(2) PS Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. This boisterous adventure is about discovery and friendships forged when least expected--all in the form of a wild log-ride. A river "didn’t know it was a river" until...Bear shows up. Bear doesn't know he's on an adventure until...a frog leaps onto his head. And so it goes until...the animals plummet over a waterfall in an exhilarating vertical spread. Pham's illustrations have a 1980s-cartoon feel yet remain fresh.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2019

(2) K-3 In 1859, Jean François Gravelet--the Great Blondin--was the world's greatest tightrope walker; Niagara Falls called to him. Tavares's straightforward telling details all the drama of Blondin's multiple crossings, which drew huge crowds...at first, then the spectacle lost its appeal. Tavares's arresting illustrations movingly depict the Falls. An author's note rounds out this sure-footed offering. Bib.

Reviewer: Sam Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2016

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jamie Hogan. One night in 1871, the beauty and sounds of Yosemite Falls lured a young John Muir to hike alongside them. A strong breeze suddenly allowed Muir to scoot behind the waterfall, but then the shifting falls almost swept him away. Factual sidebars and back matter about the naturalist's life extend the story; skillful pastel-pencil illustrations impart a sense of the vast setting.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(2) K-3 At the turn of the twentieth century, Annie Edson Taylor, widowed and elderly, decides she'll go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, a feat never before attempted. Though the stunt seems miraculous, Van Allsburg's matter-of-fact narrative emphasizes her advance technical planning. Sepia-toned illustrations depict Annie as prim and proper but also convey her grit and determination. An author's note is appended. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2011

(4) YA Extreme Earth series. In-depth descriptions of famous landforms frame sophisticated discussions of geologic history, processes, and theories. The case study format is detailed and informative, but the complex terminology and concepts may be difficult for all but the most advanced students to comprehend, particularly in Canyons. Each book's black-and-white illustrations don't do justice to the magnificent landforms but are supplemented by one eight-page color insert. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Extreme Earth titles: Waterfalls, Canyons, Caves, and Lakes.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Natural events and formations are presented in simple prose. The books vary in scientific content--Earthquakes provides explanations for crustal movements, but the others stay mainly with descriptions or definitions. Striking full-page color photographs are accompanied by helpful captions. The disaster books include basic safety information. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Rookie Read-About Science series. Illustrated with clear photos, Wind offers a mostly informative discussion of a familiar topic. Because of the simple format, however, some concepts are given short shrift. Waterfall also makes good use of the photographic format, although the loosely focused discussion is more of a quick tour of waterfalls around the world than anything else. A photo glossary reviews new terms introduced in both books. Ind.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin