(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Katie Scott. Grouping animals according to where they appear on the evolutionary tree of animal life, this compendium describes the common characteristics of each group such as frogs, penguins, or marsupials. The science-based text draws connections for readers on how species evolved, and the eye-catching digitally colored pen-and-ink illustrations, set against an ecru background, lend the beautifully designed oversize book an Audubon-esque, field-journal feel. Websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lotta Nieminen. Mediocre rhymes accompany bustling illustrations of sights and people with additional details under unfortunately hard-to-lift flaps. Kids may have difficulty interpreting the place- and culture-specific spreads, many of which jumble together famous landmarks (e.g., Pisa's Leaning Tower, a Venetian gondolier, and an erupting volcano are side by side). Nevertheless, ambitious kids (with adult help) will find plenty to pore over.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt