(3) K-3 World Around Us series. Illustrated by Jane Heinrichs. Meant to foster discussion about upsetting news events, this book poses questions--such as "What causes a tragedy or disaster?"--and answers them in a child-appropriate manner. Purposeful but effective, the text defines tragedy and disaster and discusses those of natural, human, and technological causes; near book's end, Roberts briefly pontificates about finding meaning in tragedies. Serviceable illustrations and stock photographs appear throughout. Reading list.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) K-3 World Around Us series. Illustrated by Jane Heinrichs. Meant to introduce young readers to the topic of poverty, this book poses questions--such as "Why do people have to sleep on the street?"--and answers them in a straightforward manner. Homelessness and restricted access to education and healthcare are all discussed as types of poverty. Serviceable illustrations and stock photographs (with examples primarily of urban poverty) illustrate the purposeful, accessible text. Websites.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) PS World Around Us series. This series uses a question-and-answer approach to provide information for pre-readers. Questions a young child might ask (e.g., "How deep is an ocean?") guide each text. Most of the answers are too brief and simple to satisfy a curious preschooler, but the books do offer a good starting point for shared reading. Colorful photos provide added interest. Glos., ind. Review covers these World Around Us titles: What Is a Forest?, What Is a River?, What Is an Ocean?, and What Is the Sky?.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) PS World Around Us series. This series uses a question-and-answer approach to provide information for pre-readers. Questions a young child might ask (e.g., "How deep is an ocean?") guide each text. Most of the answers are too brief and simple to satisfy a curious preschooler, but the books do offer a good starting point for shared reading. Colorful photos provide added interest. Glos., ind. Review covers these World Around Us titles: What Is a Forest?, What Is a River?, What Is an Ocean?, and What Is the Sky?.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) PS World Around Us series. This series uses a question-and-answer approach to provide information for pre-readers. Questions a young child might ask (e.g., "How deep is an ocean?") guide each text. Most of the answers are too brief and simple to satisfy a curious preschooler, but the books do offer a good starting point for shared reading. Colorful photos provide added interest. Glos., ind. Review covers these World Around Us titles: What Is a Forest?, What Is a River?, What Is an Ocean?, and What Is the Sky?.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) PS World Around Us series. This series uses a question-and-answer approach to provide information for pre-readers. Questions a young child might ask (e.g., "How deep is an ocean?") guide each text. Most of the answers are too brief and simple to satisfy a curious preschooler, but the books do offer a good starting point for shared reading. Colorful photos provide added interest. Glos., ind. Review covers these World Around Us titles: What Is a Forest?, What Is a River?, What Is an Ocean?, and What Is the Sky?.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver