunciation guides. Ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) 4-6 First Peoples series. This book gives a history of the Sami people (until recently, known to most as Laplanders) from their nomadic beginnings through the present. The book also discusses the geography of the Sami's Arctic territory, economy, daily life, language, and traditions. The simple text, which is enhanced by color photos, is sketchy and occasionally didactic. Lists of websites and related organizations are appended. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Anna Vojtech. In a tale from the Scandinavian tradition, Vanishia, the daughter of the moon, rejects the fiery son of the sun and marries one of the Brothers of the Northern Lights, bringing the sun's vengeance upon herself and her husband. Luminous watercolors in contrasting blue and yellow tones with strong lines sweeping across wide skies lend a dreamy quality to this tragic tale.

Reviewer: Pamela McCuen