(4) K-3 See More Readers series. This well-researched, informative easy reader uses simple language to communicate basic information about the planet Mars (although it may quickly become out of date, given recent discoveries about life on the planet and data from the Mars rovers). Despite a bland cover image, the interior pictures are clear and bright. Budding astronomers/emergent readers will be enthralled.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. This serviceable easy reader about fire trucks, police cars, medical helicopters, hazmat trucks, and other vehicles that help people will be gobbled up by fans of speedy transportation. Less common vehicles, such as bomb-disposal trucks and robots, are also described. Although some of the photos are pixelated, most of them are well suited to the exciting topic.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 See More Readers series. Translated by Elizabeth Bell. These brief, easy-to-read, and informative Spanish-language texts don't talk down to their audience of newly emergent readers. They will likely encourage independent learning about popular subjects. Crisp, eye-catching color photographs support the texts. Review covers these See More Readers titles: Aeronaves asombrosas, Ballenas asesinas, Pirámides y momias, and Tiburones fabulosos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. This easy reader presents many close-up photographs of snakes. Although the pictures could have benefited from captions (especially one of a woman smilingly holding a giant snake), they are sure to intrigue young snake enthusiasts; non-snake-lovers may have troubles, though, when faced with a cute little rodent being squeezed to death.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(3) K-3 See More Readers series. Translated by Elizabeth Bell. These brief, easy-to-read, and informative Spanish-language texts don't talk down to their audience of newly emergent readers. They will likely encourage independent learning about popular subjects. Crisp, eye-catching color photographs support the texts. Review covers these See More Readers titles: Aeronaves asombrosas, Ballenas asesinas, Pirámides y momias, and Tiburones fabulosos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) K-3 See More Readers series. Translated by Elizabeth Bell. These brief, easy-to-read, and informative Spanish-language texts don't talk down to their audience of newly emergent readers. They will likely encourage independent learning about popular subjects. Crisp, eye-catching color photographs support the texts. Review covers these See More Readers titles: Aeronaves asombrosas, Ballenas asesinas, Pirámides y momias, and Tiburones fabulosos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(3) K-3 See More Readers series. Translated by Elizabeth Bell. These brief, easy-to-read, and informative Spanish-language texts don't talk down to their audience of newly emergent readers. They will likely encourage independent learning about popular subjects. Crisp, eye-catching color photographs support the texts. Review covers these See More Readers titles: Aeronaves asombrosas, Ballenas asesinas, Pirámides y momias, and Tiburones fabulosos.

Reviewer: Tim Wadham

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. Simon introduces examples of early skyscrapers before focusing on present-day construction and modern buildings. Many, but not all, difficult terms are defined within the text, which is accompanied by uncaptioned photographs in an accessible design. The construction process is painted in broad strokes.

Reviewer: Angela Leeper

(3) K-3 See More Readers series. In this introduction to large bugs (and a spider and scorpion), controlled vocabulary and large print make the text accessible to newly independent readers. An effective design and vivid close-up photographs of a water bug, goliath beetle, bulldog ant, and other huge insects enhance the straightforward presentation.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(3) K-3 See More Readers series. An interesting, well-researched text is supported by appealing color photos. The book focuses mainly on Egypt but also mentions the pyramids of the Aztecs and Mayans. Readers new to the subject will be fascinated by the mummification process and the basics of pyramid construction. Difficult words and names are explained in context, and pronunciation is given.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. This book provides basic information about the history of space travel, the vehicles and equipment astronauts use, and the work of satellites. The clear photographs lack captions, which often makes it difficult to interpret the pictures, and independent readers may be left with some unanswered questions, but, overall, this is an adequate introduction to astronautics.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) K-3 See More Readers series. "This giant dump truck is as tall and as wide as a two-story house." A brief, easy-to-read, and informative text extends the clear color photographs. Except for a smaller trim size, the effective page design is similar to that in Simon's picture books. Geared toward newly emergent readers, this book is a good stepping stone to other books on this favorite topic. The paperback edition includes removable fact cards.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. Enticing color photographs illustrate this brief, easy-to-read text about fourteen baby animals, including horses, cows, whales, eagles, and garter snakes. Geared toward newly emergent readers, this book is a good starting point but doesn't offer much substance. The paperback edition includes removable fact cards with more information on four of the animals.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. Dramatic color photographs will draw independent readers to this book, but minimal supporting information is frustrating and at times misleading. For example, the text states: "Lassen Peak in California and Mount Pelée in Martinique are lava dome volcanoes." But it doesn't indicate where in the world the less familiar Martinique is. Overall, this is an adequate introduction. The paperback edition includes removable fact cards.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. Clear color photos illustrate this history of flying machines. While well designed, this book doesn't adequately explain certain historical events (the Hindenburg disaster, Germany's cancellation of an invasion of England during WWII), which may confuse some newly independent readers. Overall, however, this is a satisfactory nonfiction offering. The paperback edition includes removable fact cards.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 See More Readers series. "In just one minute, pumper [truck]s can shoot out 1,250 gallons of water. That's enough to fill 50 bathtubs." Simon extends dramatic color photos with a brief, descriptive text that provides beginning readers with basic (though slight) information about firefighting equipment and hazards. The paperback edition includes removable fact cards.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow