(4) K-3 Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures series. A clean design and clear texts make these books solid, basic nonfiction choices. The appealing photographs feature a diverse group of people working or enjoying the products. The occasionally awkward writing ("In the kitchen, gardeners become bakers") doesn't fully diminish the interesting overall concept of explaining how food and spices are made. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures titles: From Goat to Cheese, From Pumpkin to Pie, From Sea to Salt, From Strawberry to Jam, and From Sugar Beet to Sugar.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures series. A clean design and clear texts make these books solid, basic nonfiction choices. The appealing photographs feature a diverse group of people working or enjoying the products. The occasionally awkward writing ("In the kitchen, gardeners become bakers") doesn't fully diminish the interesting overall concept of explaining how food and spices are made. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures titles: From Goat to Cheese, From Pumpkin to Pie, From Sea to Salt, From Strawberry to Jam, and From Sugar Beet to Sugar.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures series. Appealing photographs, clean design, and clear text make this volume a solid but basic nonfiction choice. Occasionally awkward writing doesn't fully diminish the overall concept of explaining how tulips bloom from bulbs. The final photo (a little girl with glasses and a puppy) feels posed, but this book will appeal to beginning readers and future gardeners alike. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures series. A clean design and clear texts make these books solid, basic nonfiction choices. The appealing photographs feature a diverse group of people working or enjoying the products. The occasionally awkward writing ("In the kitchen, gardeners become bakers") doesn't fully diminish the interesting overall concept of explaining how food and spices are made. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures titles: From Goat to Cheese, From Pumpkin to Pie, From Sea to Salt, From Strawberry to Jam, and From Sugar Beet to Sugar.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures series. A clean design and clear texts make these books solid, basic nonfiction choices. The appealing photographs feature a diverse group of people working or enjoying the products. The occasionally awkward writing ("In the kitchen, gardeners become bakers") doesn't fully diminish the interesting overall concept of explaining how food and spices are made. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures titles: From Goat to Cheese, From Pumpkin to Pie, From Sea to Salt, From Strawberry to Jam, and From Sugar Beet to Sugar.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures series. A clean design and clear texts make these books solid, basic nonfiction choices. The appealing photographs feature a diverse group of people working or enjoying the products. The occasionally awkward writing ("In the kitchen, gardeners become bakers") doesn't fully diminish the interesting overall concept of explaining how food and spices are made. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Start to Finish, Second Series: Nature's Treasures titles: From Goat to Cheese, From Pumpkin to Pie, From Sea to Salt, From Strawberry to Jam, and From Sugar Beet to Sugar.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Science Library: Earth's Treasures series. This series tracks the history, natural origins, and modern uses of valuable elements and minerals. In addition to their cultural and geological backgrounds, Petersen discusses where they can be found today; sidebars suggest ways for readers to find or interact with them. Maps, diagrams, rather dull photos, and garish gem-stone borders don't add much to the clear and informative texts. Glos., ind. Review covers these Earth's Treasures titles: Diamonds, Gold, Jade, and Pearls.

Reviewer: Hannah Rodgers Barnaby

(3) K-3 America's Hidden Animal Treasures series. Beginning with a brief account of a human encounter with each animal, these books feature double-page spreads offering accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the texts, which are clear about known facts and also unknowns, such as jaguarundis' presence in the U.S. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these America's Hidden Animal Treasures titles: Cougar, Collared Peccary, White-Nosed Coati, Ringtail, and Jaguarundi.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 America's Hidden Animal Treasures series. Beginning with a brief account of a human encounter with each animal, these books feature double-page spreads offering accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the texts, which are clear about known facts and also unknowns, such as jaguarundis' presence in the U.S. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these America's Hidden Animal Treasures titles: Cougar, Collared Peccary, White-Nosed Coati, Ringtail, and Jaguarundi.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 America's Hidden Animal Treasures series. Beginning with a brief account of a human encounter with each animal, these books feature double-page spreads offering accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the texts, which are clear about known facts and also unknowns, such as jaguarundis' presence in the U.S. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these America's Hidden Animal Treasures titles: Cougar, Collared Peccary, White-Nosed Coati, Ringtail, and Jaguarundi.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 America's Hidden Animal Treasures series. Beginning with a brief account of a human encounter with each animal, these books feature double-page spreads offering accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the texts, which are clear about known facts and also unknowns, such as jaguarundis' presence in the U.S. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these America's Hidden Animal Treasures titles: Cougar, Collared Peccary, White-Nosed Coati, Ringtail, and Jaguarundi.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 America's Hidden Animal Treasures series. Beginning with a brief account of a biologist studying spoonbills, this book features double-page spreads that offer accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the text, which is clear about facts and also about motivation for studying these unusual birds. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 America's Hidden Animal Treasures series. Beginning with a brief account of a human encounter with each animal, these books feature double-page spreads offering accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the texts, which are clear about known facts and also unknowns, such as jaguarundis' presence in the U.S. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these America's Hidden Animal Treasures titles: Cougar, Collared Peccary, White-Nosed Coati, Ringtail, and Jaguarundi.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This book touches on the major pyramids of Egypt. Topics include the landmarks' physical structures, time periods and locales, and a "How They Did It" section. The last spread emphasizes protection and preservation. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This book gives a broad overview of the periods of construction of China's Great Wall. Invaders who threatened the country and the roles various rulers played in fortifying their realm are also touched on. The last few spreads emphasize protection and preservation. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This book provides basic information about the world's largest reef, located off the east coast of Australia. Topics include its formation, marine life dependent upon it, and how environmental changes are affecting the delicate ecosystem. Measures to protect the reef are also discussed. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Checkerboard Geography Library: Troubled Treasures--World Heritage Sites series. This volume presents an overview of the unique islands, including history (Darwin's explorations are touched on), geography, topography, and wildlife. Preservation efforts, especially with the increase in tourism, are also discussed. Photographs and a map, in addition to a useful pronunciation guide, help support the rather sparse information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg