(4) 4-6 Dispelling the myth of the Vikings as exclusively warlike people in horned helmets is the goal of this book, which examines the wide-ranging and long-lasting influence of Viking culture around the world. Maps, photos of artifacts, and drawings of imagined scenes of Viking life enrich the occasionally dry but nonetheless informative text. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(4) K-3 Scholastic Question and Answer series. Illustrated by John Rice. General information about oceans, the fish and mammals that live there, and the coastlines that surround them are presented in an agreeable question-and-answer style. Although this format leads to some unlikely queries ("What is special about midzone fish?") and abbreviated responses, the volume, which contains competent color illustrations, will draw browsers. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Scholastic Question and Answer series. Illustrated by Vincent Di Fate. Appealing color illustrations and an accessible question-and-answer format reveal general information about the history of space exploration, what it's like to live in space (including how it feels to be weightless and how one goes to the bathroom), and the future of space flight. Although the format has its limitations, browsers will enjoy the informative book. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Scholastic Question and Answer series. Illustrated by Roberto Osti. Questions range from the titular one to "Can I collect webs?" and "What is a banana spider's favorite food?" In accessible language and style, information about arachnids fills this volume. The question-and-answer format, however, occasionally generates some contrived questions and limits the explanations. Realistic, detailed artwork illustrates major points of the text. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Scholastic Question and Answer series. Illustrated by Jim Effler. This volume contains introductory information about at least a dozen animals that bite, sting, and are dangerous to touch. It both debunks scare stories and warns about genuine danger. The question-and-answer format causes occasional contrived questions and limits the explanations, but vivid illustrations, sometimes from the animal's perspective, energize the book. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Scholastic Question and Answer series. Illustrated by Higgins Bond. Questions range from the titular ones to "Is hurricane damage getting worse?" and "Can animals forecast earthquakes?" Both books contain solid introductory information about these four natural phenomena in accessible language and style. Because of the question-and-answer format, however, the explanations are brief and not always clear. The numerous illustrations are occasionally static and lurid. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Scholastic Question and Answer series. Illustrated by Higgins Bond. Questions range from the titular ones to "Is hurricane damage getting worse?" and "Can animals forecast earthquakes?" Both books contain solid introductory information about these four natural phenomena in accessible language and style. Because of the question-and-answer format, however, the explanations are brief and not always clear. The numerous illustrations are occasionally static and lurid. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Karen Barnes. Included are such questions as "What gives hair its color?" and "What makes you dizzy after you spin around?" The format dictates that the explanations be brief and therefore not always as clear as they could be. Detailed illustrations accompany the text, which will provide readers with some basic information about human anatomy. Ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Robert Sullivan. Questions range from "What is wind?" and "Do mobile homes attract twisters?" to "Who is called the 'human lightning rod'?" and "What was the most amazing escape from a tornado?" The format dictates that explanations are brief and therefore not always clear. Nevertheless, young readers will find some useful and interesting information. Clear illustrations accompany the text. Ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Vincent Di Fate. These simple questions and answers, accompanied by clear illustrations, cover topics ranging from the composition of stars to the existence of life on other planets. The format dictates that explanations are brief and therefore not always clear, but the book offers a basic tour of objects as grand as galaxies and as small as shooting stars. Ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jim Effler. This book informs readers that, no, insects do not fall in love, but that gall midge flies are mean because larvae feed on their mother's body. These odd anthropomorphisms aside, the text does provide some useful information, though the format dictates that the explanations be brief and therefore sometimes incomplete. Detailed illustrations accompany the text. Ind.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Howard

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto. A year of Jewish holidays, including Shabbat, Sukkot, and Purim, is introduced with stories adapted from the Bible and other sources. Sections entitled "What We Celebrate" and "How We Celebrate" and suggestions for holiday-specific crafts and recipes accompany each well-told story. Watercolor illustrations highlight and complement the text. Ind.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman