(3) K-3 Smart about History series. As in the other titles in this excellent series, this book is ostensibly a child's school assignment, in this case focusing on the first ladies. Each woman speaks for herself in a short profile illustrated with improbably dignified cartoony art and brimming with kid-pleasing tidbits--e.g., who knew that Lucy Webb Hayes hosted the first White House Easter Egg Roll?

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Smart about History series. Students in a fictional class gather information on the states, Washington, D.C., the U.S. flag, and western expansion. Each state page includes name, nickname, capital, and an outline of the state with childlike drawings of major products and tourist or historic attractions. A few sentences add facts or highlight a famous resident. A gallery of U.S. presidents ends the "class report." Entertaining but not substantive. Bib.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) K-3 Smart about History series. This kid-friendly book, presented as an elementary-age student's school report, begins with a history of human attempts at flight before focusing on the basic facts about the Wright brothers' lives and work. The book ends with a brief look at "how flying changed the world." An informal, light tone; childlike drawings; captioned photos; and word balloons enhance the appeal of this offering.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Smart about History series. Illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. Presented as a student's school report, this introduction to the Pilgrims is enlivened with childlike drawings, color photos, and purportedly handwritten captions and comments. Sections include: "My Favorite Pilgrims," "Not-So-Scary Indians," and "Pilgrim Manners." Lots of interesting facts and a light tone make this fun to read.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(3) K-3 Smart about History series. Illustrated by Tracy Mitchell. This overview of the Negro baseball leagues provides historical background, introduces major players such as Rube Foster and Satchel Paige, and touches on the integration of the major leagues in the 1940s. The presentation--a fictional school assignment by a student, complete with childlike drawings mixed in with photos--is a bit contrived, but the information is sound and the lively tone has kid appeal.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 Smart about History series. General information about Egyptian mummification and specifics about the 1996 discovery of the Valley of the Golden Mummies are presented informally with photos and cartoons with punny dialogue balloons. The book's gimmick (the text is supposedly a young boy's school report) and light tone, combined with this perennially popular subject, will appeal to readers. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges